By:  Wentworth                                                    S.B. No. 204
	(In the Senate - Filed January 15, 2003; February 3, 2003, 
read first time and referred to Committee on Infrastructure 
Development and Security; February 24, 2003, reported favorably by 
the following vote:  Yeas 8, Nays 0; February 24, 2003, sent to 
printer.)


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, 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)  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.
	(b)  A person may not operate a motor vehicle with moisture, 
rain, snow, or other obstructions on a window that materially 
impede the operator's clear view of the highway.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                           



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