You asked (1) how many arrests have been made for driving in the rain without headlights and (2) about bills in the 2002 regular session regarding trucks and rest stops.

SUMMARY

State courts do not keep records on the number of people issued tickets for driving without headlights in the rain. In 2001, 2,299 motorists were issued tickets for driving without headlights when required by law, including in the rain. This is an infraction, not an offense warranting arrest.

During the 2002 session, An Act Concerning Rest Areas and Truck Parking Facilities on Interstate 95 (HB 5508) would have appropriated $ 2 million to the Department of Transportation from the Special Transportation Fund in FY 2002-03 to improve safety and increase the number of truck parking facilities at rest areas along Interstate 95 in southwestern Connecticut. It did not get out of the Transportation Committee.

DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS

When Required

The statutes require lighted lamps and illuminating devices while driving on state roads at any time (1) from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise; (2) due to insufficient light, unfavorable atmospheric conditions, and when people and vehicles on the road are not clearly discernible from 500 feet; and (3) during precipitation, including snow, fog, or rain.

Violations are infractions that result in a total of $ 60 in fines, fees, surcharges, and other special assessments (CGS § 14-96 a (a)).

A copy of the statute is attached.

2001 Driving Without Headlight Cases

According to Greg Pac, researcher in the Superior Court Operations Unit, in 2001 the court handled 2,299 cases of motorists who received a ticket for driving without headlights.

Of the 2,299 cases disposed, the court:

1. found 235 guilty;

2. received 679 mailed in fines;

3. found 49 out-of-state bond forfeitures;

4. had 112 no shows, resulting in license suspension; and

5. dismissed 1,224.

JRH: eh