Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4513.15

Headlight illumination requirements - protection of oncoming drivers - high beam indicator

Applied in 2 court decisions — leading case Green v. Throckmorton (2012)

Most recently applied in State v. L. Gardner (January 2022)

Effective: October 16, 2009; Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in section 4513.03 of the Revised Code, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons, vehicles, and substantial objects at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements;

(1) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.

(2) Every new motor vehicle registered in this state, which has multiple-beam road lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlights is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. Said indicator shall be so designed and located that, when lighted, it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Official source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules (Legislative Service Commission). Reproduced from public-domain Ohio statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.