REQUIRED VEHICLE HEADLIGHT USE

House Bill 4011

Sponsor: Rep. Ron Jelinek

Committee: Transportation

Complete to 2-7-01

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4011 AS INTRODUCED 1-25-01

House Bill 4011 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that vehicles display headlights at all of the following times:

-from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunset;

-when there is not sufficient light to clearly discern people and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead; and,

-when weather conditions require the operation of windshield wipers.

Currently, the law requires use of headlights during the first and second of these occasions, but not during the third.

House Bill 4011 specifies that state and local enforcement of this section of law could be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle had been detained for a suspected violation of another section of the act. Further, the bill would require the secretary of state to notify the public of the requirements of this section by appropriate means, including but not limited to television and newspaper advertising.

MCL 257.684

Analyst: J. Hunault

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.