HF 139 (LSB 1366YH (1) 85)

HOUSE FILE 139

BY  STECKMAN

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring the use of headlights or daytime running lamps on a motor vehicle during periods of moisture accumulation or windshield wiper use, and making a penalty applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.384, Code 2013, is amended to read as follows:
   321.384  When lighted lamps required.
   1.  Every
 
A motor vehicle upon
 
operated on a highway within the state, at any time from
 
shall display lighted headlamps as provided in section 321.415 during the following times, subject to exceptions under this chapter with respect to parked vehicles:
   a.  From
 
sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when.
   b.  Whenever
 
conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, shall display lighted headlamps as provided in section 321.415, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles as hereinafter stated.
   2.
  a.  A motor vehicle operated on a highway shall display lighted headlamps, as provided in section 321.415, or daytime running lamps whenever there is moisture accumulating on the windshield due to misting, light rain, or other weather conditions or whenever the motor vehicle’s windshield wipers are activated to improve visibility.
   b.  For purposes of this subsection, “daytime running lamps” means a pair of lamps on the front of a motor vehicle which meet the standard for daytime running lamps described in 49 C.F.R. § 571.108.
   2.

3.  Whenever
 
A requirement is hereinafter declared as to
 
in this chapter regarding the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, said provisions shall apply during the times stated in subsection 1 of this section, paragraphs “a” and “b”, upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
    Sec. 2.  Section 321.415, subsection 1, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2013, is amended to read as follows:
   Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder during the times specified in section 321.384,
 
unless the motor vehicle is displaying daytime running lamps as permitted under section 321.384, subsection 2, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
EXPLANATION
   This bill amends Code section 321.384 to require the operator of a motor vehicle to display lighted headlamps or daytime running lamps on the vehicle whenever there is moisture accumulating on the windshield due to misting, light rain, or other weather conditions or whenever the motor vehicle’s windshield wipers are activated to improve visibility. Currently, the use of headlamps is required from sunset to sunrise and at all other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to clearly see 500 feet ahead. 
   The penalty that currently applies to a violation of requirements for headlight use applies to the new requirements under the bill. A violation is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $30.
   The following Code sections contain provisions which are linked to the times when headlamps are required under Code section 321.384 and are therefore affected indirectly by the bill:
   Code section 321.235A, which requires the use of a headlight and a rear reflector on an electric personal assistive mobility device.
   Code section 321.392, which requires the use of certain lighting devices and reflectors on motor trucks.
   Code section 321.394, which requires a red light to be displayed on projecting loads.
   Code section 321.395, which requires lighting on vehicles stopped on an unlighted roadway or shoulder.
   Code sections 321.397, 321.398, and 321.418, which describe lighting requirements for bicycles, animal drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles.
   Code section 321.405, which requires self-illumination of mechanical signal devices.
   Code sections 321.415 and 321.419, which provide specifications for headlamps.