§ 393.11 Lamps and reflective devices.
Wording in the annual edition revised as of Oct. 1, 2005, superseded by the 2006 annual edition.
The(a)(1) followingLamps and reflex reflectors. Table 1 setsspecifies forth the requiredrequirements color,for positionlamps, andreflective requireddevices lightingand devicesassociated equipment by the type of commercial motor vehicle. DiagramsThe illustratingdiagrams thein locationsthis ofsection lightingillustrate devicesthe andposition reflectorsof the lamps, byreflective typedevices and sizeassociated ofequipment commercialspecified motorin vehicle, are shown immediately following Table 1. All lightingcommercial devices on motor vehicles placedmanufactured inon operationor after MarchDecember 725, 19891968, must, at a minimum, meet the applicable requirements of 49 CFR 571.108 (FMVSS No. 108) in effect at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. MotorCommercial motor vehicles placedmanufactured before December 25, 1968, must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of subpart B of part 393 in operationeffect at the time of manufacture.
(2) Exceptions: Pole trailers and trailer converter dollies must meet the part 393 requirements for lamps, reflective devices and electrical equipment in effect at the time of manufacture. Trailers which are equipped with conspicuity material which meets the requirements of § 393.11(b) are not required to be equipped with the reflex reflectors listed in Table 1 if—
(i) The conspicuity material is placed at the locations where reflex reflectors are required by Table 1; and
(ii) The conspicuity material when installed on the motor vehicle meets the visibility requirements for the reflex reflectors.
(b) Conspicuity Systems. Each trailer of 2,032 mm (80 inches) or beforemore Marchoverall 7width, 1989and with a GVWR over 4,536 mustkg meet(10,000 pounds), manufactured on or after December 1, 1993, except pole trailers and trailers designed exclusively for living or office use, shall be equipped with either retroreflective sheeting that meets the requirements of thisFMVSS subchapterNo. 108 (S5.7.1), reflex reflectors that meet the requirements FMVSS No. 108 (S5.7.2), or parta 571combination of thisretroreflective titlesheeting and reflex reflectors that meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108 (S5.7.3). The conspicuity system shall be installed and located as specified in effectFMVSS atNo. 108 [S5.7.1.4 (for retroreflective sheeting), S5.7.2.2 (for reflex reflectors), S5.7.3 (for a combination of sheeting and reflectors)] and have certification and markings as required by S5.7.1.5 (for retroreflective tape) and S5.7.2.3 (for reflex reflectors).
(c) Prohibition on the timeuse of manufactureamber stop lamps and tail lamps. No commercial motor vehicle may be equipped with an amber stop lamp, a tail lamp, or other lamp which is optically combined with an amber stop lamp or tail lamp.
(d) Prohibition on the use of auxiliary lamps that supplement the identification lamps. No commercial motor vehicle may be equipped with lamps that are in a horizontal line with the required identification lamps unless those lamps are required by this regulation.
Table 1.—Required CommercialLamps Vehicleand LightingReflectors Equipmenton Commercial Motor Vehicles
Item on the vehicle Quantity Color Location Position Height above the road surface in inchesmillimeters (mm) (with English units in parenthesis) measured from the center of the lamp at curb weight RequiredVehicles lightingfor which the devices/vehicles are required
Headlamps 2 At Least White Front On the front at the same height, with an equal number at each side of the vertical centerlinecenter line as far apart as practicable Not less than 559 mm (22 inches) nor more than 1,372 mm (54 inches) A, B, C
Turn Signalsignal (Frontfront). See Footnotesfootnotes #2 &and 12 2 Amber At or Nearnear Frontthe front One on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable Not less than 381 mm (15 inches) nor more than 2,108 mm (83 inches) A, B, C
Identification Lamplamps (Frontfront). FootnoteSee footnote #1 3 Amber Front MountedAs onclose as practicable to the top of the vehicle, at the same height, and as close as practicable to the vertical centerline of the vehicle (or the vertical centerline of the cab where different from the centerline of the vehicle All) threewith onlamp samecenters levelspaced not less than 152 mm (6 inches) or more than 305 mm (12 inches) apart. Alternatively, the front lamps may be located as close as practicable to the top of the vehiclecab All withthree lampon centersthe spacedsame notlevel lessas thanclose 6as inchespracticable orto morethe thantop 12of inchesthe apartmotor vehicle B, C
Tail Lamplamps. See Footnotesfootnotes #5 &and 11 2 Red Rear One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable Both on the same level between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,829 mm (72 inches) A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
Table 1.—Required Lamps and Reflectors on Commercial Motor Vehicles
Item on the vehicle Quantity Color Location Position Height above the road surface in millimeters (mm) (with English units in parenthesis) measured from the center of the lamp at curb weight Vehicles for which the devices are required
Stop Lamplamps. See Footnotesfootnotes #5 &and 13 2 Red Rear One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable Both on the same level between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,829 mm (72 inches) A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Clearance Lampslamps. See Footnotesfootnotes #8, 9, 10, 15 & 1517 2 Amber One on each side of the front of the vehicle One on each side of the vertical centerline to indicate overall width Both on the same level as high as practicable B, C, D, G, H
2 Red One on each side of the rear of the vehicle One on each side of the vertical centerline to indicate overall width Both on the same level as high as practicable B, D, G, HSideReflex Marker Lampreflector, Intermediateintermediate (side) 2 Amber One on each side At or near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps, if overthe 30′length inof length Notthe lessvehicle thanis 15 A,more B,than D9,144 F,mm G(
Reflex Reflector Intermediate Side30 feet) 2 Amber OneBetween on381 eachmm side At(15inches) or near midpoint between front and rear1,524 side(60 reflectors if over 30′ in lengthinches) Between 15 and 60 A, B, D, F, G
Reflex Reflectorreflector (Rearrear). See Footnotesfootnotes #5, 6, &and 8 2 Red Rear One on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable and at the same height Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Reflex Reflectorreflector (Rearrear Sideside) Footnote #4. 2 Red One on each side (rear) As far to the rear as practicable Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) A, B, D, F, G
Reflex Reflectorreflector (Frontfront Sideside). See footnote #16 2 Amber One on each side (front) As far to the front as practicable Between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) A, B, C, D, F, G
License Plateplate Lamplamp Rear(rear). See Footnotefootnote #11 1 White At rear license plate To to illuminate the license plate from the top or sides No requirements A, B, C, D, F, G
Side Markermarker Lamplamp (Frontfront). See footnote #16 2 Amber One on each side As far to the front as practicable Not less than 381 mm (15 inches) A, B, C, D, F
Side Markermarker Lamplamp intermediate 2 Amber One on each side At or near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps, if the length of the vehicle is more than 9,144 mm (Rear30 feet) Not less tan 381 mm (15 inches) A, B, D, F, G
Side marker lamp (rear). See Footnotesfootnotes #4 &and 8 2 Red One on each side As far to the rear as practicable Not less than 381 mm (15 inches), and on the rear of trailer,trailers not more than 1,524 mm (60 inches) A, B, D, F, G
Turn Signalsignal (Rearrear). See Footnotesfootnotes #5 &and 12 2 Amber or Redred Rear One lamp on eachsideeach side of the vertical centerline as far apart as practicable Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Identification Lamplamp (Rearrear). See Footnotesfootnotes #3, 7, &and 15 3 Red Rear One as close as practicable to the vertical centerline. One on each side with lamp centers spaced not less than 152 mm (6″ inches) or more than 305 mm (12″ inches) apart All three on the same level as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle B, D, G
Vehicular Hazardhazard Warningwarning Flashingsignal Lampsflasher lamps. See Footnotefootnotes #5 and 12 2 Amber Front One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) A, B, C
2 Amber or red Rear One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) A, B, C, D, E, F, G 2 Amber or Red RearBackup Lamplamp. See Footnotefootnote #14 1 or 2 White Rear Rear No requirement A, B, C
Parking Lamplamp 2 Amber or white Front One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 722,108 mm (83 inches) A* Legend: LightingTypes Requiredof percommercial Typemotor ofvehicles Commercialshown Vehiclein asthe Shownlast Lastcolumn Column of Table 1.
A. SmallBuses buses and trucks less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) in overall width.
B. Buses and trucks 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more in overall width.
C. Truck Tractorstractors.
D. LargeSemitrailers semitrailers and full trailers 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more in overall width except converter dollies.
E. Converter dolly.
F. SmallSemitrailers semitrailers and full trailers less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) in overall width.
G. Pole Trailerstrailers.
H. Projecting loads.
Note: Lamps and reflectors may be combined as permitted by Paragraphs§ 393.22 and S4S5.4 of 49 CFR 571.108, Equipment combinations.
Footnote—11Identification lamps may be mounted on the vertical centerline of the cab where different from the centerline of the vehicle, except where the cab is not more than 42 inches wide at the front roofline, then a single lamp at the center of the cab shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for identification lamps. No part of the identification lamps or their mountings may extend below the top of the vehicle windshield.
Identification
Footnote—22Unless the turn signals on the front are so constructed (double-faced) and located as to be visible to passing drivers, two turn signals are required on the rear of the truck tractor, one at each side as far apart as practicable.
Unless
Footnote—33The identification lamps need not be visible or lighted if obscured by a vehicle in the same combination.
The
Footnote—44Any semitrailer or full trailer
Anyvehicles manufactured on andor after March 1, 1979, shall be equipped with rear side-marker lamps at a height of not less than 15381 inchesmm (38115 mminches), norand on the rear of trailers not more than 601,524 inchesmm (152460 mminches) above the road surface, as measured from the center of the lamp on the vehicle at curb weight.
Footnote—5Each Theconverter reardolly, sidewhen markertowed lampssingly shallby beanother visible in the vehicle's rearviewand mirrorsnot whenas thepart trailer is tracking straight.of
Footnote—5
For purposes thesea regulationsfull trailer, each converter dolly shall be equipped with one stop lamp, one tail lamp, and two reflectors (one on each side of the rearvertical atcenterline, eachas sidefar whenapart towedas singlypracticable) byon anotherthe vehiclerear. Each converter dolly shall be equipped with rear turn signals atand thevehicular rearhazard warning signal flasher lamps when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, if the converter dolly obscures the turn signals at the rear of the towing vehicle when towed singly by another vehicle.
Footnote—66Pole trailers
Polewillshall havebe equipped with two reflex reflectors on the rear, one on each side, placedof the vertical centerline as far apart as practicable, to indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
Footnote—77Pole trailers,
Polemaywhen havetowed threeby identificationmotor lampsvehicles mountedwith onrear theidentification verticallamps centerlinemeeting of the rearrequirements of the§ cab393.11 ofand themounted truckat tractora drawingheight thegreater pole trailer, and higher than the load being transported, inon lieu of the threepole identificationtrailer, lampsare mountednot onrequired theto have rear verticalidentification centerline of the trailerlamps.
Footnote—88Pole trailers shall have on the rearmost support for the load: (1) two front clearance lamps, one
Polecombinationon markereach lampside orof the vehicle, both on the same level and as high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (2) two singlerear clearance lamps, showingone amberon toeach side of the frontvehicle, both on the same level and redas high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (3) two rear andside marker lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, mountedboth on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface; (4) two rear reflex reflectors, one on each side, both on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer; and (5) one red reflector on each side of the rearmost support for the load. Lamps and reflectors may be combined as allowed in § 393.22.
Footnote—99Any motor vehicle transporting a load which extends more than 102 mm (4 inches) beyond the overall width of the motor vehicle
Any, or having projections beyond the rear of such vehicles, shall be equipped with the following lamps in addition to other required lamps, havewhen theoperated loadsduring markedthe
Loadsprojectinghours morewhen thanheadlamps 4are inchesrequired beyondto sidesbe of motor vehicles:used.
(1) The foremost edge of thethat projectingportion loadof atthe itsload outermostwhich extremityprojects shallbeyond be marked with an amber lamp visible from the frontside and both sides.of the
(2) The rearmost edge projectingvehicle loadshall be marked (at its outermost extremity) shall be marked with aan redamber lamp visible from the rearfront and side.
(32) IfThe anyrearmost edge of that portion of the projecting load extendswhich projects beyond both the foremostside andof rearmostthe edge,vehicle it shall be marked (at its outermost extremity) with ana amberred lamp visible from the front,rear both sides, and rearside.
(43) If the protectingprojecting load does not measure more than 914 mm (3 feet) from front to rear, it shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front, both sides, and rear, except that if the projection is located at or near the rear it shall be marked by a red lamp visible from front, side, and rear.
Footnote—1010Projections beyond rear of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles transporting loads which extend more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the rear of the motor vehicle, or which have
Projectionsthese tailboards or tailgates extending more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the body, shall have these projections marked as follows when the vehicle is operated during the hours when headlamps are required to be used:
(1) On each side of the projecting load, one red side marker lamp, visible from the side, located so as to indicate maximum overhang.
(2) On the rear of the projecting load, two red lamps, visible from the rear, one at each side; and two red reflectors visible from the rear, one at each side, located so as to indicate maximum width.
Footnote—1111To be illuminated when tractor headlamps are illuminated.
To
Footnote—1212Every bus, truck, and truck tractor shall be equipped with a signaling system that, in addition to signaling turning movements, shall have a switch or combination of switches that will cause the two front turn signals and the two rear signals to flash simultaneously as a vehicular traffic signal warning, required by § 392-22(a). The system shall be capable of flashing simultaneously with the ignition of the vehicle on or off.
Every
Footnote—1313To be actuated upon application of service brakes.
To
Footnote—1414Backup lamp required to operate when bus, truck, or truck tractor is in reverse.
Backup
Footnote—15
(1) For the purposes of Section 393.11, the term “overall width” refers to the nominal design dimension of the widest part of the vehicle, exclusive of the signal lamps, marker lamps, outside rearview mirrors, flexible fender extensions, and mud flaps.
(2) Clearance lamps may be mounted at a location other than on the front and rear if necessary to indicate the overall width of a vehicle, or for protection from damage during normal operation of the vehicle.
(3) On a trailer, the front clearance lamps may be mounted at a height below the extreme height if mounting at the extreme height results in the lamps failing to mark the overall width of the trailer.
(4) On a truck tractor, clearance lamps mounted on the cab may be located to indicate the width of the cab, rather than the width of the vehicle.
(5) When the rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of a vehicle, rear clearance lamps needare not meetrequired theto requirement that they be located as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle.[Figure Footnote—16A ortrailer graphicsubject omittedto this part that is less than 1829 mm (6 feet) in overall length, including the trailer tongue, need not be equipped with front side marker lamps and front side reflex reflectors.
Footnote—17A Seeboat trailer subject to this part whose overall width is 2032 mm (80 inches) or more need not be equipped with both front and rear clearance lamps provided an amber (front) and red (rear) clearance lamp is located at or near the officialmidpoint sourceon each side so as to indicate its extreme width.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]
[Figure or graphic omitted. See the official source.]Legend[Figure (Usedor ingraphic Illustrations)omitted.
1HeadlampsSee (2)-Whitethe (4official optional)source.
2 Side-marker lamps. Front (2)-Amber]3.[Figure Sideor reflectors.graphic Front (2)-Amberomitted.
4Turn-signalSee lamps.the Frontofficial (2)-Ambersource.
4a Turn-signal lamps. Front (2)-Amber (Optional location)]5.[Figure Identificationor lamps.graphic Front (3)-Amberomitted.
5aIdentificationSee lamps.the Frontofficial (3)-Amber (Optional location)source.
6 Clearance lamps. Front (2)-Amber]7.[Figure Side-marker lamps. Rear (2)-Redor
8. Side-reflectors. Rear (2)-Red
9. Identification lamps. Rear (3)-Red
10. Clearance lamps. Rear (2)-Red
11. Reflectors Rear (2)-Red
12. Stop lamps. Rear (2)-Red
13. License plate lamp. Rear (1)-White
14. Backup lamp. Rear (1)-White (location optional provided optional requirements are met)
15. Side-marker lamps. Intermediate (2)-Amber (if vehicle is 30′ moregraphic overall length)omitted.
16SideSee reflectors.the Intermediateofficial (2)-Amber (if vehicle is 30′ or more overall length)source.
17 Turn signal lamps. Rear (2)-Amber or Red]18. Tail lamps. Rear (2)-Red[
19. Parking lamps. Front 2-Amber or White5370 FR 4938548027, DecAug. 715, 19882005]
(a)(1) Lamps and reflex reflectors. Table 1 specifies the requirements for lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment by the type of commercial motor vehicle. The diagrams in this section illustrate the position of the lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment specified in Table 1. All commercial motor vehicles manufactured on or after December 25, 1968, must, at a minimum, meet the applicable requirements of 49 CFR 571.108 (FMVSS No. 108) in effect at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. Commercial motor vehicles manufactured before December 25, 1968, must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of subpart B of part 393 in effect at the time of manufacture.
(2) Exceptions: Pole trailers and trailer converter dollies must meet the part 393 requirements for lamps, reflective devices and electrical equipment in effect at the time of manufacture. Trailers which are equipped with conspicuity material which meets the requirements of § 393.11(b) are not required to be equipped with the reflex reflectors listed in Table 1 if—
(i) The conspicuity material is placed at the locations where reflex reflectors are required by Table 1; and
(ii) The conspicuity material when installed on the motor vehicle meets the visibility requirements for the reflex reflectors.
(b) Conspicuity Systems. Each trailer of 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more overall width, and with a GVWR over 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds), manufactured on or after December 1, 1993, except pole trailers and trailers designed exclusively for living or office use, shall be equipped with either retroreflective sheeting that meets the requirements of FMVSS No. 108 (S5.7.1), reflex reflectors that meet the requirements FMVSS No. 108 (S5.7.2), or a combination of retroreflective sheeting and reflex reflectors that meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108 (S5.7.3). The conspicuity system shall be installed and located as specified in FMVSS No. 108 [S5.7.1.4 (for retroreflective sheeting), S5.7.2.2 (for reflex reflectors), S5.7.3 (for a combination of sheeting and reflectors)] and have certification and markings as required by S5.7.1.5 (for retroreflective tape) and S5.7.2.3 (for reflex reflectors).
(c) Prohibition on the use of amber stop lamps and tail lamps. No commercial motor vehicle may be equipped with an amber stop lamp, a tail lamp, or other lamp which is optically combined with an amber stop lamp or tail lamp.
(d) Prohibition on the use of auxiliary lamps that supplement the identification lamps. No commercial motor vehicle may be equipped with lamps that are in a horizontal line with the required identification lamps unless those lamps are required by this regulation.
| Item on the vehicle | Quantity | Color | Location | Position | Height above the road surface in millimeters (mm) (with English units in parenthesis) measured from the center of the lamp at curb weight | Vehicles for which the devices are required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlamps | 2 | White | Front | On the front at the same height, with an equal number at each side of the vertical center line as far apart as practicable | Not less than 559 mm (22 inches) nor more than 1,372 mm (54 inches) | A, B, C |
| Turn signal (front). See footnotes #2 and 12 | 2 | Amber | At or near the front | One on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable | Not less than 381 mm (15 inches) nor more than 2,108 mm (83 inches) | A, B, C |
| Identification lamps (front). See footnote #1 | 3 | Amber | Front | As close as practicable to the top of the vehicle, at the same height, and as close as practicable to the vertical centerline of the vehicle (or the vertical centerline of the cab where different from the centerline of the vehicle) with lamp centers spaced not less than 152 mm (6 inches) or more than 305 mm (12 inches) apart. Alternatively, the front lamps may be located as close as practicable to the top of the cab | All three on the same level as close as practicable to the top of the motor vehicle | B, C |
| Tail lamps. See footnotes #5 and 11 | 2 | Red | Rear | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,829 mm (72 inches) | A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H |
| Item on the vehicle | Quantity | Color | Location | Position | Height above the road surface in millimeters (mm) (with English units in parenthesis) measured from the center of the lamp at curb weight | Vehicles for which the devices are required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stop lamps. See footnotes #5 and 13 | 2 | Red | Rear | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,829 mm (72 inches) | A, B, C, D, E, F, G |
| Clearance lamps. See footnotes #8, 9, 10, 15 & 17 | 2 | Amber | One on each side of the front of the vehicle | One on each side of the vertical centerline to indicate overall width | Both on the same level as high as practicable | B, C, D, G, H |
| 2 | Red | One on each side of the rear of the vehicle | One on each side of the vertical centerline to indicate overall width | Both on the same level as high as practicable | B, D, G, H | |
| Reflex reflector, intermediate (side) | 2 | Amber | One on each side | At or near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps, if the length of the vehicle is more than 9,144 mm (30 feet) | Between 381 mm (15inches) and 1,524 (60 inches) | A, B, D, F, G |
| Reflex reflector (rear). See footnotes #5, 6, and 8 | 2 | Red | Rear | One on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable and at the same height | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) | A, B, C, D, E, F, G |
| Reflex reflector (rear side). | 2 | Red | One on each side (rear) | As far to the rear as practicable | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) | A, B, D, F, G |
| Reflex reflector (front side). See footnote #16 | 2 | Amber | One on each side (front) | As far to the front as practicable | Between 381 mm (15 inches) and 1,524 mm (60 inches) | A, B, C, D, F, G |
| License plate lamp (rear). See footnote #11 | 1 | White | At rear license plate to illuminate the plate from the top or sides | No requirements | A, B, C, D, F, G | |
| Side marker lamp (front). See footnote #16 | 2 | Amber | One on each side | As far to the front as practicable | Not less than 381 mm (15 inches) | A, B, C, D, F |
| Side marker lamp intermediate | 2 | Amber | One on each side | At or near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps, if the length of the vehicle is more than 9,144 mm (30 feet) | Not less tan 381 mm (15 inches) | A, B, D, F, G |
| Side marker lamp (rear). See footnotes #4 and 8 | 2 | Red | One on each side | As far to the rear as practicable | Not less than 381 mm (15 inches), and on the rear of trailers not more than 1,524 mm (60 inches) | A, B, D, F, G |
| Turn signal (rear). See footnotes #5 and 12 | 2 | Amber or red | Rear | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) | A, B, C, D, E, F, G |
| Identification lamp (rear). See footnotes #3, 7, and 15 | 3 | Red | Rear | One as close as practicable to the vertical centerline. One on each side with lamp centers spaced not less than 152 mm (6 inches) or more than 305 mm (12 inches) apart | All three on the same level as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle | B, D, G |
| Vehicular hazard warning signal flasher lamps. See footnotes #5 and 12 | 2 | Amber | Front | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) | A, B, C |
| 2 | Amber or red | Rear | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) | A, B, C, D, E, F, G | |
| Backup lamp. See footnote #14 | 1 or 2 | White | Rear | Rear | No requirement | A, B, C |
| Parking lamp | 2 | Amber or white | Front | One lamp on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable | Both on the same level, between 381 mm (15 inches) and 2,108 mm (83 inches) | A |
Legend: Types of commercial motor vehicles shown in the last column of Table 1.
A. Buses and trucks less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) in overall width.
B. Buses and trucks 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more in overall width.
C. Truck tractors.
D. Semitrailers and full trailers 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more in overall width except converter dollies.
E. Converter dolly.
F. Semitrailers and full trailers less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) in overall width.
G. Pole trailers.
H. Projecting loads.
Note: Lamps and reflectors may be combined as permitted by § 393.22 and S5.4 of 49 CFR 571.108, Equipment combinations.
Footnote—1Identification lamps may be mounted on the vertical centerline of the cab where different from the centerline of the vehicle, except where the cab is not more than 42 inches wide at the front roofline, then a single lamp at the center of the cab shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for identification lamps. No part of the identification lamps or their mountings may extend below the top of the vehicle windshield.
Footnote—2Unless the turn signals on the front are so constructed (double-faced) and located as to be visible to passing drivers, two turn signals are required on the rear of the truck tractor, one at each side as far apart as practicable.
Footnote—3The identification lamps need not be visible or lighted if obscured by a vehicle in the same combination.
Footnote—4Any semitrailer or full trailer manufactured on or after March 1, 1979, shall be equipped with rear side-marker lamps at a height of not less than 381 mm (15 inches), and on the rear of trailers not more than 1,524 mm (60 inches) above the road surface, as measured from the center of the lamp on the vehicle at curb weight.
Footnote—5Each converter dolly, when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, shall be equipped with one stop lamp, one tail lamp, and two reflectors (one on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable) on the rear. Each converter dolly shall be equipped with rear turn signals and vehicular hazard warning signal flasher lamps when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, if the converter dolly obscures the turn signals at the rear of the towing vehicle.
Footnote—6Pole trailers shall be equipped with two reflex reflectors on the rear, one on each side of the vertical centerline as far apart as practicable, to indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
Footnote—7Pole trailers, when towed by motor vehicles with rear identification lamps meeting the requirements of § 393.11 and mounted at a height greater than the load being transported on the pole trailer, are not required to have rear identification lamps.
Footnote—8Pole trailers shall have on the rearmost support for the load: (1) two front clearance lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level and as high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (2) two rear clearance lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level and as high as practicable to indicate the overall width of the pole trailer; (3) two rear side marker lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, both on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface; (4) two rear reflex reflectors, one on each side, both on the same level, not less than 375 mm (15 inches) above the road surface to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer; and (5) one red reflector on each side of the rearmost support for the load. Lamps and reflectors may be combined as allowed in § 393.22.
Footnote—9Any motor vehicle transporting a load which extends more than 102 mm (4 inches) beyond the overall width of the motor vehicle shall be equipped with the following lamps in addition to other required lamps when operated during the hours when headlamps are required to be used.
(1) The foremost edge of that portion of the load which projects beyond the side of the vehicle shall be marked (at its outermost extremity) with an amber lamp visible from the front and side.
(2) The rearmost edge of that portion of the load which projects beyond the side of the vehicle shall be marked (at its outermost extremity) with a red lamp visible from the rear and side.
(3) If the projecting load does not measure more than 914 mm (3 feet) from front to rear, it shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front, both sides, and rear, except that if the projection is located at or near the rear it shall be marked by a red lamp visible from front, side, and rear.
Footnote—10Projections beyond rear of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles transporting loads which extend more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the rear of the motor vehicle, or which have tailboards or tailgates extending more than 1,219 mm (4 feet) beyond the body, shall have these projections marked as follows when the vehicle is operated during the hours when headlamps are required to be used:
(1) On each side of the projecting load, one red side marker lamp, visible from the side, located so as to indicate maximum overhang.
(2) On the rear of the projecting load, two red lamps, visible from the rear, one at each side; and two red reflectors visible from the rear, one at each side, located so as to indicate maximum width.
Footnote—11To be illuminated when tractor headlamps are illuminated.
Footnote—12Every bus, truck, and truck tractor shall be equipped with a signaling system that, in addition to signaling turning movements, shall have a switch or combination of switches that will cause the two front turn signals and the two rear signals to flash simultaneously as a vehicular traffic signal warning, required by § 392-22(a). The system shall be capable of flashing simultaneously with the ignition of the vehicle on or off.
Footnote—13To be actuated upon application of service brakes.
Footnote—14Backup lamp required to operate when bus, truck, or truck tractor is in reverse.
Footnote—15
(1) For the purposes of Section 393.11, the term “overall width” refers to the nominal design dimension of the widest part of the vehicle, exclusive of the signal lamps, marker lamps, outside rearview mirrors, flexible fender extensions, and mud flaps.
(2) Clearance lamps may be mounted at a location other than on the front and rear if necessary to indicate the overall width of a vehicle, or for protection from damage during normal operation of the vehicle.
(3) On a trailer, the front clearance lamps may be mounted at a height below the extreme height if mounting at the extreme height results in the lamps failing to mark the overall width of the trailer.
(4) On a truck tractor, clearance lamps mounted on the cab may be located to indicate the width of the cab, rather than the width of the vehicle.
(5) When the rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of a vehicle, rear clearance lamps are not required to be located as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle.
Footnote—16A trailer subject to this part that is less than 1829 mm (6 feet) in overall length, including the trailer tongue, need not be equipped with front side marker lamps and front side reflex reflectors.
Footnote—17A boat trailer subject to this part whose overall width is 2032 mm (80 inches) or more need not be equipped with both front and rear clearance lamps provided an amber (front) and red (rear) clearance lamp is located at or near the midpoint on each side so as to indicate its extreme width.
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[70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005]
Amendment history
11 distinct wordings on file since Oct. 1, 1996- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007; 78 FR 58484, Sept. 24, 2013; 81 FR 47731, July 22, 2016; 81 FR 60634, Sept. 2, 2016; 91 FR 7873, Feb. 19, 2026]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007; 78 FR 58484, Sept. 24, 2013; 81 FR 47731, July 22, 2016; 81 FR 60634, Sept. 2, 2016]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007; 78 FR 58484, Sept. 24, 2013; 81 FR 47731, July 22, 2016; 81 FR 60634, Sept. 2, 2016]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007; 78 FR 58484, Sept. 24, 2013]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 32014, June 11, 2007; 72 FR 33562, June 18, 2007]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005]
- [70 FR 48027, Aug. 15, 2005]
- [53 FR 49385, Dec. 7, 1988]
- Oct. 1, 1996 → Oct. 1, 2001annual editions 1996–2000[53 FR 49385, Dec. 7, 1988]
A new entry appears whenever the regulatory words change between government snapshots. Day-precise from the eCFR (2017 onward); before that, one snapshot per annual CFR edition (revised as of October 1). Bracketed citations are the Federal Register history printed with the section.