S.B. 204 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 204 By: Wentworth Transportation Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law requires the use of automobile headlights at night, or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. There is no requirement to use headlights in inclement weather that could obstruct a driver's field of vision. Texas law also requires that a motor vehicle be equipped with windshield wipers. As proposed, S.B. 204 requires the use of headlights when the operator of a motor vehicle is using the vehicle's windshield wipers and prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle when weather conditions cause obstructions on a window that materially impede the operator's clear view. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.302(a), Transportation Code, to require a vehicle to display each lighted lamp and illuminating device required by this chapter to be on a vehicle when, because of moisture, rain, snow or other obstructions caused by unfavorable atmospheric conditions, the operator of the vehicle is making use of the vehicle's windshield wipers. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 547.603, Transportation Code, to include rain, snow, and other obstructions in a list relating to the use of windshield wipers on motor vehicles. Prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle with moisture, rain, snow, or other obstructions on the window that materially impede the operator's clear view of the highway. Makes a conforming change relating to the addition of a new subsection. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003