83R8590 JXC-D By: Cortez H.B. No. 1816 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to lighting requirements for drivers during motor vehicle stops. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 545.309 to read as follows: Sec. 545.309. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS DURING STOP BY POLICE OFFICER. (a) A person operating a motor vehicle who is directed to bring the motor vehicle to a stop by a police officer at nighttime shall illuminate an interior light installed in the motor vehicle immediately after stopping the motor vehicle. The person may not extinguish the light without the officer's consent until the officer allows the person to resume operating the motor vehicle. (b) This section does not apply to a person operating a motor vehicle who is directed to bring the motor vehicle to a stop by a police officer who is directing traffic. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.