

| Legislative Watch |
Texas |
6/2/03-A bill that would require Texas drivers
to turn on their headlights when their windshield wipers are in use failed
to pass before the Legislature adjourned June 2.
SB204 never made it to the House floor for a vote after gaining
passage in the Senate in March.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, would
have made it a general misdemeanor to drive in rain, sleet or snow with the
wipers on but headlights off. Violations could have resulted in a fine of
up to $200.
5/7/03-The House transportation committee is
reviewing legislation that would require drivers to turn on their headlights
when their windshield wipers are in use.
SB204 would make it a general misdemeanor to drive in rain, sleet
or snow with the wipers on but headlights off. Violations could result in
a fine of up to $200.
The bill passed the Senate on March 27. If approved by the full
House, it would head to the governor.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.
3/28/03-The Texas Senate
passed a bill March 27 that would require drivers to turn on their headlights
when their windshield wipers are in use. The bill now heads to the House
for consideration.
SB204 would make it a general misdemeanor to drive in rain, sleet or
snow with the wipers on but headlights off. Violations could result
in a fine of up to $200.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.
3/11/03-A practice
that most professional drivers and other motorists have followed for
years during bad weather could become law in Texas if a bill under consideration
in the state Legislature is approved.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, has filed legislation to require
drivers to turn on their headlights and windshield wipers when driving
in inclement weather.
Under SB204, "when, because of moisture, rain, snow or other obstructions
caused by unfavorable atmospheric conditions," the driver is required
to make "use of the vehicle's windshield wipers," Wentworth
wrote.
Vehicles are also required to have "maintained" windshield
wipers.
The bill is in the Senate Committee on Infrastructure Development and
Security. For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.






