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Committee backs law to require headlights when windshield wipers are on; adds DOT outreach
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted amendments to House Bill 2522 to require drivers to use headlights when windshield wipers are in use; the committee removed a fog-specific requirement and added a Department of Transportation public-education outreach provision.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary on May 20 adopted amendments and moved House Bill 2522 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The bill requires the use of headlights when windshield wipers are in operation; an earlier dash‑1 amendment that would have required headlights in fog was removed. The adopted dash‑2 amendment requires the Oregon Department of Transportation to conduct an outreach program to educate drivers and the public about the rule change.
Committee staff told members the fiscal impact of the outreach provision is minimal. Senators who spoke during the work session described the change as reinforcing an existing safety message: ORS 811.526 was cited during committee discussion as an existing safety campaign encouraging headlight use in fog or rain.
Senator Zoneski moved adoption of the dash‑2 amendment; the committee adopted the amendment and later moved the bill, as amended, to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Senator Manning agreed to carry the bill to the floor.
What happened next: The committee closed the work session on HB 2522 and sent the amended bill to the Senate floor.
