Two new state laws that aim to make driving in Pennsylvania safer during inclement weather go into effect today.

Gov. Ed Rendell signed a new law Nov. 29 requiring motorists to turn on their headlights anytime their windshield wipers are in use because of stormy weather, according to a press release from Rendell's office.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Edward Davis, who is also Penn State's boxing coach, said the goal of the new law is not to improve the driver's visibility, but to make the driver's vehicle more visible to those around them.

"It's really a common sense issue, because the idea is to be considerate of other drivers around you and give them a little more of an opportunity to see you coming," Davis said.

Davis said unlike the state's seatbelt law, which is considered a secondary offense, a violation of the new windshield wiper law would constitute a primary offense, meaning offenders can be fined without having committed another violation.

According to the press release, the fine for this offense would be $25, but with additional court fees, the total penalty could reach close to $100.

Another law going into effect today is an amendment to an existing state law.

For years, Pennsylvania law has required drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. However, motorists will now suffer severe penalties and fines if snow or ice they failed to clear from their vehicle injures or kills someone, according to a press release from state Rep. Robert Godshall, R-Montgomery.

"Specifically, the fines could range from $200 to $1,000 per offense," Godshall said in his press release.

This new law is important because most drivers don't realize how negligent it is to drive around with only 40 percent of their windshield visible because of ice or snow, Davis said.

"Most people don't take the extra half an hour to clean off their cars and heat them on a snowy morning, but that extra time and greater visibility can be the difference between safe driving and fatalities," Davis said. "These laws are put together to improve drivers' safety and help them stay alive a little longer."

Davis said that these new laws are aimed at improving safe driving and decreasing the number of fatalities on the road.

"The new laws are about cooperative driving for both the vehicle operator and the people around them," Davis said.