Posted by Eagle Trust Insurance
Important news for Massachusetts drivers – A new law goes into effect on April 7th
regarding the required use of headlights. This is a surchargeable violation, so your insurance can go up if you do not comply! Here’s what you need to know about this new law.
What the New Massachusetts Headlight Law Requires
According to this new Massachusetts driving law, you must have your headlights on when driving conditions require the use of your windshield wipers. So, if you need your wipers (i.e. on a sunny but rainy day), your headlights must be on too. A police officer can pull you over for failing to comply.
Penalties for Failing to Comply
You can receive a ticket for failing to comply with this new Massachusetts headlight law. The ticket amount itself will be nominal. The more significant factor is that it is considered a minor surchargeable traffic violation. Surcharges result in increased insurance premiums at your next renewal. So, failing to obey this new law can cost you significant money in increased insurance rates, which no one is ever happy about. To save you the headache and additional expense, make it a habit to turn on your headlights whenever you turn on your windshield wipers!
The Language of the Law
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
Section 15 of chapter 85 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:— A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground.”
Let’s just be clear this law as do most laws has absolutely nothing to do with safety the only reason for this law is to give the criminals another excuse to nickle and dime more money out of the people you have to be very naive to believe the criminal filth actually care about anyone’s safety
this is a open invite to police state to stop citizens by zealous police departments looking for cash , This will then cause a conduct of more investigation while stopped , Along with revenue reasons this issue 6 + years of insurances increase attach which is a misrepresentation to any safety , This is a zealous move without study and without any damage party This is violation of common law and since the hill said even if the divers are stationary we should all park on the highway and protest this , By the way the contract with DMV issuence of a license , under contract of performance by administrative law / That having a ” license” is contact . without Dis-closer under contact law , and then is void The Constitution allows the right to travel by any means I asked you all to read the laws and cases on right to travel , and turn in your license and drive constitutionally ,
Massvocals patriot ,
My Jetta always has headlights on. Brighter when dark. Plus front and side blinkers! I love my jetta.;-)
there are some cheap bastards out there who turn off the automatic lights in order to make their light bulbs last longer
They should have a Law for tailgating since a good number of drivers out here do that. This way people can get out the door 30 minutes earlier than they usually do and be on time for their work or event. Too many reckless drivers out here in icy or bad conditions and this would be much appreciated.
Automatic
My headlights are always on auomatic. So that sounds like a manufacturers problem…lol
Those are daytime running lights and that only illuminates the front of the vehicle. Drivers aprroaching from the rear of your vehicle may not be able to see you in inclamate weather. Please turn on lights for your safety.
This is really easy, kind of a no brainer. I can’t believe people are actually mad.
So when are they banning all those dumb back up beepers?
Leave headlights on all the time, write off new headlights as a tax exempt.
They can eat a dick my headlight go on when it’s dark out
It’s awesome that we need laws for stupid people to wake up and use common sense and use your brains. I drive all day and barely see these idiots out there that are completely oblivious. Get your heads out of your asses and think.
Another way for mass to make $
March 28th…
APRIL 7TH THIS GOES INTO LAW? Hmmm I was pulled over Saturday March 38th for this….and was gave a “warning” I will be calling the police station in the morning I shouldn’t have received a warning if it’s not yet the law!