Can You Get a Ticket Driving in The Rain With Wipers on & No Headlights In Arkansas?
It's Spring, which means rain, and we are all trying to stay safe on the roads as much as possible. But you might be doing something when you're driving in the rain that could get you pulled over and a ticket in Arkansas.
If your wipers are on then make sure your headlights are on too. Did you know that that is a law in Arkansas? It is and it is a law in 17 other states. What about Texas?
It makes sense when you think about it. If you have your windshield wipers on, chances are it's because you are driving in bad weather and with bad weather it's best to put those headlights on so other drivers can see you.
The Arkansas Law according to the Arkansas Highway Safety Office states,
(2) (A) Every vehicle, except motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, upon a street or highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices, as respectively required for different classes of vehicles, during any period in which the vehicle's windshield wipers are being used for clearing or cleaning rain, snow, or other precipitation from the windshield because of inclement weather.
But this is a secondary law so you can't be ticketed for this alone. Now if you are pulled over for something else and you have your wipers on but no headlights, that's when they can add that ticket to your offenses.
This law is also in effect for our neighbors in Louisiana. But what about Texas?
In Texas along with 18 other states it is advised for safety reasons but Texas law states that headlights are only required in dense fog, low visibility and at night. No mention of rain. But still, it's a good idea to have your headlights and wipers on when it's raining.
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