5/1/07-The Senate voted 28-20 to kill a bill that would have allowed police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when precipitation is flying. The House previously approved it.
HB1269 would have required lights to be on whenever visibility is limited. The measure defined that as any time "when due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead."
The bill would have made it a secondary offense to drive without lights on during weather - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Violators would have faced up to $25 fines. Offenses wouldn't have counted against driving records or insurance rates.

3/7/07-A bill in the Senate Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters Committee would allow police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when precipitation is flying. The House already approved it.
Sponsored by Rep. Bill Friend, R-Macy, HB1269 would require lights to be on whenever visibility is limited. The measure defines that as any time "when due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead."
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive without lights on during weather - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Violators would face up to $25 fines. Offenses wouldn't count against driving records or insurance rates.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

2/23/07-The House voted 51-42 to approve a measure that would allow police to ticket drivers who fail to flip on their headlights when precipitation is flying. Its next stop is the Senate.
Sponsored by Rep. Bill Friend, R-Macy, HB1269 would require lights to be on whenever visibility is limited. The measure defines that as any time "when due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead."
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive without lights on during weather - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Violators would face up to $25 fines. Offenses wouldn't count against driving records or insurance rates.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate. For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.