New Massachusetts Law Requires Headlights Be Used in Bad Weather

If you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights as well.

That’s one of the requirements of a little-known state law taking effect in Massachusetts on Tuesday, April 7.

Under the law aimed at making travel safer during inclement weather in daylight hours, motorists must activate their headlights and taillights anytime conditions also dictate the use of windshield wipers.

Lights must also be turned on if fog or low visibility prevents a driver from seeing other vehicles or pedestrians at a distance of 500 feet.

The law was quietly approved by the Legislature in December and signed by former Gov. Deval Patrick before he left office in January.

Violators could be hit with a surcharge on their auto insurance policies as well as a $5 fine.