Federal Requirements for Clearance Light Placement on a Trailer

Published 11/04/2011

Question:

Can you mount this light at angle at the front corner of your trailer and eliminate a clearance light? In other words could it replace the clearance light pointed forward and the one pointed to the side at the front corner of the trailer?

asked by: Arnie

Expert Reply:

There are certain federal requirements for the type of lights and the placement of the lights on trailers and it is different for different types of trailers.

For a small flat bed trailer, enclosed trailer, or travel trailer, at the front on both sides, you would need to have side marker lamps and reflectors. Enclosed trailers and small travel trailers will have side marker lamps at the top of the trailer too.

For large flat bed trailers, you will need the side marker lamps and reflectors and on the very front in the corners, there also needs to be front clearance lamps.

You cannot use one light to replace both lights if 1 is required on the side and 1 is required on the front.

expert reply by: Michael H