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Motorists at Main and Lyman streets in Holyoke during a heavy rain in August, 2014. A new Massachusetts law requires drivers to turn on headlights any time windshield wipers are needed.

(Dave Roback / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD — A new state law that goes into effect next week requires motorists to turn on their headlights and tail-lights whenever their vehicle's windshield wipers are needed.

The new law, which also states that headlights and tail-lights should be turned on a half-hour after sunset and a half-hour before sunrise or when visibility is under 500 feet, takes effect April 7. The law also lays out lighting requirements for vehicles carrying people on hayrides.

The fine for violating the new headlight law is $5. However, a driver who gets ticketed for a headlights offense may also face increased vehicle insurance premiums.

"It's a surchargeable offense," said Bill Trudeau, president and chief executive executive of the Insurance Center of New England in Agawam. "Just like failing to have an inspection sticker and things of that nature."

Trudeau said, though, that it's difficult to quantify how much that surcharge could amount to. "It depends on the starting point of the premium and what points you have already," he said.

Michael Wilk, public information officer for the Chicopee police department, said he believes the new law will enhance safety on roads and highways.

"It helps," he said. "If you have ever been on a highway in a torrential downpour, you know having your lights on really makes a difference."

Massachusetts joins a number of other states that specifically require headlights to be on when windshield wipers are on.

Here's the text of the new law, as it appears in Section 15, Chapter 85, of Massachusetts General Laws: