ATLANTA — Editor's note: the video above is about how newer cars have brighter headlights than older vehicles.
With recent rainstorms and cloudy days making it darker than usual during the day, many are wondering when exactly Georgia law requires drivers to turn on their headlights.
According to Georgia state law, specifically Title 40, Chapter 8, Article 1, Part 2, Section 40-8-20, here's what we found.
What time does Georgia law require headlights on?
According to Section 40-8-20, every vehicle on a Georgia highway must display lights, including headlights, under the following conditions:
- Timeframe: From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise.
- Inclement Weather: During rainy conditions in the driving zone.
- Poor Visibility: When there is insufficient visibility to clearly discern persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet.
But what does "half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise" mean? Well, according to Georgia Headlight Lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, the term can be interpreted in different ways.
Generally, Georgia law states that headlights should be on if you cannot clearly see someone or other cars on the road.
Penalties for Headlight Violation Conditions in Georgia
According to Lawson, an offense results in both fines and points being added to your license.
"Under O.C.G.A. §4-8-20, 3 points will be added to your license," Lawson wrote. "While this may not seem like a big deal, remember that 15 points in 24 months will result in your driving privileges being revoked."
The lawyer's office said that if someone under 18 is given 4 points over the course of a year, their driving privileges could be suspected.