House committee hears bill to require headlights when windshield wipers are on or in fog

A public hearing on House Bill 2,522 focused on a proposal to require motor vehicle headlights to be used whenever windshield wipers are operating or when fog reduces visibility.

Representative Paul Evans, the bill sponsor, told the committee he introduced the measure because many drivers — including seniors in his district who drive older vehicles without automatic light systems — may not turn on headlights in rain or fog. Representative Darcy Edwards, who said she backed the proposal, said using headlights in low-visibility conditions is common-sense road safety and noted that other states have similar laws requiring lights when wipers are in use or when visibility drops.

Committee members asked about enforcement. Representative Lewis referenced a prior legislative change that curtailed some lighting-related traffic stops and asked whether officers would be expected to enforce this rule; sponsors and witnesses said the bill’s greatest immediate benefit would be an educational signal to drivers and driving instructors rather than an enforcement tool for widespread traffic stops. Representative Mannix noted the bill contains a second section changing “shall” to “may” in a related provision and asked whether the sponsors intended that change; sponsors said the change reflects modern drafting conventions and is not intended to weaken safety requirements.

The hearing record includes discussion about confusing terms such as dusk and visibility thresholds and the importance of public education to prevent unintended criminal penalties for well-meaning drivers, particularly younger or less tech-literate drivers. No committee votes were taken at the hearing; the committee closed the public hearing after questions.