Senate Bill 2403

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS OF VEHICLES SHALL BE OPERATED WHENEVER PRECIPITATION OR OTHER CONDITIONS RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY; 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. (1) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state during the period from sunset to sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible any person on the highway at a distance of five hundred (500) feet ahead 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. The front and rear lamps must be operated on every vehicle during the following times:

(a) The period from sunset to sunrise; and

(b) Whenever precipitation necessitates the use of windshield wipers.

(2) (a) 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.

(b) 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, 2011.