Okay, let’s chat. Just in case there was any confusion, there is a law that states that if you have your windshield wipers on you must also have your headlights on. Just in case you don’t believe me, here you go.
THE LAW
§ 20‑129: Required lighting equipment of vehicles
When Vehicles Must Be Equipped.
(a) Every vehicle within this State shall be equipped with lighted headlamps and rear lamps as required for different classes of vehicles, and subject to exemption with reference to lights on parked vehicles as declared in G.S. 20‑134:…
(4) Lighted headlamps must be used at any other time when windshield wipers are in use as a result of smoke, fog, rain, sleet, or snow, or when inclement weather or environmental factors severely reduce the ability to clearly discern persons and vehicles on the street and highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead, provided, however, the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow. Any person violating this subdivision during the period from October 1, 1990, through December 31, 1991, shall be given a warning of the violation only. Thereafter, any person violating this subdivision shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a fine of five dollars ($5.00) and shall not be assessed court costs. No drivers license points, insurance points or premium surcharge shall be assessed on account of violation of this subdivision and no negligence or liability shall be assessed on or imputed to any party on account of a violation of this subdivision. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall incorporate into driver education programs and driver licensing programs instruction designed to encourage compliance with this subdivision as an important means of reducing accidents by making vehicles more discernible during periods of limited visibility.
Note to Reader: I realize that the fine is only $5.00 but it should be $50.00 or maybe even $500.00!
Yesterday, while the hub and I were running errands it started raining cats and dogs. When I say cats and dogs, I mean Great Mastiffs and Bangle Tigers! I am sure we passed no less than 8 cars that were just creep creep creeping along (we’re talking 20 mph in a 45 mph. Their wipers were swish swishing but their headlights weren’t on. One person didn’t even use their blinker when they turned left in front of three lanes of traffic at an intersection where left turns are illegal. But I digress…
Really this is meant to be a PSA (Public Service Announcement). Just in case you didn’t know, when you are driving with your wipers on, for your safety as well as the safety of others, make sure that your head lights are also illuminated. Thanks and have a great day!
Till next time,
Bon Voyage!
Apr 3, 2009
Wipers On = Headlights On – April 2009
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6 comments:
I never realized that was the law. I bet the fee is so low because what cop is going to pull someone over in horrible weather anyways. We had horrible weather yesterday as well, and I thought it was very polite that most everyone driving down the interstate had not only their headlights on but their flashers as well because the fastest anyone was going was about 50 mph in a 70 mph zone.
I already knew that one, but I don't know why a person would drive with no lights when obviously they can't see and need wipers. Silly folks!
$5 fine? I bet you most people don't know this and end up paying court cost :)
Drive safely :)
so i totally agree with this. It is extremely difficult to see in this kinda weather. I like the Public Service Announcements style. Very nice!
I did not know this, now I do. I'm reading Twilight:) It's fun and easy. Thanks for the list!
my dad taught me this when i was like 12 years old. =) it's been a law for a very long time.
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