Laws on Headlights With Wipers

Many states legally require drivers to use their headlights during inclement weather, such as rain or fog, or whenever weather requires drivers to use their windshield wipers. These laws are commonly called "wipers on, lights on" laws.

Features

As of April 2010, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have wipers on, lights on laws.

Function

Rain, fog and snow make it difficult to see the road and other cars. Turning on your headlights during inclement weather helps you see better and helps other cars see you.

Safety

Reduce your speed in wet or icy conditions since it takes your car much longer to stop on wet roads. Get in the habit of driving slower than the speed limit in bad weather. Check your headlights and wiper fluid regularly and have your headlights inspected annually.

References

• Lighting Research Center: Public Perceptions in the United States about Automotive Headlamps: 2004-2009
• University of Oklahoma: Night Driving

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish