By:  Wentworth                                                    S.B. No. 204


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of headlights and windshield wipers when 
driving in unfavorable conditions.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subsection (a), Section 547.302, Transportation 
Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A vehicle shall display each lighted lamp and 
illuminating device required by this chapter to be on the vehicle:
		(1)  at nighttime; [and]                                     
		(2)  when light is insufficient or atmospheric 
conditions are unfavorable so that a person or vehicle on the 
highway is not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet 
ahead; or
		(3)  when, because of moisture, rain, snow, or other 
obstructions caused by unfavorable atmospheric conditions 
resulting in substantially reduced visibility, the operator of the 
vehicle is making use of the vehicle's windshield wipers.
	SECTION 2.  Section 547.603, Transportation Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	Sec. 547.603.  WINDSHIELD WIPERS REQUIRED.  A motor vehicle 
shall be equipped with a device that is operated or controlled by 
the operator of the vehicle and that cleans moisture, rain, snow, or 
other obstructions from the windshield.  The device shall be 
maintained in good working condition.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.