House Bill 980

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS OF VEHICLES SHALL BE OPERATED WHENEVER CONDITIONS NECESSITATE THE USE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS; TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF ONLY THE PARKING LIGHTS OF VEHICLES DURING TIMES WHEN THE USE OF HEADLIGHTS IS REQUIRED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-7-11. Every vehicle operated upon a public road, street or highway within this state * * * shall be equipped with lighted front and rear lamps as respectively required in Section 63-7-13 for different classes of vehicles and subject to exemption with reference to lights on parked vehicles as hereinafter stated in this chapter, and such front and rear lamps shall be operated on every such vehicle during the following times:

(a) The period from sunset to sunrise; and

(b) Whenever precipitation or any other condition necessitates the use of windshield wipers by vehicle operators.

It is unlawful for any vehicle operator to use only the parking lights or auxiliary driving lamps of the vehicle during any time when this section requires the use of the front and rear lamps of the vehicle.

Any person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.