Wisconsin requires drivers to use headlights during darkness and adverse weather

Reader question: You recently did an article related to stopping for school buses and pedestrians . Could you please do a similar article related to the use of headlights? I see so many running without during fog, rain, dusk, dawn, etc.

Answer: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation posted a video in March to educate drivers on the proper use of headlights as part of its Law of the Month campaign.

The DOT, in summarizing statute 347.06 , said drivers are required to use headlights:

• During hours of darkness and all other times when there is insufficient natural light to clearly see a person or vehicle 500 feet away.
• In adverse weather conditions, such as fog, rain or snow, that limit visibility.

"These rules are in place to help everyone stay safe on the roads," Wisconsin State Patrol​ Superintendent Tim Carnahan said on the DOT website. "The more we use our lights, the better we can see what's ahead, and each other, to avoid incidents. Our goal is to prevent crashes and injuries through these simple steps."

The law requires drivers to keep headlights, taillights and reflectors "clean and in proper working condition at all times" to maintain visibility for drivers and others on the roadway.

Newer vehicles might have automatic light settings, but the DOT said they aren't always reliable, so drivers should manually turn on their lights at dusk and in adverse weather.

Watchdog Q&A: Duke Behnke answers your local government questions

High-beam headlights, or brights, are an effective way to see more clearly in good weather conditions, the DOT said, but they must be dimmed within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 500 feet of approaching a vehicle to the rear.

"Look away from oncoming vehicles to avoid the glare of headlights, which can cause temporary vision problems," the DOT said.

It's not against the law for motorists to momentarily flash their high beams at another vehicle to get them to turn off their brights, provided it's not done in an overly aggressive or obnoxious manner.

Post-Crescent reporter Duke Behnke answers your questions about local government. Send questions to dbehnke@gannett.com or call him at 920-993-7176.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Wisconsin requires drivers to use headlights during darkness and adverse weather