SRC-AMY, TJG S.B. 204 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 204
78R2157 JRJ-DBy: Wentworth
Infrastructure Development and Security
2/14/2003
As Filed


DIGEST 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

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION 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. 

Section 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.