• Snowplows are necessary to keep roadways clear, and effective lighting helps other drivers steer clear of them.blizzard of 2006 image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com
  
  Massachusetts receives some of the heaviest snowfall on America's eastern coast, and snowplows are a common sight in the winter and sometimes into the spring. Because they travel at slower speeds than most other vehicles and occupy more space, it is important that motorists can see these large vehicles from far away. The General Laws of Massachusetts do not make specific mention of lighting with regard to snowplows. Still, other key provisions apply.
  
  

Headlights

• According to Massachusetts law, every motor vehicle operated between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise must display at least two lighted, white headlamps mounted on both sides of the front of the vehicle. This law also applies during the day if weather has obscured visibility.
  
  

Rear Lights

• Massachusetts law requires that every vehicle be equipped with two red lights, mounted on either side of the vehicle's rear. A white light should illuminate but not obscure the rear license plate. Two brake lights must also be mounted and displayed at the rear of the vehicle.
  
  

Flashing Roof Lights

• Sometimes snow plows are equipped with a flashing or rotating roof-mounted light. Massachusetts law does not prohibit this, except in the case that such a light is red. No motor vehicles other than school buses and certain emergency vehicles are permitted to display a flashing, rotating or oscillating red light.