New Headlight Law Starts Today in Massachusetts

Starting today, April 7, Massachusetts drivers will be required to turn on their headlights whenever they turn on their windshield wipers.

And just on cue, the forecast calls for rain today.

The changes to Mass General Law Chapter 85, Section 15, signed into law in January, require that front and rear motor vehicle lights be activated in all of the following conditions:

• When windshield wipers are on
• When low light or weather conditions prevent other vehicles or persons from being seen at 500 feet
• From half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise

Basically, if you need your wipers, you must use your headlights, even on a sunny, but rainy day.

Under the law, a police officer can pull you over for failing to comply.

Relying on daytime running lights for these conditions is not sufficient under the law, stated MassDOT.

The police officer also can issue a ticket for failure to compile with the new Massachusetts headlight law.

The ticket is considered a surchargable traffic violation. These violations can increase car insurance premiums.