How to Determine Trailer Lighting Requirements for Car Hauler Trailer

Updated 01/31/2017 | Published 01/30/2017

Question:

hello, does this light installed in the middle of rear of a car hauler meet the dot requirement for trailers over 80 inches wide? Thanks

asked by: Alan

Expert Reply:

Lighting requirements for trailers over 80-inches wide do vary a bit depending on the trailer's gross weight. The linked article details the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines for trailer lighting based on trailer size and weight.

The standard calls for 2 stop/brake lights only, but you certainly could add a third stop/turn/tail light such as # STL59RB from Optronics. However, adding this light does not reduce the other requirements. There are also conspicuity requirements for larger trailers; these are also detailed in the linked article.

I also linked our main page for all trailer lighting products.

expert reply by: Adam R