Lighting Regulations: There are dozens of laws regulating lighting on cars. Laws regulate the types, size and color of lights on every kind of vehicle that operates on the public roadways. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 2.5 million miles were driven by motorists on more than 4 million miles of roadways in 1999, breaking down to 9,870 miles per capita. Considering that those miles are driven at all hours of the day and night, uniform lighting for vehicles becomes a necessary concern for both visibility and safety.
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[box type=”shadow”]Function
Car lighting regulations establish customary meanings and uses called “conventions.” For example, light colors allow motorists to understand immediately whether they are driving toward another vehicle or following it. Blue or red flashing lights tell us that an emergency vehicle is approaching and that we should move over and stop to let it pass. Regulations control how far lights should illuminate and be seen, providing both visibility for the driver and warning for other motorists. Regulations make requirements uniform throughout a state or country so that a new system doesn’t have to be learned as motorists drive from place to place.[/box]
[box type=”shadow”]Types
Regulations are issued and enforced at two levels of government–federal and state. At both levels, departments of transportation are responsible for adopting and enforcing regulations to protect motorists and the public from accident, injury and death due to defect or insufficiency in the design, manufacture or use of equipment. The federal rules concentrate on the manufacture of equipment while state codes govern its applications.
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[box type=”shadow”]Federal Code
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 (FMVSS 108), administered by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards section of the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR 571.108) sets standards and specifications (based on SAE recommendations) for all vehicle lighting equipment. Standards are outlined for original and replacement lamps (headlights, taillights, turning and other exterior lights), reflective and miscellaneous equipment.[/box]
[box type=”shadow”]State Statutes
State departments of transportation are responsible for regulating placement number and uses of lighting equipment. Although each state makes its own regulations, rules tend to be uniform from state to state. Accepted in all states are rules like the prohibition of the use of red lights anywhere but the rear of the car, and reserving blue lights for use by emergency vehicles.[/box]
[box type=”shadow”]Significance
Most people never think about car lighting regulations. Vehicles bought in the U.S. must conform to original equipment specifications, and conventional replacement equipment bought from a reputable source is almost always compliant.[/box]
[box type=”shadow”]Warning
Very few adults ever consider adding “aftermarket” lighting under their vehicle or “tricking it out” with neon lights. Anyone who is considering such additions should check for the “USDOT” or SAE approval code on the box, check the state transportation code or consult a local police official before spending money on an expensive part they may have to remove.[/box]
