Headlights on when raining - is that a TN law? (dangerous, licensed)

[NJDevil]

I can't keep track of which states have this law. If it's a law here, they should post signs here and there, cause I haven't seen any. When traveling on 40 in a downpour, I'm surprised at the number of cars without headlights on. I can't see them behind me, and it also gets hard to see them in front of me.

[ThatTNGuy]

Yup, it's a law. I remember hearing it on the radio one time - haven't forgotten it since. I'd probably turn them on regardless, but it's good to know that it's required.

My car will usually turn them on anyway if it gets dark enough (automatic headlights), but seeing the wipers flick on is usually reminder enough for me.

[Beretta]

We actually had this discussion driving on I-40 today. My husband was commenting about how dangerous it was and how he was having a hard time seeing folks in the pouring rain. Then he mentioned that some "idiot" was coming up fast behind us in the left lane and he didn't see him until he was right up on us. Unbelievably it was a sheriff car flying like a bat out of hell with no lights on.

By the way, the state can't post everything in the driver's handbook all over the state. It is up to licensed drivers to read the handbook and follow the law. But I do agree that folks should put their lights on for goodness sakes!

[ESFP]

I know... My neighbor drives a white Jeep in the snow without lights. We've been nearly head-on several times around the sharp turns to my house. I'd like to see the taillights, too. I've been surprised in the fog and rain by catching up to a vehicle driving slow on the interstate without back lights. I doubt that the people driving with "running lights" are actually aware that their taillights aren't working at the same time. Have someone drive your car behind you, then pass, and you'll see what you look like to others. I had a silver Vette which someone had to follow me with once. It was the same color as the road, couldn't see it at all without the lights on. They've been on ever since.

[Eat]

There's a comedian with a whole shtick about the kind of people that don't turn the lights on in a blinding downpour. It's called, "You can't fix stupid."

[gemkeeper]

It is just common sense to turn the lights on when it is raining. One might reason that they can see just fine, but what about the guy coming toward YOU?

Having automatic running lights that are on all the time is not enough. With your running lights on the tail lights of your car are still off. I would rather see someone's rear lights in a downpour before they slam on their brakes!

Please folks, even if you can see just fine, help us old folks out with cataracts and turn on your headlights (and tail lights) in a rain storm!

[ThatTNGuy]

Originally Posted by gemkeeper

Having automatic running lights that are on all the time is not enough. With your running lights on the tail lights of your car are still off. I would rather see someone's rear lights in a downpour before they slam on their brakes!

If this is directed at my earlier post, let me clarify that my car doesn't only have automatic headlights - when it gets dark enough, all of the lights turn on (front and back) as if I had switched them on myself.

If this was NOT directed at my earlier post…well, not a big deal.

[jabogitlu]

I turn my lights on when I start my car. Period, 12 o'clock in the afternoon on a sunny July day. Anything I can do to help alert other drivers to my presence is a plus in my book.

North Carolina does have signs up about turning your lights on when using wipers. I think TN should, too, yep. It is up to drivers to be aware of this law, but most of the laws in the handbook are random enough not to be life threatening.

I was in Sevier Co. today. Sheesh, what a deluge. I wonder if we got that kind of rain up in the Tri-Cities.

[NJDevil]

Most states with this law DO post signs about it. Most states realize people need reminding. I am not going to read a driver's manual, I don't have time for that. I don't know anyone else that's going to make it a priority either. As important laws are created, they should be posted - as the one is about getting over for stopped emergency vehicles. I sure do have questions for a city official or policeman. I guess there aren't any on this forum?

[vacation bound]

I agree with everyone about the lights need to be on. People are just waiting for an accident not turning them on in rain, fog, etc. I think one of the problems is people have gotten lazy with the newer cars and their automatic lights. They just think that they will go on, and I know my truck light will not go on that easily in the rain. I have made a habit to put them on manually when the weather is bad.