Weird highway sign - "Headlight Use Required"?

Question

While traveling home from Ocean City, MD we were on a stretch of highway - and I honestly forget if it was in DE or MD - where there were signs stating "Headlight Use Required." You can see photo I took at http://www.hail2pitt.org/blogs/index.php?blog=1&title=headlight_use_required

What's the background, enforceability and do my DRL's count as "headlights?"

Answer 1

Many states now require headlights to be turned on when the windshield wipers are turned on.

MD law also requires headlights to be turned on when traveling on 2 lane roads with 55 MPH speed limit (like MD 90, MD 404, MD 17, MD 140 and others).

Answer 2

I was going to answer this question until I saw that "beat Penn State" stuff. I went completely berserk until I grabbed by Joe Paterno security blanket. I'm sorry, you have right to root for whatever loser team you want. Wait, that wasn't nice. You should enjoy supporting any team you like. That's better. Anyway, those signs are used in areas with a high accident rate. Headlight use has been proven to reduce the accident rate. That's why they have daytime running lights now. The sign is enforceable, but you won't get a ticket if you have DRLs.

Answer 3

When headlights are required it's because there historically have been a lot of head-on collisions or passing-to-head-on collisions. Having your headlights turned on during the day supposedly increase the visibility of oncoming cars in the opposing lane, and thus makes judgment calls about how far aways cars are when deciding to pass someone on a dashed yellow line easier. Quite a few highways in Nevada and California require headlights to be on during daytime driving. You'll probably notice those signs usually span long straight stretches of highway with only two lanes (one lane each way) and no divider other than a dashed yellow line, or on long stretches of highway with rolling hills up and down.

Answer 4

It is highly possible that this highway has several hidden intersections or driveways that have a high accident frequency because motorists can't see oncoming traffic. The headlights make a car much more easily noticed and are cheap insurance against an accident in those area. In daytime I often use my high beams in such places because they are even better and it is always the low beam to burn out first. The high beam won't blind anyone in the daytime.

The DRL's may be sufficient but the high beams are best, trust me.

Answer 5

It is enforceable as that is a regulatory sign. All signs that are black/white/red combo are regulatory, which means they tell you the law.

Not sure of the reason, but it is probably for a limited visibility area.

DRLs do not count as headlights, so turn them on!

And on your web page you state that most states require headlights on when windshield wipers are operating... Where did you get this info? Here in AZ they don't, and I had never heard of this law before, so I would like to learn more about it.

Answer 6

Your DRLs will count. It just makes cars much more visible, so there are probably visibility problems in that area. I've seen them too. It's enforceable, but I don't know what the exact penalty is, or if they'd just let you off with a warning.

Answer 7

DRL don't count. You MUST use full headlights. DRL operate at a lower voltage from head lights, and the tail light don't work.

Answer 8

Your running lights are sufficient.
On high traffic, narrow, 2 way highways, the use of headlights is sometimes required.
The logic behind this is that it gives better visability for other drivers to see you.

One of MY favorite road signs are

"Seatbelts To Be Worn Next Million Miles"

Answer 9

It means your are in the foggy area where visibility is almost nil on some occasions, thereby you are required to have your headlights on.

Some new cars have automatic headlight on/off devices as the situation requires.

Answer 10

your driving lights don't count as headlights because your driving lights don't light the marker lights on the sides,or all of your running lights they are a saftey feature for people who forget to turn their lights on it's better than not to have lights on at all... if you drive with the driving lights for to long you will get the sensor to hot and it will blow your headlight or both of them usually your right side lokking at the engine.. My wife doesn't use the headlights and every now and then i'am changing bulbs they burn out faster what it boils down to!!It's post to remind you to put your driving lights on! i hope this answered you question be safe!!