We start off with the basic question: Is it ever illegal to use your high-beam headlights?
Indeed, it is.
The Code of Massachusetts Regulations, Chapter 540, Section 22, "Failure to Dim," says you must flick off your high beams when you're within 500 feet of a car approaching in the opposite direction -- a considerable distance.
You're also supposed to kill your high beams whenever "substantial" objects, such as other cars or people, are visible within a distance of 350 feet, or whenever you're in a Massachusetts Turnpike Authority tunnel.
"The operator shall regulate the headlamps so that no dangerous or dazzling light shall" shine, the law says.
The general fine is $35 for a first offense, $75 for a second, and $150 for a third, though the oncoming car rule doesn't apply to cars traveling on divided highways, said Lieutenant Dana Pagley, commander of the State Police traffic program section.
No comments:
Post a Comment