Mass. Bill Would Require Headlights In Bad Weather

BOSTON (AP) — Motorists would be required to use their headlights during bad weather under a bill approved by Massachusetts House lawmakers.

The bill, which passed during an informal session of the House on Monday, requires headlights and taillights be used whenever visibility is reduced to a distance of 500 feet due to insufficient light or "unfavorable atmospheric conditions" like rain, snow or fog.

The bill would keep the existing law that drivers use headlights from dusk to dawn. Supporters say the change will improve road safety.

The measure must also be approved by the Massachusetts Senate before reaching Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.

A new Legislature will be sworn in on Jan. 7. Any bills from the current session which have not become law by then will have to be re-filed.

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