Are the 3rd Brake Light and License Plate Light Mandatory When Flat Towing a 2017 Jeep Wrangler
Updated 07/20/2026 | Published 09/20/2017
Question:
I installed a Hopkins 56200 Wiring harness for my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The license plate light as well as the 3rd middle brake light does NOT work when plugged into the RV. They DO work when using the Jeep normally. I believe the license plate light is mandatory to have lit when driving at night. However, the 3rd brake light is NOT necessary. Is there a fix for this? I also noticed that in some of the YouTube videos that show the final test, the 3rd brake light never lights up.
asked by: Lin
Expert Reply:
The Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56200 will not activate the 3rd tail light on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler because it is created to keep from backfeeding into the wiring on your Wrangler. This is the same case for your license plate light.
Having the 3rd brake light and/or the license plate light is not mandatory when flat towing. I have confirmed this with one of my contacts about flat towing.
With that being said, it sounds like you installed the kit correctly and you are good to start towing your Jeep!
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar wiring
- Video: Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter: The Breakdown
- Q&A: Can A Trailer Wiring Harness Be "Stacked" On A Flat Towing Wiring Harness?
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Comparing Portable Flat Tow Braking Systems - Curt RVi and Blue Ox Patriot
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Q&A: How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Breaking Down the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: Replacing 6-Way on Trailer With 7-Way Connector
on Flat Tow Wiring Harness
Richard D.
7/20/2026
I was just challenged in my first tow 600-mile tow, and was stopped by NC State Police. My License plate light was not illuminated. and if my daytime running lights on the truck didn't happen to be on, he would have cited me, as a for instance, the front amber side marker lamps need to be also shown, just like as required for a towed trailer. The third brake light is not an NC law on a trailer. So as challenged, on 06/17/26 by NC State Police, the License Plate light, and the front amber side marker lamps need to be added in the mix, as if it were a trailer, and trailers must illuminate the license plate. Your thoughts.