8-1724. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment; visibility; direction of beam; high beam indicator.

8-1724

Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 17.--UNIFORM ACT REGULATING TRAFFIC; EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

      8-1724.   Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment; visibility; direction of beam; high beam indicator. (a) Except as hereinafter provided, the head lamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and in addition, such lamps may be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:

      (1)   There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least four hundred fifty (450) feet ahead for all conditions of loading.

      (2)   There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred fifty (150) feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

      (b)   Every new motor vehicle registered in this state which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamp is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. Said indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.

      History:   L. 1974, ch. 33, § 8-1724; L. 1975, ch. 39, § 23; April 19.