New Ohio law requires drivers to turn on lights whenever they use windshield wipers
New Ohio law requires drivers to turn on lights whenever they use windshield wipers
If you flick your windshield wipers on, be sure you have some type of lights illuminating the front of your vehicle, too.
It's now the law.
A new Ohio law requires motorists to turn on their headlights whenever the weather is bad enough to use their windshield wipers.
Daytime lights that automatically turn on when the vehicle is running will fulfill that requirement. And warnings will be given for violators over the next six months before citations are written.
Lt. Shawn Davis, spokesman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said the law previously said headlights should be activated during "unfavorable atmospheric conditions." That can be a bit judgmental -- by the motorist and officer.
"This provision now makes it clearer when to have your lights on -- when windshield wipers are activated," Davis said. "The goal of the original bill was to increase overall traffic safety. Headlights draw more attention to cars, whether at an intersection or on oncoming cars. Any time you draw additional attention to a vehicle in inclement weather, whether rain or snow, it increases safety for everyone."
The offense is a secondary violation -- similar to the seatbelt law. Officers may only cite a motorist for not having lights on with wipers when stopped for another violation, such as speeding, weaving in a lane or driving through a traffic light.
It is a minor misdemeanor, with violators paying up to a $150 fine. Motorists will not receive points on their licenses if cited.
North Royalton Patrolman Mark Fyock was mildly surprised the law has already taken effect. He said Ohio has been "lacking" in this requirement since many southern states that experience torrential storms have had it in place for several years.
"I can see the benefit. It helps other drivers see and spot your vehicle in such bad weather," he said.
Fyock said the department's command staff will likely decide on a route to best handle the new requirement and educate motorists. He said the new law likely will be highlighted on the city's Web site so residents will become familiar with it prior to officers citing motorists after the six-month warning time frame.
It's now the law.
A new Ohio law requires motorists to turn on their headlights whenever the weather is bad enough to use their windshield wipers.
Daytime lights that automatically turn on when the vehicle is running will fulfill that requirement. And warnings will be given for violators over the next six months before citations are written.
Lt. Shawn Davis, spokesman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said the law previously said headlights should be activated during "unfavorable atmospheric conditions." That can be a bit judgmental -- by the motorist and officer.
"This provision now makes it clearer when to have your lights on -- when windshield wipers are activated," Davis said. "The goal of the original bill was to increase overall traffic safety. Headlights draw more attention to cars, whether at an intersection or on oncoming cars. Any time you draw additional attention to a vehicle in inclement weather, whether rain or snow, it increases safety for everyone."
The offense is a secondary violation -- similar to the seatbelt law. Officers may only cite a motorist for not having lights on with wipers when stopped for another violation, such as speeding, weaving in a lane or driving through a traffic light.
It is a minor misdemeanor, with violators paying up to a $150 fine. Motorists will not receive points on their licenses if cited.
North Royalton Patrolman Mark Fyock was mildly surprised the law has already taken effect. He said Ohio has been "lacking" in this requirement since many southern states that experience torrential storms have had it in place for several years.
"I can see the benefit. It helps other drivers see and spot your vehicle in such bad weather," he said.
Fyock said the department's command staff will likely decide on a route to best handle the new requirement and educate motorists. He said the new law likely will be highlighted on the city's Web site so residents will become familiar with it prior to officers citing motorists after the six-month warning time frame.
"Ohio Bombers" Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 812
Likes: 37
From: Painesville, Ohio
I as a tow truck driver LIKE that law ALLOT! It helps see in very inclement weather when others might not feel they need lights on!
Our tow trucks AUTO turn on lights when you flick on the wipers... Then auto off with shutdown of truck. I use it to turn them on period then i don't have to worry about shutting them off. LOL!
Our tow trucks AUTO turn on lights when you flick on the wipers... Then auto off with shutdown of truck. I use it to turn them on period then i don't have to worry about shutting them off. LOL!
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 23
From: New Knoxville Ohio
Well maybe Governor Strickland will get more money in the State's budget this way...
.... Cant say I always had my headlights on, but I do usually have my running lights and fog lights on in bad daytime weather conditions.
.... Cant say I always had my headlights on, but I do usually have my running lights and fog lights on in bad daytime weather conditions.
