The Law
| TRAILER LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Requirement | Function | Position | |
| TRAILER LESS THAN 80" WIDE | |||
| TAIL LIGHTS | minimum of two red lights | indicate vehicle's presence and width | on the rear - symmetrical - as far apart ... |
| STOP LIGHTS | minimum of two red lights | to indicate braking | on the rear - symmetrical - as far apart ... |
What are the legal requirements for trailer lights?
The legal requirements for trailer lights can be grouped into two classes: trailers less than 80" wide, and those that are more than 80" wide. Trailers less than 80" wide are required to have tail lights, stop lights, turn signals, side marker lights and side and rear reflectors on each side.
How many rear stop lights do I need for my trailer?
Trailers over 3,000 pounds must have one rear stop light and an amber reflector near the front of each side of the trailer with a red reflector near the back of each side.
What Lights do you put on the back of a trailer?
Rear Light Requirements A pair of red brake lights; a pair of red taillights, used to indicate the trailer's width; a pair of yellow or red turn signals; and a single white license-plate light must be present on the rear of all trailers in the United States.
How to determine what lights a trailer needs?
Where do you put lights on a trailer?
What side of the trailer do you put the red and yellow lights on?
How wide is a trailer?
How to measure trailer length?
Where are rear clearance lights on a utility trailer?
What is a strip of tape on a trailer?
See 4 more
About this website
Can I tow a trailer without lights?
Trailer Lights Trailers in California are required to have reflectors, tail, brake, and license plate lights. Signal lights are also required if the tow vehicle's lights are hidden. Trailers over 80 inches wide must have clearance lights.
Where are lights required to be installed on a trailer?
Trailers less than 80" wide are required to have tail lights, stop lights, turn signals, side marker lights and side and rear reflectors on each side. You must also have a license plate light and, on trailers over certain lengths, additional side marker lights and side reflectors are necessary.
How many lamps must have a trailer at the rear?
twoAt the widest point of the trailer, red clearance lights (two) must be placed. Centered at the trailer's rear and at the widest point on the trailer, red identification lights (three) must be put at the highest point possible and spread apart at 6 to 12 inches.
Do you need trailer lights in MN?
The trailer must be equipped with lights and safety chains to secure the trailer to the tow vehicle, as required by State law. If the trailer has a gross weight of over 3,000 pounds, the trailer must be equipped with brakes. The trailer should be loaded from front to rear and balanced from side to side.
What are the lights on the back of a trailer called?
“As you are likely aware, the three marker lamps at the top-rear of the trailer, mounted around the center line of the vehicle, are called 'identification lights. ' Their purpose is to alert following drivers that the vehicle equipped with these lights is wider than 80 inches.
Do I need reflective tape on my trailer?
The rear of each trailer and semitrailer must be equipped with retroreflective sheeting. Each strip of retroreflective sheeting shall be positioned as horizontally as practicable, extending across the full width of the trailer, beginning and ending as close to the extreme edges as practicable.
What trailers dont need lights?
All trailers are required to have stop lights, tail lights, turn signals, and reflectors. Trailers that are 80" wide or wider, or that are 30' long or longer need additional lights and reflectors.
Do all trailers need lights?
All trailers must have two red side lights, two red stop lights, two red triangular reflectors, an illuminated number plate along with amber indicators designed to flash between 60-120 times per minute.
What legislation governs trailer lighting standards in the United States?
All lighting devices on motor vehicles placed in op- eration after March 7, 1989, must meet the requirements of 49 CFR 571.108 in effect at the time of manufacture of the vehicle.
What are the towing laws in Minnesota?
Towing order required. (a) A towing authority may not tow a motor vehicle from public property unless a peace officer or parking enforcement officer has prepared, in addition to the parking citation, a written towing report describing the motor vehicle and the reasons for towing.
Do you need a license plate on a trailer in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota requires all trailers that are on the streets or highways to be registered. Depending on the gross weight of the trailer, not all trailers are titled. Go to the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services website for guidelines.
Do you have to cross trailer chains?
When attaching chains to a vehicle, always cross the chains. Crossing the trailer chains aids in turning the trailer by reducing the probability of stress. It also acts as a cradle in the event of separation from the tow vehicle.
Do you have to have lights on a trailer in South Carolina?
South Carolina Trailer Lighting Laws Tail, license plate, and brake lights are required. Turn signals and reflectors are also required.
Do you have to have lights on a trailer in NC?
(4) On every trailer or semitrailer having a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or more: On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side. On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear. On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
Are trailer lights required in Texas?
Texas Trailer Lighting Laws A trailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles must be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps, at least 2 stop lamps, electric turn signal lamps, and at least 2 red reflectors.
Where do side marker lights go on trailer?
Where to Mount Trailer Lights, Reflectors, and Conspicuity TreatmentsLightLocationRear side marker lightsOne on each side of trailer As far toward the rear of the trailer as possibleRear side reflectorsOne on each side of trailer As far toward rear of trailer as possible12 more rows
What Are the Texas DOT's Trailer Light Requirements?
The Texas DOT requires a certain number of lights and reflectors on all vehicles, including non-motorized vehicles like trailers. The placement of lights and reflectors on a trailer depends on their size. A driver who fails to properly light their trailer may get stopped or even receive a ticket.
DOT Lighting Requirements for RVs - Gone Outdoors
As with a car there are a number of lights on an RV that must be functioning. These lights help prevent accidents and traffic chaos. These specific lighting requirements are administered by the Department of Transportation. If the requirements are not met you can be ticketed by the police.
When Are Lights Required to Be Installed on a Trailer?
Lights are always required to be installed on a trailer before you hit the road. Because of the larger momentum that gooseneck and boat trailers carry, the illumination must always work correctly. These safety precautions include the right type of lights, as well as their positioning and functionality.
How many taillights are required for a trailer?
Trailer Lighting Requirements (Less Than 80”) Taillights (minimum of two lights required) - indicate your vehicle’s width and presence, and you place them symmetrically on the rear, far apart from each other. Stoplights (minimum of two lights required) - tell other drivers when you brake, placed symmetrically on the rear, as far apart as possible.
What are the trailer lighting regulations?
The trailer lighting regulations and standards created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) help keep your trailer visible with the safest lights. These trailer lighting regulations include the light location, how many lights your trailer needs, ...
What is the importance of trailer lights?
Safety is the top priority when you are pulling your large trailer on the road. Visibility and trailer lights are the most critical factors in making sure that other drivers can see your vehicle. You need to understand the trailer light requirements when replacing a single trailer light bulb, lens cover or set of lights.
What safety precautions are required for a trailer?
As soon as you hit the road, all trailers must have reflex reflectors, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.
How many red reflectors are there in a car?
Rear side reflex reflectors (minimum of two red reflectors) - show the vehicle’s width and presence and sit as far back as possible on each side of the rear, facing to the side.
How wide is a trailer?
There will be a label that communicates the following information to help you meet the correct trailer lighting requirements: The trailer is less than 80 inches wide and less than 30 feet long. The trailer is more than 80 inches wide, less than 30 feet long and the GVWR is over 10,000 pounds. The trailer is more than 80 inches wide, more ...
How many lights do you need for a 30 foot trailer?
If you have a 30-ft. long trailer (or longer), you need to have at least a pair of yellow intermediate side marker lamps to indicate its length. Trailers that measure 80 inches in width or more should have additional red lights at the rear: three identification (ID) lights centered on top and two clearance lights located at ...
How many license plate lights are needed for a trailer?
A trailer must also be equipped with minimum one license plate lamp (white), mounted above the license plate or at its sides. All rear lights except for the last-mentioned one are required to be installed symmetrically and as far apart as possible.
What is side lighting?
Side lighting is also mandatory for any trailer – it is used to indicate its length and presence. It must be equipped with at least two red rear side marker lights and reflectors, placed on each side of the trailer as far back as possible.
What are the rear lights on a trailer?
must have the following pairs of rear lights: tail lights and reflex reflectors that serve as indicators of trailer’s presence and width; brake lights to inform about stopping or slowing down, and turn signals to indicate in which direction you are going to turn.
Do you need a yellow side marker on a trailer?
At front, as far forward as it is possible , there should be a pair of yellow side marker lights with reflectors. Trailer light requirements for wide and long trailers mandate additional lights to be installed.
Do you need additional lights for a trailer?
A set of additional lighting is required for wide trailers with 10,000 lb of gross vehicle weight rating. No matter where you are in the United States, the NHTSA has a set of strict requirements that regulate trailer lighting. According to that list, all trailers require basic lights, so this fully clarifies the question “When are lights required ...
How many red lights do you need for a trailer?
A trailer must have at least one red light attached to the back that lights up when the brakes are applied. Trailers also are required to have rear lights, parking lights, turn-signal lights, hazard lights and stop lamps. All lights must be visible to the human eye from 500 feet away at night.
What are the requirements for side lights on a trailer?
Side Light Requirements. Sidelights, used to make other drivers aware of the trailer's presence and denote its length, must be placed in the same location on both sides of the vehicle. Rear side lights must be red and set as far back on the trailer as possible, between 15 and 60 inches high. Yellow front side lights must be placed as close to ...
What are the requirements for a trailer in Michigan?
In Michigan, the law requires that you equip your trailer with at least one working tail light; your trailer tires have a minimum tread of 2/32-inch; and a light illuminates the trailer license plate. All commercial trailers must have mud flaps on the rear wheels. Trailers weighing a minimum of 2,500 pounds must have turn signals and two red or amber rear stop lights that are visible from at least 100 feet during the day and night. Vehicles with a gross weight of under 3,000 pounds must have a single stop light if the trailer's load obscures the stop light on the towing vehicle. All trailers under 3,000 pounds must also have two red rear reflectors.
How far apart should the rear lights be on a trailer?
Trailers that are more than 80 inches wide must be equipped with additional lighting on the front and rear to indicate the trailer's width. Two red rear clearance lights must be placed at the trailer's widest point, as far apart and as high as possible. Three red identification lights must be centered on the back of the trailer, spread between 6 and 12 inches apart, and placed as high as possible. Front clearance lights must be put as high and as far forward as possible, at the trailer's widest point.
How tall are yellow lights on a trailer?
Yellow front side lights must be placed as close to the front of the trailer as possible and be at least 15 inches tall. All trailers over 30 feet long must have intermediate side lights to make other drivers aware of the extended length. These yellow lights must be placed in the middle of each side of the trailer and be at least 15 inches high.
What color are the brake lights on a trailer?
A pair of red brake lights; a pair of red taillights, used to indicate the trailer's width; a pair of yellow or red turn signals; and a single white license-plate light must be present on the rear of all trailers in the United States. Most of the lights, except for the license-plate lamp, must be placed as far apart as possible at an asymmetrical height between 15 and 72 inches, according to the NHTSA. The license-plate light must be mounted directly above or to the side of the license plate.
How many wheels do you need to brake a trailer?
The brakes must apply to all four wheels. When the brakes are applied, the trailer must stop within a certain distance. Trailers weighing more than 3,000 pounds must have a breakaway system. Trailers with extra wheels must have a brake system on each extra wheel.
How many rear clearance lamps are required for a pole trailer?
Footnote - 8 Pole trailers shall have on the rearmost support for the load: (1) two front clearance lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level and as high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (2) two rear clearance lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level and as high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (3) two rear side marker lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface; (4) two rear reflex reflectors, one on each side, both on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer; and (5) one red reflector on each side of the rearmost support for the load. Lamps and reflectors may be combined as allowed in § 393.22 .
How high are side marker lights on a semi trailer?
Footnote - 4 Any semitrailer or full trailer manufactured on or after March 1, 1979, shall be equipped with rear side-marker lamps at a height of not less than 381 mm (15 inches), and on the rear of trailers not more than 1,524 mm (60 inches) above the road surface, as measured from the center of the lamp on the vehicle at curb weight.
What are the lights on a converter dolly?
Footnote - 5 Each converter dolly, when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, shall be equipped with one stop lamp, one tail lamp, and two reflectors (one on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable) on the rear. Each converter dolly shall be equipped with rear turn signals and vehicular hazard warning signal flasher lamps when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, if the converter dolly obscures the turn signals at the rear of the towing vehicle.
What is the width of a boat trailer?
Footnote - 17 A boat trailer subject to this part whose overall width is 2032 mm (80 inches) or more need not be equipped with both front and rear clearance lamps provided an amber (front) and red (rear) clearance lamp is located at or near the midpoint on each side so as to indicate its extreme width.
Where are identification lamps mounted?
Footnote - 1 Identification lamps may be mounted on the vertical centerline of the cab where different from the centerline of the vehicle, except where the cab is not more than 42 inches wide at the front roofline, then a single lamp at the center of the cab shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for identification lamps. No part of the identification lamps or their mountings may extend below the top of the vehicle windshield.
How wide is a semi trailer?
F. Semitrailers and full trailers less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) in overall width.
How far beyond the rear of a vehicle is a headlamp required?
Motor vehicles transporting loads which extend more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the rear of the motor vehicle, or which have tailboards or tailgates extending more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the body, shall have these projections marked as follows when the vehicle is operated during the hours when headlamps are required to be used:
How to determine what lights a trailer needs?
To determine which lights a trailer needs, you need to know the trailer's overall length and width and whether the trailer's GVWR is greater than 10,000 lbs. If you don't know the dimensions of your trailer, you'll have to measure it. To find your trailer's GVWR, look for a sticker located somewhere on the trailer.
Where do you put lights on a trailer?
Lighting must be installed square to the trailer's centerline. For example, lights on the rear of the trailer must face toward the rear and not angle up, down, or sideways. PC combination side marker and clearance lights are an exception to this rule. To learn more about PC lights, see our section on PC vs. non-PC lights.
What side of the trailer do you put the red and yellow lights on?
Usually, this kind of light is mounted on the trailer's fender with the yellow side facing toward the front of the trailer and the red side facing toward the rear of the trailer.
How wide is a trailer?
Trailers that are 80" wide or wider, or that are 30' long or longer need additional lights and reflectors. A trailer that is 80" wide or wider and has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs requires conspicuity treatments .
How to measure trailer length?
Measuring the Length of a Trailer. To find a trailer's length, measure from the rearmost point on your trailer to the point of the trailer closest to the vehicle. Be sure to include the coupler or any overhang in this measurement.
Where are rear clearance lights on a utility trailer?
These combination lights are most commonly found on flat bed utility trailers. Rear clearance lights must be mounted low on these trailers because there is no place above the frame on which to mount the lights.
What is a strip of tape on a trailer?
A strip of tape (or reflectors) marks the sides of the trailer. Running along both sides of the trailer, as evenly spaced as possible. Covering at least 1/2 of trailer's length. Extending horizontally between the front and rear of the trailer as far as possible.
