New Hampshire § 266:31 Front Lights

New Hampshire Statutes

§ 266:31 — Front Lights

New Hampshire·Title XXI MOTOR VEHICLES·Ch. 266 EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES·Subdivision Lights, Signals, Flashers, Reflectors and Flags

I.Every motor vehicle driven during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow, or fog shall interfere with the proper view of the road so that persons and vehicles on the way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead, shall display at least 2 lighted lamps on the front; provided, however, that one suitable lighted lamp on the front of a motorcycle shall be sufficient. The headlamp shall throw sufficient light ahead within the traveled portion of the way to make clearly visible all vehicles, persons, or substantial objects within a distance of 200 feet, except that the headlamps of motorcycles shall be sufficient if they make clearly visible objects within a distance of 150 feet. No headlamp shall be used unless it is appr

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I. Every motor vehicle driven during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow, or fog shall interfere with the proper view of the road so that persons and vehicles on the way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead, shall display at least 2 lighted lamps on the front; provided, however, that one suitable lighted lamp on the front of a motorcycle shall be sufficient. The headlamp shall throw sufficient light ahead within the traveled portion of the way to make clearly visible all vehicles, persons, or substantial objects within a distance of 200 feet, except that the headlamps of motorcycles shall be sufficient if they make clearly visible objects within a distance of 150 feet. No headlamp shall be used unless it is approved by the director and is equipped with a proper lens or other device designed to prevent glaring rays. All headlamps on every motor vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches from the ground on an unladen vehicle. The measurement shall be made from the ground to the center of the lens. No device which obstructs, reflects, or alters the beam of such headlamp shall be used in connection therewith unless approved by the director. Every lens or other device to prevent glaring rays, the use of which on motor vehicles has been approved by the director, shall be arranged, adjusted, and operated in accordance with the requirements of the certificate approving the use thereof. Every lamp, bulb, or light used in any headlamp shall be of such candle power as may be specified for the approved device in the certificate approving the use thereof. Every reflector which is used as a part of such headlamp shall have a reflecting surface approved by the director after satisfactory tests have been made, and every reflecting surface shall be free from dents, rust, and other imperfections. The driver of every motor vehicle shall permit any properly authorized person to inspect the headlighting equipment of such motor vehicle and to make such tests as he or she may deem necessary to determine whether the provisions of this section are being complied with. Any headlamp color approved by the director for motor vehicles shall be considered approved for motorcycles. Any headlamp color approved by the director for motor vehicles shall also apply to headlamps approved for motorcycles.
II. Headlamps shall shine white when shined against a white surface. All other forward facing lights shall be amber or white.
III. Notwithstanding paragraph II, fog lights shall be permitted to shine yellow.
IV. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a vehicle with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front lighting system, or a front lighting system of a similar type installed as standard equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.

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Legislative History

1905, 86:7. 1911, 133:7. 1913, 81:3. 1915, 129:6. 1917, 229:6. 1921, 119:6. PL 103:5. 1933, 105:1. 1935, 116:1. RL 119:7. RSA 263:10. 1979, 203:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982. 2017, 104:1, eff. Aug. 7, 2017. 2024, 220:2, eff. Sept. 17, 2024.