Trailer lighting regulations
- Thread starter UK4X4
- Start date
wagner_joe
Adventurer
UK4X4
Expedition Leader
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/.../Trlrpstr.html
that link is the Canadian one I found.....
and the CA DMV just mentions
Trailers in California are required to have reflectors, tail lights, brake, and license plate lights. Also, signal lights are required if the tow vehicle lights are hidden.
The Q is regards to the reflectors,positioning and side lights
As the rear lights will not be visable from the side as they are set into the body
Can I take it that the canadian rules are the same as the US ?
that link is the Canadian one I found.....
and the CA DMV just mentions
Trailers in California are required to have reflectors, tail lights, brake, and license plate lights. Also, signal lights are required if the tow vehicle lights are hidden.
The Q is regards to the reflectors,positioning and side lights
As the rear lights will not be visable from the side as they are set into the body
Can I take it that the canadian rules are the same as the US ?
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
UK4X4 said:
Paul
From memory you need;
Front orange side lights on both sides
Rear red side lights on both sides, if the tail light don't have built in side lights or are not visible.
Side lights must be place at the maximum width of the trailer, or as close as possible.
Orange reflectors next to the front side lights
Red reflectors next to the red side lights
Red reflectors on the rear one on each side.
Rear stop tail turn
License plate light
Some lights have built in reflectors.
All lights and reflectors must be stamped DOT
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Here is the link to the federal requirement for your trailer which is the same in California. Your trailer will fall under the requirement of the diagram of the first trailer, the small utility box.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/Trlrpstr.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/Trlrpstr.html
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
FWIW when MISF & I took the Cheep Utility Trailer (GM p'up bed on an IH p'up frame rear half) to the DMV we had been very anal about lights working etc. The gal came out and looked at it. "Yup, that's a trailer. So where' the VIN stamped, or is there one?" The rest of the transaction involved her affixing the CA state ID foil sticker and telling us to stamp the assigned VIN in an obvious place near the sticker and in a place where only we knew it was in case of it being stolen.
Never asked if the lights worked. Never mentioned reflectors. The trailer has only the GM tail lights and a license plate light on it. No additional reflectors.
I suspect that AT is held to a much higher standard since they are a manufacturer.
BTW, if the trailer has a VIN stamped in it they will use that so long as it does not conflict with any existing VIN or, I suspect, falsely identify the trailer as a product of an mfg that you aren't. So you can create your own custom VIN if you want to. Wish we'd known that.
Never asked if the lights worked. Never mentioned reflectors. The trailer has only the GM tail lights and a license plate light on it. No additional reflectors.
I suspect that AT is held to a much higher standard since they are a manufacturer.
BTW, if the trailer has a VIN stamped in it they will use that so long as it does not conflict with any existing VIN or, I suspect, falsely identify the trailer as a product of an mfg that you aren't. So you can create your own custom VIN if you want to. Wish we'd known that.
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
ntsqd said:
As always it varies from DMV to DMV and from individuals within that DMV office. Where it seems to be non negotiable is with the CHP on a traffic stop. Those guys will write you up and site every regulation you broke having memorized the regulation down to the last digit.
Steve Curren
Explorer
CHP will stamp the VIN on the trailer for you.
Rezarf <><
Explorer
FWIW, I was SHOCKED at how easy it was to register, title and tag my home built trailer. I spent about 10 minutes in the DMV (a small miracle in itself) and walked out with everything I needed for 43 bucks.
For constructio details, I started to go into a detailed account of what I made the trailer out of and how it was put together and the lady stopped me and said, "Just write, parts on hand." So I did, and I walked out sight unseen with all the documentation I need.
It is honestly a bit scary thinking what could be rolling down the road without so much as a visual inspection...
Just thought I would share my experience.
For constructio details, I started to go into a detailed account of what I made the trailer out of and how it was put together and the lady stopped me and said, "Just write, parts on hand." So I did, and I walked out sight unseen with all the documentation I need.
It is honestly a bit scary thinking what could be rolling down the road without so much as a visual inspection...
Just thought I would share my experience.
As Martyn stated, there are wide variations even within the same state. When we built our first one we were told pictures of all four sides and construction method. We went with "welded steel frame" for the chassis description. Came back as rejected...they wanted steel sizes, wall thickness, type of welding (stick, MIG, TIG...), welding rod or wire type... Maybe we caught a newby on a bad day with a new book to study!
Still, no matter what happens at this stage, nothing but the true regs matter when you are at the side of the road talking to your state's finest or the DOT. It is best if you know the regs as they apply to YOUR trailer. Here in PA you are required to have the trailer inspected every year, checking for DOT compliance and working systems. Seems that it is not done properly quite often, but it still becomes your responsibility in the event of a "incidence", DOT check, or if "the man in the unmarked Plymouth pulls you over to say Hi"!
Mitch
Still, no matter what happens at this stage, nothing but the true regs matter when you are at the side of the road talking to your state's finest or the DOT. It is best if you know the regs as they apply to YOUR trailer. Here in PA you are required to have the trailer inspected every year, checking for DOT compliance and working systems. Seems that it is not done properly quite often, but it still becomes your responsibility in the event of a "incidence", DOT check, or if "the man in the unmarked Plymouth pulls you over to say Hi"!
Mitch
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