New headlight law in effect

When it rains or snows, California motorists must now turn on their headlights or pay up to a $96 fine.

As of July 1, all motorists are required to turn on their headlights during darkness and inclement weather conditions. Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two lighted headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles described “inclement weather conditions” as a condition that prevents a driver of a motor vehicle from clearly seeing a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet, or as a condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow and fog.

Authorities say if the windshield wipers are on, then headlights must be on.

Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) wrote the new headlight law.

For more information about the bill, visit the California DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov and look up Assembly Bill 1854 and also Vehicle Code No. 24400.

—Michael Picarella