New Headlight Law Takes Effect

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a bill that requires drivers to turn their headlights on when weather conditions limit visibility into law on Monday, February 29, 2016.
The language, added by statute, defines the type of weather conditions: 340.01 (43d) “Period of limited visibility” means any time that weather conditions limit visibility such that objects on a highway are not clearly discernible at 500 feet from the front of a vehicle.
The Wisconsin State Patrol said that limited visibility means that you can’t see something 500 feet away, which is a little less than two high school football fields. The State Patrol has always recommended using headlights in poor conditions to keep everyone on the road safe.
“It’s important to be visible, not only visible for you to illuminate something in front of you to see so you don’t strike it, but also for oncoming traffic to see you,” Sgt. Bill Berger said. “And it’s especially important in heavy rain, snow and dense fog.”
For the next six months, officers will only issue warnings, but after that, a ticket could cost you $160.