Tuesday, May 19, 2015
State Senate Adopts Senator Tarr’s Repeal of Rainy Day Surcharge on Drivers
Strips Insurance
Charges from $5 Fine for Failure to Use Headlights in Rain
Boston-
May 19, 2015 The Massachusetts Senate
took action to repeal the new state law that triggers an insurance surcharge
for motorists cited under the new headlights and wipers law.
“We
are not adding to public safety by penalizing drivers with an onerous insurance
bill,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “The Senate
unanimously adopted my amendment and I am glad that the motoring public knows
that the Senate is on their side.”
“The intent of this law was always to improve public
safety and promote safe driving practices during harsh weather conditions. By
eliminating the insurance surcharge, the original intent of the law is
maintained without severely penalizing our constituents. I am pleased that the
Senate was able to unanimously come together on this important issue,” said
Assistant Minority Leader Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).
"I am very pleased that the Senate voted to
repeal the insurance surcharge,” said Donald Humason, Minority Whip (R-Westfield). “While preserving the
aim of improving public safety for everyone on the road, we were able to avoid
imposing yet another unnecessary fine on residents of the Commonwealth."
The headlight and wiper law is still in effect, a ticket for a violation is set as a $5 moving violation. The Tarr amendment, if approved by Governor Baker, will remove the insurance premium requirement currently included in state law.
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