An act relating to use of illuminating lights and visibility of taillights

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Charlie Kimbell

H.413 tightens lighting rules for low-visibility conditions and continuous wiper use, requiring headlights/taillights and 300-foot taillight visibility with a $200 penalty for non-

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation

Summary of H.413 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H.413, introduced by Representative Kimbell, aims to enhance daytime and nighttime vehicle visibility by tightening requirements for illuminated lights and taillights. The bill would require certain lighting whenever visibility is compromised (e.g., weather conditions, windshield wipers in use) and would mandate taillight visibility from at least 300 feet behind a vehicle.

Key provisions

Illuminating required lamps during limited visibility

Adds a requirement for operators to illuminate front, tail/rear, and clearance lamps as mandated by current law under specific conditions:
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and during any time when required by current law.
When insufficient light or adverse weather makes persons or vehicles on the highway not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead (with typical exemptions for parked vehicles or other conditions where visibility is impaired by rain, snow, fog, dust, smoke, etc.).
New condition related to windshield wipers: If windshield wipers are in continuous use due to weather, the vehicle must display illuminated lighting as required for its class.
Penalty: A civil penalty of $200 for violations of the continuous-wipers visibility provision; no points would be added to the driver’s record for this specific violation.

Taillights visibility standard (Section 1248)

Reiterates that every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, and trailing vehicle must be equipped with at least two red taillamps that emit light visible at 300 feet behind the vehicle.
Allows one taillamp on certain vehicles manufactured with only one taillamp, and includes protections to ensure that no towing or rear-mounted equipment interferes with the visibility of the required taillamps (i.e., two lamps must be visible at 300 feet unless the vehicle’s design inherently uses a single lamp).

Affected parties and impacts

Vehicle operators and owners: Must ensure illumination is proper under the specified conditions, particularly during adverse weather and when windshield wipers operate continuously.

Vehicles with single-taillamp designs: Continue to be allowed to use a single taillamp if originally manufactured with one, but must still ensure visibility at 300 feet as regulated.

Enforcement and penalties: Civil penalty for the continuous-wipers visibility requirement set at $200; points on driving record remain unaffected for this provision.

Effective date and procedural notes

Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation (February 27, 2025).

Sponsor: Representative Kimbell; co-sponsor: Charlie Kimbell.

Overall takeaway

H.413 reinforces vehicle lighting requirements to improve visibility for drivers and others on the road, with a specific focus on conditions of reduced visibility and the use of windshield wipers. It introduces a civil penalty for non-compliance with the continuous-wipers visibility rule and clarifies taillamp visibility standards to ensure rearward visibility of at least 300 feet.