Side reflector placements required or not?

[ikk]

I have been looking at a lot of trailer builds for ideas for my own trailer I am going to start working on. I have noticed a lot of what seem to be finished trailers not having the side amber reflectors in the front. I thought that was a federal standard for all states. Do people go without not hopping to get caught or am I missing something?

 

[GeoTracker90]

My understanding is that if the lights are not certified as bot a light and a reflector then a separate reflector is required. I think a lot of people are just not aware of this stipulation, and thus don't even think about adding a reflector in addition to the clearance lights. Just my take though.

Mike

 

[M35A2]

This is one of those things that you don't need to worry about. No one is going to care or write you up either way.

 

[chet6.7]

I was riding my motorcycle late one night on a busy(for here) two lane road,I was slowing down getting ready to turn left after the next vehicle passed.As I started to turn, I sensed something and slowed way down,just then a trailer with no side reflectors or lights bounced by.
Please put side reflectors on your trailers.

 

[highdesertranger]

don't worry about it. what? a buddy of mine got a ticket here in California for not having them on his trailer. highdesertranger

 

[Louisd75]

Here ya go:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/Trlrpstr.html

You could probably get away with not having them, but I'm sure that if anything went wrong that there would be a lawyer jumping up and down with a printed copy of that link.

 

[Martyn]

Side reflectors are required, amber in the front, red in the back. They can be combined in the side clearance lights or as individual reflectors. Red reflectors are required on the back of the trailer, either combined in the rear lights or as individual reflectors. There are additional specifications if the trailer is 80" wide or wider.

 

[java]

Most trailer tail lights have reflectors built in on the sides. Not sure on the requirements for CA, but I put a amber light on the leading edge/back of the tongue on mine, it has a reflector also, and went through inspection fine. But I doubt the inspectors even glanced at it.

 

[ikk]

I did not see any specs to the size of the reflectors needed for the front and back side. I have Amber and Red mini LED lights that I plan to place within a stick on flat reflector. I wonder how small I can cut the reflector down to. currently they are 4"x1 3/4 plan to cut it down to 3"x 1 3/4.

 

[java]

I did not see any specs to the size of the reflectors needed for the front and back side. I have Amber and Red mini LED lights that I plan to place within a stick on flat reflector. I wonder how small I can cut the reflector down to. currently they are 4"x1 3/4 plan to cut it down to 3"x 1 3/4.

I think your fine if there is any real reflector there. The ones on my tail lights are probably 1.25"x2.5" at most

 

[Titanpat57]

Might want to also check your specific state's law and requirements to insure you comply, especially if it's going to be a home built and be state inspected prior to registration.