Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In an effort to improve road safety, House Representative Scot. Z. Matayoshi (D- 49 Kāneʻohe, Maunawili) introduced HB541, which would require proper headlight beam height during safety inspections.
"Headlights that shine brightly toward oncoming traffic are dangerous," said Representative Matayoshi. "They restrict drivers' visibility and create traffic hazards. Nearly all of us have experienced this while driving."
HB541 proposes for the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) to adopt necessary rules to address head lamp requirements during a motor vehicle safety check process that is conducted by an inspection station. Currently, the state's safety inspection list includes at least 22 items, but does not address headlight beam height requirements.
"Some seniors in my community refuse to drive at night for fear of being blinded and crashing," said Matayoshi. "By introducing this legislation, we hope to create safer roadways for our families."
On February 2, HDOT issued testimony on HB541, stating that they "support this effort to ensure that all vehicle safety equipment is properly maintained to provide maximum safety benefit for all roadway users."
HB541 was adopted by the House Committee on Transportation on February 2 and referred to the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce for further discussion. To track the measure status or submit testimony, click here.