Trailers are often used to haul large items such as furniture or appliances. When you tow a trailer, it is important to make sure that your brake lights are working properly. In most states, trailers are required to have brake lights. Failing to equip your trailer with brake lights can result in a traffic ticket.
Trailers are a common sight on the road but did you know that there are specific times when they are required to have brake lights? Trailers are required by law to have brake lights. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
In this blog post, we will discuss when trailers are required to have brake lights and what you can do if your trailer does not have them.
Trailer Lighting Requirements
What are brake lights and what do they do?
Brake lights are a safety feature on vehicles that are designed to warn other drivers when the vehicle is stopping. When you apply the brakes in your car, the brake light comes on and illuminates the area behind your vehicle. This lets other drivers know that you are slowing down or stopped.
Do you have to have lights on a trailer?
In most states, trailers are required to have brake lights. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
The reason that trailers are required to have brake lights is for safety. When you are braking with a trailer, the trailer can block the brake lights on your car. This can make it difficult for drivers behind you to know that you are slowing down.
If your trailer does not have brake lights, you can be ticketed. In some states, the fine for not having brake lights on a trailer can be as much as $100.
Trailer brake lights are a safety feature that is designed to warn other drivers. When you apply the brakes in your car, the brake light comes on and illuminates the area behind your vehicle. This lets other drivers know that you are slowing down or stopped.
There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your trailer has brake lights.
- First, you can check the law in your state to see if there are any requirements for trailers.
- Secondly, you can check the trailer manufacturer’s website to see if they have any recommendations for brake lights.
- Finally, you can take your trailer to a mechanic to have the brakes checked. This is a good idea even if your trailer does not have brake lights. A qualified mechanic will be able to tell you if your brakes are in good working order and if they are not, they can make the necessary repairs.
Remember, brake lights are a safety feature and it is important to make sure that your trailer has them. If you have any questions about brake lights or other safety features on your trailer, be sure to ask a qualified mechanic.
How can you tell if your trailer’s brake lights are working properly or not?
There are a few ways that you can tell if your trailer’s brake lights are working properly.
Ask some for Help
The first way is to ask someone else to help you. Have them stand behind your trailer while you apply the brakes. If the brake lights come on, then they are working correctly.
Using a Voltmeter
Another way to test your trailer’s brake lights is to use a voltmeter. You can find a voltmeter at most hardware stores. Attach the voltmeter to the trailer’s brake light wiring and turn on the power. The voltmeter should show that there is electricity flowing through the wires when the brakes are applied.
If you have a trailer without brake lights, you can purchase a kit to add them. These kits typically cost between $30 and $50.
Adding brake lights to your trailer is a simple and inexpensive way to improve safety on the road. If you have any questions about whether or not your trailer needs brake lights, be sure to check with your local DMV.
What should you do if your trailer’s brake lights stop working properly while you’re driving it on the road?
If your trailer’s brake lights stop working while you’re driving, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Once you are pulled over, you can test the brake lights using the methods described above. If the problem is with the wiring, you may be able to fix it temporarily by wiggling the wires until the connection is made.
If you cannot get the brake lights working, you should not drive the trailer any further. You can call a tow truck to take it to a nearby repair shop.
Brake lights are an important safety feature on trailers. Be sure to check them regularly to ensure that they are working properly. If your trailer does not have brake lights, be sure to add them as soon as possible.
FAQs – Trailer Lighting Requirements & Regulations
Do you need brake lights on a trailer in Florida?
No state law in Florida requires trailers to have brake lights. However, many counties and cities have ordinances that require trailers to have brake lights.
If you are unsure of the laws in your area, you can check with your local DMV or police department.
Are trailer lights required in MN?
Yes, trailer lights are required in Minnesota. All trailers must have two brake lights, two taillights, two turn signals, and a reflector on each side.
What size trailer does not need lights?
In most states, any trailer that is over 50 inches wide or 80 inches long must have brake lights. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
If you are unsure of the laws in your area, you can go and consult with professionals.
Wrap Up
A trailer is required to have brake lights when it is towed by a motor vehicle. The trailer must also be equipped with a stop lamp, turn signal lamps, and side marker lamps. If the trailer has an electric braking system, then the tow vehicle must also be equipped with an electric braking system.
If the trailer has its source of power, such as a battery or generator, then it does not need brake lights. Trailers that are towed by horses do not need brake lights because the horse provides the braking power.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when a trailer exceeds a certain size or weight. In these cases, brake lights are required on the trailer even if it is towed by another vehicle.