5/10/06-A bill died that would have allowed police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when weather limits visibility.
A Senate committee failed to advance a bill before the session ended this month that would have allowed police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when weather limits visibility. The bill passed the Assembly early this year.
Sponsored by Rep. John Ainsworth, R-Shawano, AB98 would have required lights to be on whenever visibility is limited. The bill defined that as “any time that climatic conditions limit visibility such that objects on a highway are not clearly discernible at 500 feet from the front of a vehicle.”
Fines would have been up to $20 for the first offense and as much as $50 for the second and subsequent offenses within a year.

1/24/06-The Assembly voted 94-4 Tuesday, Jan. 24, to advance a bill that would allow police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when weather limits visibility.
AB98, sponsored by Rep. John Ainsworth, R-Shawano, would require lights to be on “any time that climatic conditions limit visibility such that objects on a highway are not clearly discernible at 500 feet from the front of a vehicle.”
Fines would be up to $20 for the first offense and as much as $50 for the second and subsequent offenses within a year.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (608) 266-2406. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

Click here to read the 2005 legislative updates for AB98.