Sweeden Legislation to Require Headlights with Windshield Wipers Clears Committee

The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has approved legislation that would require Oklahoma drivers to turn on their headlights when their vehicle’s windshield wipers are in use. Sen. Joe Sweeden said Senate Bill 1831 is designed to increase visibility and safety on Oklahoma roadways.

“Our goal is to increase overall traffic safety, particularly in inclement weather,” said Sweeden, D-Pawhuska. “It helps other drivers see you in a storm, when drivers can have difficulty seeing other vehicles at any distance. It’s a commonsense law that hopefully can raise awareness and encourage safer driving in bad weather.”

Sweeden noted that the same law is in place in 12 other states, including southern states that frequently experience torrential rain storms.

“Given our state’s unique weather patterns, this law makes sense for us,” Sweeden said. “We want to emphasize safety and ultimately reduce the number of accidents on our roadways. This is sensible policy that can increase safety for everyone.”

Sweeden noted that SB 1831 currently includes no provision for penalties.