Revision: March 27, 2014, midnight
HB 1601 – AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
12Mar2014… 0265h
2014 SESSION
03/05
HOUSE BILL 1601
AN ACT relative to mandatory headlamp use.
SPONSORS: Rep. Manley, Hills 3
This bill modifies when drivers must use headlamps.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
12Mar2014… 0265h
14-2307
03/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fourteen
AN ACT relative to mandatory headlamp use.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Use of Lights. Amend RSA 265:109 to read as follows:
265:109 Period of Lighting. Every vehicle or combination of vehicles, whether stationary or in motion, on any way or bridge, shall have attached to it a light or lights, which shall be so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear, during the period from [1/2 hour after] sunset to [1/2 hour before] sunrise.
2 Headlamps; When Use is Required. Amend RSA 266:31 to read as follows:
266:31 Front Lights. Every motor vehicle driven during the period from [1/2 hour after] sunset to [1/2 hour before] sunrise, and whenever fog or precipitation in the form of rain[,] or snow[, or fog shall interfere with the proper view of the road so that persons and vehicles on the way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1000 feet ahead] is present, shall display at least 2 lighted lamps on the front; provided, however, that one suitable lighted lamp on the front of a motorcycle shall be sufficient. The headlamp shall throw sufficient light ahead within the travelled portion of the way to make clearly visible all vehicles, persons, or substantial objects within a distance of 200 feet, except that the headlamps of motorcycles shall be sufficient if they make clearly visible objects within a distance of 150 feet. No headlamp shall be used unless it is approved by the director and is equipped with a proper lens or other device designed to prevent glaring rays. All headlamps on every motor vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches from the ground on an unladen vehicle. The measurement shall be made from the ground to the center of the lens. No device which obstructs, reflects, or alters the beam of such headlamp shall be used in connection therewith unless approved by the director. Every lens or other device to prevent glaring rays, the use of which on motor vehicles has been approved by the director, shall be arranged, adjusted, and operated in accordance with the requirements of the certificate approving the use thereof. Every lamp, bulb, or light used in any headlamp shall be of such candle power as may be specified for the approved device in the certificate approving the use thereof. Every reflector which is used as a part of such headlamp shall have a reflecting surface approved by the director after satisfactory tests have been made, and every reflecting surface shall be free from dents, rust, and other imperfections. The driver of every motor vehicle shall permit any properly authorized person to inspect the headlighting equipment of such motor vehicle and to make such tests as he or she may deem necessary to determine whether the provisions of this section are being complied with.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2015.