OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
Sheriff Curtis L. Landers
225 W. Olive Street
Newport, Oregon 97365
Tel (541) 265-4277
Fax (541) 265-4926
TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: July 25, 2016
TRAFFIC SAFETY – DO ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE LIGHTS WORK?
Recently, your Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from one of our citizens about the number of vehicles traveling on our county roadways with a headlight out, a taillight out, or a combination of both. Your patrol deputies also see similar vehicle lighting violations on a daily basis and have numerous traffic enforcement contacts with motorists each year related to defective lighting. Inspired by the conversation with our concerned citizen, we offer the following Tip of the Week related to required vehicle lighting.
Headlights — Oregon law requires all motor vehicles have two operable headlights which may only be white in color (the exception being motorcycles/mopeds which must have one). The law states headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and also under conditions when visibility is limited to less than 1000 feet. Forward facing headlights do the obvious; they help you to see. They also help others to see you. Vehicles traveling with only one headlight make it very difficult for oncoming motorists to determine where, exactly, they are on the roadway.
All modern vehicles are equipped with low and high beam settings. High beams are very beneficial and increase visibility, however, there are restrictions. Oregon law requires motorists to dim their headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, or, within 350 feet when following another vehicle.
Fog Lights — Vehicles may be equipped with fog lights and may be white or amber in color. Fog lights must not illuminate the roadway more than 75 feet ahead of the vehicle. Their use is similar to high beam headlight use in that they must be turned off to oncoming traffic or while following another vehicle.
Taillights — All motor vehicles (with the exception of motorcycles/mopeds) must have two red taillights, one on each side of the rear of the vehicle, and must be visible from 500 feet to the rear.
Brake Lights — Two red brake lights are required and must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle as far apart as possible. Brake lights must be visible from at least 500 feet in normal daylight.
Turn Signals — All motor vehicles must have right and left turn signals on both the front and rear of the vehicle. Front facing turn signal lights may be amber or white in color. Rear facing turn signals may be red, amber, or yellow. Turn signals must be visible from 500 feet.
License Plate Lights — Every vehicle must have at least one white license plate light to illuminate the rear license plate of the vehicle. This light must clearly illuminate the license plate from a distance of 50 feet away.
Ensuring the required lighting equipped on your vehicle is operable increases not only your safety but the safety of other motorists on the road. Conduct regular “walk around” inspections of your vehicle to ensure all of your lighting is operable.
For more tips and information, visit our website, use the “MobilePatrol” app on your Smartphone, and Like us on Facebook.
