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Proposed Oregon Law Would Make Headlights Mandatory When Wipers Are On

Oregon law requires headlights in times of limited visibility.
Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon law requires headlights in times of limited visibility.

Oregon drivers could soon be ticketed if they don't use their headlights when their windshield wipers are on.

A measure that would require that is up for a public hearing at the Oregon capitol Monday afternoon. The proposal aims to clarify current law, which requires headlights in times of limited visibility.

The idea is that if your windshield wipers are on, it's most likely raining and therefore the visibility is reduced. Violators would face up to a $250 fine.

The law does make an exception though. You won't have to have your headlights on if you turn your windshield wipers on for the sole purpose of cleaning your windshield.

Nineteen states have similar laws on the books, according to a legislative analysis.

Copyright 2015 Northwest News Network

Chris Lehman
Chris Lehman graduated from Temple University with a journalism degree in 1997. He landed his first job less than a month later, producing arts stories for Red River Public Radio in Shreveport, Louisiana. Three years later he headed north to DeKalb, Illinois, where he worked as a reporter and announcer for NPR–affiliate WNIJ–FM. In 2006 he headed west to become the Salem Correspondent for the Northwest News Network.