Headlights on or it’ll cost a $160 fine

New law starting now in Wisconsin

No lights on while you’re driving is about to cost $160.

A law getting enforced now in Wisconsin really just puts into law what has always been recommended – turn on your lights in fog or inclement weather. The law mandates headlights on in rain or snow with visibility less than 500 feet.

It makes all kinds of sense for additional visibility, says La Crosse police officer Brooke Pataska.

“A lot of vehicles that are trying to, perhaps, make a left-hand turn, won’t see a vehicle coming and there could be accidents,” Pataska said, noting other obvious situations where it would be nice to see oncoming traffic.

It might be awhile before the law is second nature to drivers, but Pataska has simpler advice: “The best practice is to turn them on no matter when.”