Clearance lights are extra lights on vehicles, particularly trailers, used to illuminate the size and presence of vehicles on the road for other drivers.
Clearance lights are required for all vehicles under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, enacted Jan. 1, 1969.
Clearance lights show the vehicle's width to other drivers on the road. With clearance lights, other drivers better see a vehicle at night or in conditions of reduced visibility. Clearance lights prevent accidents and minimize the severity of those accidents that occur.
Clearance lights are required on all passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and trailers.
Clearance lights are required on most trailers, including flatbed, open, boat, enclosed, and recreational trailers such as travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and folding camp trailers.
For trailers 80 inches or wider, a minimum of 2 red lights (in the rear) and 2 yellow lights (in the front) must be placed at the widest points on the trailer. Rear lights may not be combined with tail lights. All clearance lights must be placed as high on the trailer as possible.
