Code of Massachusetts Regulations
540 CMR - REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Title 540 CMR 22.00 - Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle and Trailer Equipment and Operations
Section 22.05 - Operation of Headlamps, Tail Lights and Windshield Wipers on Motor Vehicles
Current through Register 1518, March 29, 2024
(1) Headlamps and tail lights on a motor vehicle shall be operated in conformance with M.G.L. c. 85, § 15 and as required when windshield wipers are needed.
(2) Whenever there is sufficient light within the traveled portion of the highway to make clearly visible all substantial objects for a distance of 500 feet, and whenever the operator of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the operator shall regulate the headlamps so that no dangerous or dazzling light shall rise to a height greater than 42 inches above a surface of uniform grade, when measured 75 feet or more ahead of the lamps.
(3) Whenever reflection from fog, snow or other atmospheric conditions make it impossible for the operator of a motor vehicle to see clearly substantial objects for the prescribed distances, the headlamps may be regulated as to give the driver the maximum visibility under the circumstances and, for this purpose, auxiliary headlamps may be used in conjunction with, or in place of the headlamps otherwise required.
(4) The operator of a motor vehicle shall permit any police officer or motor vehicle investigator and examiner to inspect and test the head lighting equipment of such motor vehicle to determine compliance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 90, § 7 and 540 CMR 22.05.
(5) No person shall activate any device which would direct headlamps or auxiliary headlamps to flash in an alternating on-off manner. Nothing in 540 CMR 22.05(5) shall prohibit any official vehicle owned, leased or operated for official business by any governmental department, department of the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions, county, city or town, a private ambulance service or a call fire department, permitted pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, § 7E, from displaying such flashing headlamps for the benefit of public safety.
(6) The Registrar may require the removal of any such device upon written request of the Chief of Police or Fire Departments from any city or town where such equipped vehicle is registered.
