BOSTON – There is an effort on Beacon Hill to repeal a new state law.
Two Republican lawmakers have filed legislation to repeal the law requiring motorists to turn their headlights on while using their windshield wipers.
State Representative James Lyons Jr. (R-Andover) and Representative Shaunna O’Connell (R-Taunton) call the law overreaching.
Others disagree, including the American Automobile Association (AAA). The organization was a proponent of the bill and lobbied for its enactment.
“I think it will make drivers safer.” said AAA Massachusetts Spokeswoman Mary Maguire. “There are studies that have indicated that increased headlight use reduces crashes, and that’s certainly why we supported it.”
Drivers who don’t use their highlights while their wipers are on are subject to a $5 fine but are also hit with higher insurance premiums. Lawmakers could choose to re-evaluate that portion of the bill instead of a complete repeal.
“I know that a number of legislators have talked about introducing an amendment that would remove the surcharge from the new law, and certainly I think that makes sense, so we would not oppose that,” Maguire said.
