HB575 - James Hooper Headlight Safety Act

• Amends Section 32-5-240 of the Alabama Code to modify headlight requirements for vehicles on state highways, including requirements for display during half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise, when wipers are in use, and when visibility is insufficient at 500 feet.

• Creates an exception to Alabama's contributory negligence rule by allowing plaintiffs to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, provided the defendant is more than 50 percent negligent and violated the headlight requirements.

• Applies the negligence exception to vehicles operated in combination (such as tractor-trailers) when lamps are required to be lighted, preventing plaintiffs from being barred from recovery based solely on their own contributory negligence.

• Maintains existing vehicle equipment requirements for head lamps, tail lamps, reflectors, and additional lighting on buses, trucks, trailers, and other commercial vehicles.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.