Mass. Law Implemented in 2015 Virtually Unknown to Residents

As many of our customers are aware, we are thorough when we put you into a rental car.  We go over controls, and show you where everything is.  We also offer you of a few important tips, including a Massachusetts law that seems little known.

In April of 2015, Massachusetts joined the ranks of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont in requiring drivers to use full headlights in inclement weather.   The measure unifies the entire North East with this safety precaution.

For many drivers, this is a revelation.  We have had many customers tell us they were unaware of the new law, despite media coverage in 2015 before it went into effect.  For other drivers, it is an inconvenience.  With the ‘Automatic’ headlights feature, many drivers find they are completely unaware of when their lights are on.  The feature includes sensors that allow headlights to turn on based on ambient light. It is often not fully understood, including any requirements that the ‘Automatic’ feature would not cover.

Many late-model vehicles now have indicators for when lights are on, which may also be misleading.  For example, in the Hyundai vehicles, the green ‘Lights On’ indicator illuminates even when the running lights are on, meaning your headlights could be turned off.  In daylight, it is more likely to go unnoticed, causing more potential for non-compliance.  Some models may include a ‘Rain’ option in settings that is disabled by default.  It is always important to familiarize yourself vehicle’s options.  Take some time today to find out how you can be in compliance.

We all want the safest driving experience, and to help prevent accidents, and keep our customers from paying fines when possible.  Help spread the word so your friends are also aware!