The Oregon Legislature requires a statewide awareness campaign be conducted for the law requiring use of headlights when also using your windshield wipers. Studies show that headlights help your vehicle to be seen more easily, especially when driving in wet, snowy or foggy weather. When driving with the windshield wipers on, drivers should also turn on their headlights for safety. While each study varies, some have noted that headlight use during the day has resulted in a reduction of crashes by up to 10%. ORS 811.526 Safety campaign for use of headlights.
Oregon Law:
ORS 811.515 (6) When limited visibility conditions exist a person shall use a distribution of light or composite beam that is directed sufficiently high and that is of such intensity so as to reveal persons and vehicles on the highway at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle. A person violates this subsection if the person does not comply with the following:
(a) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the driver must use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The use of the low beams of the vehicle headlight system is in compliance with this paragraph at all times regardless of road contour and loading of the vehicle.
(b) Except when in the act of overtaking or passing, a driver of a vehicle following another vehicle within 350 feet to the rear must use the low beams of the vehicle headlight system.
ORS 801.325 “Limited visibility condition” defined. “Limited visibility condition” means:
(1) Any time from sunset to sunrise; and
(2) Any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible on a straight, level, unlighted highway at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead. [1983 c.338 §55; 1987 c.158 §159]
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