Bill Text: CA AB808 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Amended

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Vehicles: daytime running lamps.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2020-02-03 - From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. [AB808 Detail]

Download: California-2019-AB808-Amended.html

Amended  IN  Assembly  March 18, 2019

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill No. 808


Introduced by Assembly Member Chu

February 20, 2019


An act to add Section 24400.5 to the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 808, as amended, Chu. Vehicles: wiper-activated headlamps.
Existing law requires a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, to be equipped with at least 2 headlamps, as specified, and requires the motor vehicle to be operated with at least 2 lighted headlamps during darkness, or inclement weather, or both. Existing law requires every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, equipped with a windshield to also be equipped with a self-operating windshield wiper. A violation of the Vehicle Code is punishable as an infraction.
This bill would require every new motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured on or after January 1, 2021, and first registered or sold in California on or after January 1, 2021, to be equipped with headlamps that are wired to be automatically activated and taillamps that automatically activate when the windshield wiper is in operation. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: YES  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The use of headlamps while operating a motor vehicle is very important as the headlamps can improve safety and visibility. This is especially vital and necessary during inclement weather.
(b) The Federal Highway Administration states that weather events such as rain and fog, among other factors, can impact roadway safety and mobility.
(c) According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are, on average, over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year and approximately 21 percent, or 1,235,000, of these crashes are weather related, causing nearly 5000 fatalities and over 418,000 nonfatal injuries each year.

SEC. 2.

 Section 24400.5 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

24400.5.
 Every new vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered or sold in California on and after January 1, 2021, shall be equipped with headlamps that are wired to be and taillamps that automatically activated activate when the windshield wiper is in operation. operation if the vehicle was first registered in California on or after January 1, 2021, or sold in California on or after January 1, 2021.

SEC. 3.

 No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.
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