H.B. 35

1

REQUIRED HEADLIGHT USE ON VEHICLES
2 2007 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: John Dougall
5 Senate Sponsor: ____________
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code to require the use of headlights when
10 operating windshield wipers.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . requires the operator of a motor vehicle to illuminate the vehicle's headlights when
14 operating windshield wipers; and
15 . makes technical changes.
16 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
17 None
18 Other Special Clauses:
19 None
20 Utah Code Sections Affected:
21 AMENDS:
22 41-6a-1603, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
23
24 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 Section 1. Section 41-6a-1603 is amended to read:
26 41-6a-1603. Lights and illuminating devices -- Duty to display -- Time.
27 (1) (a) The operator of a vehicle shall turn on the lamps or lights of the vehicle on a

28 highway [at any time]:
29 (i) from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise [and at any other time];
30 (ii) when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and
31 vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead[.]; and
32 (iii) when operating windshield wipers due to rain, snow, fog, or other atmospheric
33 moisture.
34 (b) The lights, lighted lamps, and other lamps and illuminating devices under
35 Subsection (1)(a) shall be lighted as respectively required for different classes of vehicles,
36 subject to the exceptions for parked vehicles under Section 41-6a-1607 .
37 (2) Whenever a requirement is made as to distance from which certain lamps and
38 devices shall render objects visible or within which the lamps or devices shall be visible, the
39 provisions apply during the times specified under [Subsection (1)(a)] Subsections (1)(a)(i) and
40 (ii) for a vehicle without load on a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric
41 conditions, unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
42 (3) Whenever a requirement is made as to the mounted height of lamps or devices it
43 shall mean from the center of the lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle
44 stands when the vehicle is without a load.




Legislative Review Note
as of 11-15-06 3:25 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel

Interim Committee Note
as of 12-15-06 9:21 AM

The Transportation Interim Committee recommended this bill.