Effective today:
http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/uncategorized/new-motor-vehicle-light-law-starts-april-7/
Now if only they'd get ther heads out of their butts and make texting while driving a surchargable offense as well (not to mention a standard of fault for crashes). Then again, to quote Suzie Derkins - And while I'm dreaming ...
I'd prefer it if the laws were "headlights on when visibility is reduced". "When wipers on" technically includes using the washer fluid to remove dirt or bugs from the windshield (or water splashed on from a puddle), and once in a blue moon, there's a rain storm where it's bright and sunny. Seriously, it's really annoying to have to turn my headlights on when visibility is fine, as my dash dims to near invisibility when the headlights are on.
I took a trip to California back in 2008 and recall driving back in the rain, listening to a CHP spokesman on a local radio station explaining the law to state that if it's raining hard enough to use the windshield wipers, headlight usage is required.
I should hope no cop is bored enough to initiate a traffic stop or write a ticket for removing bugguts or dust with the wipers w/ no headlights when visibility is otherwise fine. Are there cases where this has actually happened?
Here's NJ's definition pertaining to the Wipers On, Lights On law. Unless windshield wiper fluid qualifies as precipitation, it is clear that momentary wiper usage is fine:
39:3-46. As used in this article, unless the context requires another or different construction:
"When lighted lamps are required" means at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise; whenever rain, mist, snow or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture requires the use of windshield wipers by motorists; and during any time when, due to smoke, fog, unfavorable atmospheric conditions or for any other cause there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead.
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2015, 06:46:25 PM
I'd prefer it if the laws were "headlights on when visibility is reduced". "When wipers on" technically includes using the washer fluid to remove dirt or bugs from the windshield (or water splashed on from a puddle), and once in a blue moon, there's a rain storm where it's bright and sunny. Seriously, it's really annoying to have to turn my headlights on when visibility is fine, as my dash dims to near invisibility when the headlights are on.
Realistically, it's not that annoying because most people have their lights on all the time anyway these days, which is not a bad thing. Moreover, I think a cop would be just as annoyed to have to write you a ticket for you cleaning dirt off your windshield as you would be to receive it — in other words, I don't think you have to worry that that will happen.
"Reduced visibility" is a vague standard that probably isn't all that far from whatever vague standard of safe operation exists now. At least with "wipers on" there's something concrete to judge.
Fortunately it rained in Massachusetts today, giving us all an opportunity to wrap our heads around this new complex wrinkle of motorist regulation.
Daytime running lights aren't even close to headlights. They're smaller and don't turn on the rear lights. I'm pretty sure these laws require the ACTUAL headlights be on, not the DRLs.
While a cop likely wouldn't ticket someone for removing dust etc., I still don't want to risk it. And that still leaves the "raining while sunny" scenario.
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2015, 07:58:05 PM
Daytime running lights aren't even close to headlights. They're smaller and don't turn on the rear lights. I'm pretty sure these laws require the ACTUAL headlights be on, not the DRLs.
At least in the case of PA's "headlights in work zones" law: the PA State Police ran radio PSAs when the law was new in which an actual state trooper stated explicitly: "Motorists in vehicles with daytime running lights must turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights."
I never said anything about daytime running lights. Most folks I know flip the lights on whenever driving. It's a good habit, and leaves no need for hand-wringing about sun showers.
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2015, 06:46:25 PM
I'd prefer it if the laws were "headlights on when visibility is reduced". "When wipers on" technically includes using the washer fluid to remove dirt or bugs from the windshield (or water splashed on from a puddle), and once in a blue moon, there's a rain storm where it's bright and sunny. Seriously, it's really annoying to have to turn my headlights on when visibility is fine, as my dash dims to near invisibility when the headlights are on.
I feel like you've mentioned this before- Have you tried adjusting the dimmer switch on your dashboard? If I recall right, you drive a newish Civic- with your headlights on, twist the knob that you'd normally push to reset your trip odometer (there might be a second knob that looks like it, don't really remember).
Y'all are worried about being ticketed for not having lights on when removing bugs/dirt? They are not going to do this.
Heck, around here, barely 50% of drivers turn on their lights when it's raining. This goes to show you that the police are not doing their jobs, and are not enforcing this law.
Not only that, around here, there are a significant number of drivers without lights on, until it gets completely dark, and they are getting away with it. It pisses me off that they get away with doing something that is so dangerous to other drivers, and the police do nothing.
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2015, 06:46:25 PM
I'd prefer it if the laws were "headlights on when visibility is reduced". "When wipers on" technically includes using the washer fluid to remove dirt or bugs from the windshield (or water splashed on from a puddle), and once in a blue moon, there's a rain storm where it's bright and sunny. Seriously, it's really annoying to have to turn my headlights on when visibility is fine, as my dash dims to near invisibility when the headlights are on.
I think that's intended to be covered in the bill text, but it's not very clearly worded.
" Every vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on any public way shall display at least 2 lighted lamps on the front and every motorcycle, whether stationary or in motion, on any public way shall display at least 1 lighted lamp on the front when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including, but not limited to, periods of snow, rain or fog, persons or vehicles on the way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead or it is necessary to use a vehicle's windshield wipers. "
I read that as when due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, it is necessary to use windshield wipers, lights must be on. It could also be read as if there is insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions or if it is necessary to use windshield wipers, lights must be on.
Though, honestly, the way it reads to me is that "vehicles" must have headlights on at all times and motorcycles only need to have their headlights on in the above noted circumstances. Obviously that's not what they intend, though. Unless I'm looking at the wrong bill, it's really sloppily worded. It was the wrong bill:
"A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle's windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground."
is the actual text, which to me clearly says that when wipers are needed due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, lights need to be on. That would exclude using the windshield washer.
I affix a rotating array of a dozen roof-mounted high-intensity xenon lamps to my vehicle, such that a sort of dome of light surrounds me and is visible at all times anywhere within a half-mile radius around and above the vehicle, day or night. Adjacent streetlamps, their sensors fooled into mistaking the scene for daylight, switch off as I pass.
This allows me to engage in my preferred practice of leaving my windshield wipers on at all times.
What's with tailights? I've never heard of any requirements regarding them before this thread.
My high-beam headlights come on, at reduced voltage, whenever I am in gear; I've always assumed that covered me for any "Turn on your headlights" requirement.
Most folks I know keep their DRLs on at night so that I can barely tell there's a car there before I blow by them at a 30 mph speed differential (I'm going 75, they're going 45, the speed limit is somewhere between).
For better elucidation (get it?), here is the statute, from an unofficial source:
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
Section 15 of chapter 85 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:– A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle's windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground.
Approved, January 7, 2015."
Silly me, my colossal beacon is on a hayride vehicle, and thus unnecessary.
Okay, before this gets into a pissing contest.
What's so wrong with putting your headlights on when your wipers are on? The main idea is to make it easier to discern where your vehicle is at in relation to other vehicles, when it is raining it can go from sun shower to full on monsoon in a matter of moments. Just turn your lights on when it is nasty weather.
It is sad we have to legislate common sense, but as everyone knows, common sense seems to be in short supply nowadays.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on April 08, 2015, 07:46:52 AM
Okay, before this gets into a pissing contest.
What's so wrong with putting your headlights on when your wipers are on? The main idea is to make it easier to discern where your vehicle is at in relation to other vehicles, when it is raining it can go from sun shower to full on monsoon in a matter of moments. Just turn your lights on when it is nasty weather.
It is sad we have to legislate common sense, but as everyone knows, common sense seems to be in short supply nowadays.
Yes. This.
People seem to forget the purpose of turning your lights on is to make you more visible in bad weather. That includes ALL lights. DRLs don't suffice.
I'm amazed at the number of dark vehicles that don't turn on their lights when it's raining, or when it's dusk. They're the vehicles hardest to see.
If memory serves; DRLs started appearing on cars right around the same time (mid-1990s) that several states (MA's a bit late to the party) started adopting Wipers On/Lights On laws.
Whether or not DRLs were being offered as an automakers' means of having drivers comply with those then-new laws (don't DRLs automatically turn on once the car's started?) without actually turning on one's standard headlights is not fully known. Rumors of a mandate requiring all vehicles to have DRLs as standard equipment after a certain model year, to my knowledge, never materialized.
It should be noted that even in 2015, not all vehicles are equipped with DRLs. While my 2007 Mustang has the optional supplemental lights on the front grille (the non-Pony Packaged V6 Mustangs do not have such); those, I believe, are considered fog lamps not DRLs. Additionally, when the fog lamps are turned on; the rest of the running lights (tail-lights, parking lights) that aren't the headlights are on as well.
To be honest, I thought DRLs went the way of the 8-track or cassette players in cars (note: I was going to say push-button transmissions but Lincoln has since revived such in some of its newer vehicles).
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 08, 2015, 08:22:19 AM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on April 08, 2015, 07:46:52 AM
Okay, before this gets into a pissing contest.
What's so wrong with putting your headlights on when your wipers are on? The main idea is to make it easier to discern where your vehicle is at in relation to other vehicles, when it is raining it can go from sun shower to full on monsoon in a matter of moments. Just turn your lights on when it is nasty weather.
It is sad we have to legislate common sense, but as everyone knows, common sense seems to be in short supply nowadays.
Yes. This.
People seem to forget the purpose of turning your lights on is to make you more visible in bad weather. That includes ALL lights. DRLs don't suffice.
I'm amazed at the number of dark vehicles that don't turn on their lights when it's raining, or when it's dusk. They're the vehicles hardest to see.
They either forget this purpose, or they just don't care.
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 08, 2015, 10:34:09 AM
If memory serves; DRLs started appearing on cars right around the same time (mid-1990s) that several states (MA's a bit late to the party) started adopting Wipers On/Lights On laws.
Whether or not DRLs were being offered as an automakers' means of having drivers comply with those then-new laws (don't DRLs automatically turn on once the car's started?) without actually turning on one's standard headlights is not fully known. Rumors of a mandate requiring all vehicles to have DRLs as standard equipment after a certain model year, to my knowledge, never materialized.
My understanding is that the appearance of DRLs in the US is a result of 1990 legislation requiring them in Canada, where northern latitudes provide fewer hours of daylight and at a lower intensity. Faced with making two different headlamp control mechanisms for North American market vehicles, GM lobbied the US government to allow DRLs on US market cars as well. (Apparently, DRLs would have been illegal under the existing NHTSA regulations.) In the mid '90s, GM pressured the feds to make DRLs mandatory. The mandate never came, but some manufacturers decided to keep DRLs on both sides of the border.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 12:52:39 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 08, 2015, 10:34:09 AM
If memory serves; DRLs started appearing on cars right around the same time (mid-1990s) that several states (MA's a bit late to the party) started adopting Wipers On/Lights On laws.
Whether or not DRLs were being offered as an automakers' means of having drivers comply with those then-new laws (don't DRLs automatically turn on once the car's started?) without actually turning on one's standard headlights is not fully known. Rumors of a mandate requiring all vehicles to have DRLs as standard equipment after a certain model year, to my knowledge, never materialized.
My understanding is that the appearance of DRLs in the US is a result of 1990 legislation requiring them in Canada, where northern latitudes provide fewer hours of daylight and at a lower intensity. Faced with making two different headlamp control mechanisms for North American market vehicles, GM lobbied the US government to allow DRLs on US market cars as well. (Apparently, DRLs would have been illegal under the existing NHTSA regulations.) In the mid '90s, GM pressured the feds to make DRLs mandatory. The mandate never came, but some manufacturers decided to keep DRLs on both sides of the border.
The problem is that people don't realize they are driving with lights that are not meant to be used in bad conditions, or even that only their front lights are on.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 12:52:39 PMMy understanding is that the appearance of DRLs in the US is a result of 1990 legislation requiring them in Canada, where northern latitudes provide fewer hours of daylight and at a lower intensity.
ISTR it was evidence that headlight use leads to a reduction in head-on collisions on 2-lane roads that prompted the DRL requirement in Canada.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 12:52:39 PM
In the mid '90s, GM pressured the feds to make DRLs mandatory. The mandate never came, but some manufacturers decided to keep DRLs on both sides of the border.
The real reason for the increase in DRL equipped cars in the past 5 years is that it is now mandatory under the UN ECE requirements (Regulation 87) that cars sold in the rest of the world come equipped with them. Also LEDs made it possible to create DRLs that are bright enough, but don't blind people like GM's bean counter method of using the high beams at low voltage.
One of those few "Where's a cop when you need 'em" moments...SUV on the highway, about 11pm at night, passes a cop in the median. SUV was probably doing the speed limit, while others were going noticeably faster. Cop pulls SUV over...and based on this thread, you can probably guess why: Driving with only the DRLs on.
My car came with wiper headlight integration standard. I can just put my headlights on "auto" and they will turn on automatically at a certain brightness level and also when wipers are in use. I thought this was the case on most recent models. It's very convenient and there's nothing to remember.
Quote from: bzakharin on April 08, 2015, 05:59:59 PM
My car came with wiper headlight integration standard. I can just put my headlights on "auto" and they will turn on automatically at a certain brightness level and also when wipers are in use. I thought this was the case on most recent models. It's very convenient and there's nothing to remember.
I'm curious–what make and model of car? Will the headlights come on if you use the "mist" or "wipe once" setting?
My car (a Toyota Matrix) has both DRLs and undefeatable automatic headlights, and overcast or rainy skies are typically enough to cause the headlights to illuminate. That's without any kind of headlight-wiper integration, but in practice, the setup works almost the same.
I probably drive more miles in rentals each year than in my own car, and I'm astounded at how many new cars have neither DRLs nor automatic headlights.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 06:47:18 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on April 08, 2015, 05:59:59 PM
My car came with wiper headlight integration standard. I can just put my headlights on "auto" and they will turn on automatically at a certain brightness level and also when wipers are in use. I thought this was the case on most recent models. It's very convenient and there's nothing to remember.
I’m curious—what make and model of car? Will the headlights come on if you use the “mist” or “wipe once” setting?
My car (a Toyota Matrix) has both DRLs and undefeatable automatic headlights, and overcast or rainy skies are typically enough to cause the headlights to illuminate. That’s without any kind of headlight-wiper integration, but in practice, the setup works almost the same.
I probably drive more miles in rentals each year than in my own car, and I’m astounded at how many new cars have neither DRLs nor automatic headlights.
2013 Honda Accord. The headlights do not come on when I mist or wipe once. The manual says they come on when you wipe a certain number of times during a period of time without being specific, so I suppose if I wipe once continuously they might come on. Never tried it. They come on only after about 3 minutes of use, so I suppose I am technically breaking the law for that period of time.
They don't come on when it's overcast during daytime unless it's one of those really dark storm clouds, and I've noticed that when the sun is about to set they actually come on earlier when it's clear than when it's cloudy (but not very dark). Don't know why.
Quote from: corco on April 07, 2015, 08:13:34 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2015, 06:46:25 PM
I'd prefer it if the laws were "headlights on when visibility is reduced". "When wipers on" technically includes using the washer fluid to remove dirt or bugs from the windshield (or water splashed on from a puddle), and once in a blue moon, there's a rain storm where it's bright and sunny. Seriously, it's really annoying to have to turn my headlights on when visibility is fine, as my dash dims to near invisibility when the headlights are on.
I feel like you've mentioned this before- Have you tried adjusting the dimmer switch on your dashboard? If I recall right, you drive a newish Civic- with your headlights on, twist the knob that you'd normally push to reset your trip odometer (there might be a second knob that looks like it, don't really remember).
Interesting. As it so happens, my Accord had a button with the same symbol and my parents and I never figured out what it did.
There is indeed a second button/knob - it switches all unit-based measurements (speedometer, odometer, gas mileage, etc.) between US and metric.
I usually drive in the rain with my headlights on but not my wipers. I actually find the wipers' track more distracting than the rain drops in light to moderate rainfall, especially if I've been using fluid with RainX in it.
Take that, coppers!
Field report: 80-90% apparent compliance today, estimated only when I thought of it. About the same as before the law.
I think it would be cool if compliance were checked by roadside police officers who then radioed in offenders to helicopter crews who would immediately shoot the cars with Calvin and Hobbs-esque death rays.
yeesh..
I actually drove past 2 cops in a span of 30 seconds rushing for a train, in the rain, with wipers on and lights off. I then realized I made a mistake.
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2015, 10:08:48 PM
I think it would be cool if compliance were checked by roadside police officers who then radioed in offenders to helicopter crews who would immediately shoot the cars with Calvin and Hobbs-esque death rays.
yeesh..
I agree, it's a small price to pay to keep people safe.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 06:47:18 PM
I'm curious–what make and model of car? Will the headlights come on if you use the "mist" or "wipe once" setting?
I had a 2012 GMC Terrain that had DRLs and would auto headlights. If the wipers were used in any constant speed, the lights would turn on fairly quickly. If I was using an intermittent wipe, it would take longer, but eventually switch to full-power.
I now drive a 2014 Ford Fusion that has DRLs, auto headlamps, as well as auto wipers (which replaces the intermittent setting). Same concept, however-- if I (manually) engage a constant-on wiper speed, they come on within a few seconds; if the wipers activate in auto mode, it will again take some time before the headlights will switch to full power.
Something I've noticed in many cars (including my Fusion) is that a DRL headlamp will turn off when a turn signal is activated. On fancier cars, this may be caused by dual-color LEDs used for this purpose -- the white bar turns off, replaced with a flashing yellow signal (think Audi) In my Fusion, the lamps are all halogen, but a similar behavior occurs when signaling.
I don't understand DRL. If you want to be seen, wouldn't full strength headlights be even more important in the daytime than they are at night?
Quote from: kkt on April 09, 2015, 12:23:21 PM
I don't understand DRL. If you want to be seen, wouldn't full strength headlights be even more important in the daytime than they are at night?
Of course one advantage of having a built-in, automatic DRL system is that it makes their use compulsory. There's no chance of forgetting to turn them on.
But getting to the issue of DRLs having discrete bulbs rather than just sharing a headlight bulb (which seems to be what you're getting at)–I believe it's a matter of beam pattern vs. intensity. Low beams are designed to illuminate the road in front of you while avoiding oncoming motorists as much as possible. You want to do the opposite with DRL...hit other motorists with the beam head-on, but do so at a low intensity that will not be blinding or irritating. Some DRL systems have used the high beams at much lower intensity, which basically accomplishes the same thing.
As vehicle lighting systems become more advanced and add features that automatically compensate for oncoming motorists, curves in the road, etc., and as the cost of LEDs continues to plummet, adding a relatively cheap array of LEDs to serve as DRLs is a fairly easy addition for an automaker.
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2015, 10:08:48 PM
I think it would be cool if compliance were checked by roadside police officers who then radioed in offenders to helicopter crews who would immediately shoot the cars with Calvin and Hobbs-esque death rays.
yeesh..
"Death ray my foot! It doesn't even stun them!"
From an old Charles Addams cartoon.
Quote from: briantroutman on April 08, 2015, 06:47:18 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on April 08, 2015, 05:59:59 PM
My car came with wiper headlight integration standard. I can just put my headlights on "auto" and they will turn on automatically at a certain brightness level and also when wipers are in use. I thought this was the case on most recent models. It's very convenient and there's nothing to remember.
I'm curious–what make and model of car? Will the headlights come on if you use the "mist" or "wipe once" setting?
My car (a Toyota Matrix) has both DRLs and undefeatable automatic headlights, and overcast or rainy skies are typically enough to cause the headlights to illuminate. That's without any kind of headlight-wiper integration, but in practice, the setup works almost the same.
I probably drive more miles in rentals each year than in my own car, and I'm astounded at how many new cars have neither DRLs nor automatic headlights.
I have a 2013 Altima which has automatic headlights. The lights in my car won't come on until the wipers activate 4 times, and only when using the intermittent or constant wiper settings. The mist and wipe once settings do not do anything.
Day 2: far lower compliance noticed, maybe 50-60%.
The NMA has taken notice of the new law. As is usual with pretty much every driving-related change these days, they're not happy.
http://blog.motorists.org/reboot-headlight-law-arbitrary-unnecessary/
The NMA has done some good things. This issue though I disagree with them on.
For the most part, the only lights the driver needs are the headlights when it's dark. Every other light - parking, turn signals, rear lights, brake lights - are for OTHERS to see you and understand your intentions.
In the rain, having lights on further the ability for others to see you. Just like all those other useless lights to a driver, headlights usually won't allow you to see better in the rain. But, the headlights another opportunity for the other motorist to see you before it's too late.
My vehicle is grey. I blend in with the road at a distance, never mind clouds and rain. In fog I am death incarnate without lights. In other words, in anything other than bright sun it's a great idea for me to have lights on.
If anything, I think that the "Headlights on, wipers on" rule makes sense, simply because when you use your wipers for an extended period of time, you still need something to help see the road ahead of you, which is where the headlights come into play. I wouldn't be surprised if all 50 states use this as a requirement nowadays.
Quote from: Henry on April 10, 2015, 12:56:54 PMI wouldn't be surprised if all 50 states use this as a requirement nowadays.
At present, MA is the
18th state to require such; still less than half the number of states.
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Quote from: vdeane on April 11, 2015, 04:43:12 PM
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Or, interesting that more than a third have had to legislate common sense.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 11, 2015, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 11, 2015, 04:43:12 PM
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Or, interesting that more than a third have had to legislate common sense.
I wish it were common sense. But, we still have assholes who don't turn on their headlights in the fog. And I'm talking pea fucking soup. When you flick your lights at them to tell them to turn on their headlights, they act like morons and tap the brake instead. :banghead:
Quote from: Brandon on April 13, 2015, 01:21:11 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 11, 2015, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 11, 2015, 04:43:12 PM
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Or, interesting that more than a third have had to legislate common sense.
I wish it were common sense. But, we still have assholes who don't turn on their headlights in the fog. And I'm talking pea fucking soup. When you flick your lights at them to tell them to turn on their headlights, they act like morons and tap the brake instead. :banghead:
That doesn't mean it's not common sense. That just means there's a lot of assholes with no common sense.
Quote from: spooky on April 14, 2015, 08:34:00 AM
Quote from: Brandon on April 13, 2015, 01:21:11 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 11, 2015, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 11, 2015, 04:43:12 PM
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Or, interesting that more than a third have had to legislate common sense.
I wish it were common sense. But, we still have assholes who don't turn on their headlights in the fog. And I'm talking pea fucking soup. When you flick your lights at them to tell them to turn on their headlights, they act like morons and tap the brake instead. :banghead:
That doesn't mean it's not common sense. That just means there's a lot of assholes with no common sense.
That's the universal sign for cops hiding in the thick layer of fog, so they slow down.
I wonder if any of them get to their destination, try to turn the headlights off, then realize their lights were off the whole time.
Quote from: spooky on April 14, 2015, 08:34:00 AM
That doesn't mean it's not common sense. That just means there's a lot of assholes with no common sense.
Makes you wonder if "common sense" ought to be called something else.
Quote from: kkt on April 14, 2015, 10:58:09 AM
Quote from: spooky on April 14, 2015, 08:34:00 AM
That doesn't mean it's not common sense. That just means there's a lot of assholes with no common sense.
Makes you wonder if "common sense" ought to be called something else.
"Common" in this case doesn't mean "frequently encountered." It means "shared by all," as in, the basic sense we're all born with, whether or not one chooses to embrace or suppress it.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 14, 2015, 10:16:48 AM
Quote from: spooky on April 14, 2015, 08:34:00 AM
Quote from: Brandon on April 13, 2015, 01:21:11 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 11, 2015, 10:54:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 11, 2015, 04:43:12 PM
Before this story I had assumed that it was a requirement everywhere. Interesting that less than half of the states have it.
Or, interesting that more than a third have had to legislate common sense.
I wish it were common sense. But, we still have assholes who don't turn on their headlights in the fog. And I'm talking pea fucking soup. When you flick your lights at them to tell them to turn on their headlights, they act like morons and tap the brake instead. :banghead:
That doesn't mean it's not common sense. That just means there's a lot of assholes with no common sense.
That's the universal sign for cops hiding in the thick layer of fog, so they slow down.
I wonder if any of them get to their destination, try to turn the headlights off, then realize their lights were off the whole time.
I thought it was the universal sign for either "let me pass" or "your headlights aren't on the right setting" depending on which direction you're going relative to the other car.
I don't know what it is in your state, but in Mass. flashing your headlights at a car going the opposite car generally means that there is a cop hidden up ahead for the other car that you just passed. Though on occasion it will mean to turn your headlights on but 9 times out of 10 it refers to a cop ahead.
Quote from: AMLNet49 on April 18, 2015, 03:57:26 AM
I don't know what it is in your state, but in Mass. flashing your headlights at a car going the opposite car generally means that there is a cop hidden up ahead for the other car that you just passed. Though on occasion it will mean to turn your headlights on but 9 times out of 10 it refers to a cop ahead.
Same in New Jersey.
Quote from: Zeffy on April 18, 2015, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on April 18, 2015, 03:57:26 AM
I don't know what it is in your state, but in Mass. flashing your headlights at a car going the opposite car generally means that there is a cop hidden up ahead for the other car that you just passed. Though on occasion it will mean to turn your headlights on but 9 times out of 10 it refers to a cop ahead.
Same in New Jersey.
This was beaten to death in at least one other thread.
The consensus being described exists primarily in the minds of those describing these habits. For instance, I learned to drive in New Jersey, where flashing headlights meant "turn off your brights" to various parties that held this belief. It also meant, auxiliarly, "there's a speed trap coming up." Later on it took the third meaning, "go ahead."
Furthermore, in that discussion it became apparent that each individual had their own idea of what the proper amount of headlight flashing was for each message. My own personal code is:
Very quick flash = go ahead
Fully on then fully off = cop ahead
On, left on a moment to demonstrate discomfort of oncoming brights, then off = turn off your high beams
Lights off then on, one or more times = your lights are not on
Yours probably differs, because in that thread they differed all over the place.
I always thought that the flash of headlights meant that there was a cop ahead and/or some kind of incident resulting in stopped traffic ahead. Another common one where I live is when people will flash their headlights at other motorists in the oncoming lane when they have left their high beams on.