House Removes Insurance Penalty From Headlights Rule

The Massachusetts House has voted to soften the impact of a new state law that requires motorists to turn their headlights on whenever they are operating their windshield wipers.

Under a state budget amendment approved unanimously on Monday, the headlights law would remain in effect and violators could still be ticketed with a moving violation. But they would no longer be subject to a potentially costly surcharge on their auto insurance premiums.

The law was quietly approved in the final days of the previous legislative session. It requires drivers to turn on their headlights during daylight hours when it is raining or visibility is poor.

The law has not been widely enforced by police to date.

The change backed by the House must also be approved in the Senate.