But those cloudy headlights could potentially cost you your life. That's why the State of Massachusetts says headlights must illuminate the road for at least 115 feet. If they don't..."they're jeopardizing their own safety and the safety of everyone else on the road," said Ann Collins who heads up the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

But despite the state's mandate, we found safety inspectors are not checking the brightness of headlights -- they're only checking the aim -- leaving some motorists believing their cars meet state standards when in reality they don't.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, headlights have to clearly illuminate the roadway for at least 150 feet. FHP Lieutenant Pat Santangelo said "The bottom line is it is a safety problem; it is a safety hazard to have this type of lens." Santangelo says that type of safety hazard can get you pulled over and ticketed.