The bill H.413, introduced by Representative Kimbell of Woodstock, aims to enhance vehicle safety on highways by establishing new requirements for the use of lamps and visibility of taillights. It mandates that operators of vehicles must illuminate all required front, tail, and clearance lamps when windshield wipers are in continuous use due to adverse weather conditions that limit visibility. Additionally, the bill specifies that taillights must be visible from a distance of at least 300 feet behind the vehicle. A civil penalty of $200 is imposed for violations, although points will not be assessed against the driver's record.

Key amendments to current law include the replacement of the phrase "Every vehicle" with "A person operating a vehicle" and the introduction of specific conditions under which lamps must be illuminated, such as during continuous use of windshield wipers and when visibility is compromised by weather conditions. The bill also clarifies that all motor vehicles must be equipped with at least two red taillamps that emit light visible from 300 feet, and prohibits any objects that obstruct this visibility. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-1243(b), 23-1243, 23-1248