Side running lights

[Reddiver]

Well La Tortuga is moving along about ready to stack the bulkheads on the deck. My question is are side running lights required?

[Miriam C.]

In most states side running lights are required on the front and back. Some states require blinker and stop light to be visible from the side too.

[Hinermad]

I haven't found California's exact requirements online, but here's the federal Dept of Transportation requirement:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/sta ... rpstr.html

This link is Cal. DMV's general guidelines for towing. There's a short section on lighting near the bottom but it doesn't go into details.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

Here's the index for the section of the CA vehicle code that covers trailers. Check the links for reflectors, signal lamps, stoplamps, and tail lamps. There may be more. IANAL.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc_index_t.htm

Good luck!

Dave

[Dale M.]

California and most other states "require" at least the federal minimum standards.... Whether or not you follow this is your choice....

Here is most definitive requirement for clearance light..

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25100.htm

IF trailer is over 80 inch wide it IS required to have clearance lights...

Yes, 80 inches is trailers widest point probably at outside of fenders if so equipped.

Here is "alpha" index to CA DMV.... Probably easiest way to find anything...

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm

Dale

[emiller]

I put 4' long running lights on mine because driving in California traffic at night drivers can't see my trailer and try to cut in right behind me and almost got hit a few times so I would recommend them. Plus backing in at night it gives kind of a refference of where I'm putting the trailer.

[Dale M.]

I put 4' long running lights on mine because driving in California traffic at night drivers can't see my trailer and try to cut in right behind me and almost got hit a few times so I would recommend them. Plus backing in at night it gives kind of a refference of where I'm putting the trailer.

Good point.....

You should see surprised faces when people discover a empty car carrier trailer behind my truck... Even in daylight...

Dale

[wlooper89]

I agree. The running lights might prevent someone from not seeing the trailer and hitting it. I know of one case where a Little Guy was hit by another vehicle and the trailer was sent back to the manufacturer for repair. I turn on my running lights day or night.

Bill