Trailer Lighting Motor Laws USA And Canada

Trailer Lighting Motor Laws USA And Canada

United States

Alabama

Trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle drawn by another vehicle must be equipped with at least 1 tail lamp on rear that emits red light from a distance of 500 feet and the lamp height must be no more than 60 inches but not less than 20 inches.

Trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs. or less must have 2 reflectors on the rear with 1 placed on each side.

If load or trailer obscures stop light view of towing vehicle, stop light must be placed on towed vehicle.

Alaska

The following lights are required on trailers: taillights, brake lights, license plate lights, turn signals, 2 clearance lights, 2 side markers, and 2 reflectors.

Arizona

Trailers with a GVW of more than 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with 1 clearance lamp on each side of the front of the vehicle, 2 side marker lamps on each side of the vehicle, 2 reflectors on each side, 2 clearance lamps on the rear, 2 reflectors on the rear, and 1 stoplight on the rear.

Arkansas

Taillights are required; brake lights are required if towing vehicle’s brake light is obscured; license plate lights are required.

Turn signals are not required unless width is greater than 80 inches.

Reflectors on each side of vehicle are required.

California

The combination of vehicles towing a trailer coach or camp trailer must be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system.

Trailers and semitrailers 80 or more inches in width and manufactured after January 1, 1969, must be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system.

Any vehicle 80 or more inches in width must contain at least 1 amber clearance lamp on each side and at least 1 red clearance lamp on each side, as well as at least 2 amber and 2 red side-marker lamps on each side, and must carry at least 3 red emergency reflectors.

Every vehicle at the end of a combination of 2 vehicles must have at least 2 tail lights; trailers manufactured after July 23, 1973 and less than 30 inches wide may be equipped with 1 tail lamp.

Colorado

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 1 tail lamp mounted in the rear. Lamp shall emit red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet from the rear. Tail lamps shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.

Connecticut

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear that emit a red light plainly visible from at least 1,000 feet.

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 2 red rear reflectors.

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 2 red rear stop lamps.

Trailers 80 inches or more in width shall also have 2 front clearance lamps, 2 rear clearance lamps, 3 identification lamps mounted as close as possible to the vertical centerline, and 2 side marker lamps on each side, 1 at the front and 1 at the rear.

Trailers 80 inches or more in width shall also have 2 reflectors on each side.

Trailers with an overall length of 30 feet or more shall have 1 amber side marker lamp on each side and 1 amber lamp showing the center point of the trailer length-wise.

Delaware

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 1 tail lamp, mounted on the rear, which when lighted emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

District of Columbia

Trailers have the same headlamp and tail lamp requirements as other motor vehicles.

Each trailer 3,000 lbs. or less must have 2 rear reflectors, and if the towing vehicle’s stop light is obscured, 2 stop lights.

Each trailer or semitrailer exceeding 3,000 lbs. must have 2 front clearance lamps, 2 side marker lamps on each side, 2 rear clearance lamps, 2 reflectors, and 2 stop lights.

Each pole trailer exceeding 3,000 lbs. must have 1 side marker lamp and 1 clearance lamp on each side, and 2 reflectors on the rear.

Florida

Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear.

Georgia

Every trailer and pole trailer must be equipped with 2 taillights located at a height of not more than 60 inches nor less than 20 inches and that emit a plainly visible red light from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

Hawaii

Trailers must be equipped with a light on the extreme width of each side such that the light shall be in use 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise and shall be visible from all directions at a distance of 200 feet.

Idaho

Every trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or any other drawn vehicle at the end of a train of vehicles must have 1 rear tail lamp, which when lit will emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

Every trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer weighing 3,000 lbs. gross or less must have 2 reflectors on the rear, 1 on each side, and 2 reflectors on the front, 1 on each side.

Any trailer that blocks the stoplight of the towing vehicle, whether loaded or unloaded, must also have 1 stoplight.

Illinois

Every trailer and semitrailer shall be equipped with an electric turn signal device which indicates the intention of the driver to turn to the right or to the left in the form of flashing red or amber lights located at the rear of the vehicle on the side toward which the turn is to be made, and mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

Every trailer and semitrailer having a gross weight of 3,000 lbs. or less including the weight of the trailer and maximum load, shall be equipped with 2 red reflectors located on the rear of the body of such trailer, not more than 12 inches from the lower left-hand and lower right-hand corners, and which will be visible when hit by headlight beams 300 feet away at night.

Indiana

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or any other vehicle that is pulled at the end of another vehicle must be equipped with at least 1 rear-mounted red taillight. This taillight must be plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet away. This vehicle must also be equipped with 2 or more rear-mounted white taillights. These taillights must be mounted between 20 inches and 72 inches from the ground. A separate white light must be placed on the vehicle so that it illuminates the rear plate and makes it clearly visible from a distance of 50 feet. All of these taillights must be properly wired so that when the headlights are illuminated, these lights are also illuminated.

Iowa

Every trailer having a GVW in excess of 3,000 lbs. must have the following: (1) on the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side, if the trailer is wider in its widest part than the cab of the vehicle towing it; (2) on each side, 1 side-marker lamp at or near the rear; 2 reflectors, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear; and (3) on the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side; 1 stop light; 1 tail lamp; and 2 reflectors, 1 at each side.

A lighting device or reflector, when mounted on or near the front of a trailer, must not display any other color than white, yellow, or amber.

No lighting device or reflector, when mounted on or near the rear of any trailer, may display any other color than red, except that the stop light may be red, yellow, or amber.

Clearance lamps must be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such manner as to indicate the extreme width of the vehicle or its load.

Kansas

There shall be a white lamp that renders the registration plate visible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear.

Every trailer shall have at least 2 rear red reflectors, 2 stop lamps, and 2 electric turn signal lamps.

Trailers over 80 inches in width, except for boat and house trailers needing special permits, must have the following:

  • On the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side; on the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side, and on vehicles manufactured after July 1, 1959, 3 identification lamps in a horizontal row between 6 to 12 inches from each other; or
  • On each side, 2 side marker lamps, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear.

All trailers shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear that emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least 1,000 feet.

Kentucky

When any vehicle is being towed by another, it must carry at least 1 light on the left side that is green on the front and red on the back and visible from at least 500 feet.

Louisiana

Trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in width must be equipped with 2 front clearance lamps on each side, 2 rear clearance lamps on each side, and 2 side marker lamps and 2 reflectors, 1 of each on the front and on the rear.

Trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in length must have 1 amber side marker

lamp and 1 amber reflector, centrally located on each side.

Every trailer and semitrailer must be equipped with at least 1 red light mounted on the rear that emits a light for at least 1,000 feet.

Maine

On a vehicle 7 feet wide or wider, all rear lights, reflectors, and signal lights must be within 12 inches of the extreme extension of the vehicle, except for trailers with lights, reflectors, and signals installed by the manufacturer.

A trailer that is wider than the vehicle towing it must have reflective material or a lamp on each front corner visible to oncoming traffic.

Maryland

Every trailer shall be equipped with at least 2 rear tail lamps that emit a red light plainly visible from at least 1,000 feet to the rear.

Trailers manufactured before June 1, 1971 shall have at least 1 tail lamp that emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the rear.

On a combination of vehicles, only the tail lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the required distance.

Every trailer shall have either a tail lamp or separate lamp that illuminates the rear license plate with a white light from a distance of at least 50 feet.

After July 1, 1971, every trailer shall carry on the rear, either as part of the tail lamps or separately, 2 or more red reflectors visible from all distances between 100-600 feet behind the vehicle.

Before July 1, 1971, every trailer shall carry on the rear, either as part of the tail-lamps or separately, 1 or more red reflectors visible from all distances between 100-600 feet behind the vehicle.

Every trailer manufactured after July 1, 1971 shall be equipped with at least 2 stop lamps shaded either red or amber and visible from a distance of 300 feet, while vehicles manufactured before that date must have at least 1 stop lamp.

Every trailer manufactured after July 1, 1971 shall be equipped with electric turn signals on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width shall have: on the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side; on the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side, and after June 1, 1971, 3 identification lamps grouped in a horizontal row, with lamp centers between 6 and 12 inches apart, and mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle as close as practicable to the vertical centerline; on each side, 2 side marker lamps, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear; and on each side, 2 reflectors, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the side.

Rear reflectors on pole trailers may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.

Clearance lamps shall be mounted so as to indicate the extreme width of the motor vehicle, not including mirrors, and as near the top of the vehicle as practicable.

When rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of the vehicle, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at an optional height.

When mounting of the front clearance lamps at the highest point of a trailer results in those lamps failing to mark the extreme width of the trailer, they may be mounted at an optional height, but must indicate the extreme width of the trailer.

Front, side, and rear clearance and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen at all distances between 500 and 50 feet from the front and rear, respectively.

Massachusetts

Every trailer shall be equipped with 2 rear lights mounted 1 at each side of the rear of the vehicle so as to show 2 red lights from behind, a white light to illuminate and not obscure the rear registration plate, and 2 stop lights.

Michigan

All trailers must be equipped with at least 1 rear lamp mounted on the rear that emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

The rear registration plate must be illuminated with white light so as to be visible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear.

Also required: on the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side; on each side, 2 side marker lamps, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear; on each side, 2 reflectors, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear; and on the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side, also 2 reflectors, 1 at each side, and 1 stop light.

Minnesota

Every trailer or semitrailer manufactured after January 1, 1960 must be equipped with at least 2 properly mounted rear headlamps, and at least 2 reflectors. The rear headlamps must emit a red light for a distance of 500 feet. The reflectors must be mounted between 20 and 60 inches from the ground and must be visible from all distances within 50 to 300 feet from the vehicle.

Trailers or semitrailer manufactured before January 1, 1960 must be equipped with at least 1 properly mounted rear headlamp.

Mississippi

Means for establishing an electric connection between towing and towed vehicles shall be mechanically and electrically adequate and free of short or open circuits.

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being pulled in a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least 1 rear lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lit, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

Missouri

Each trailer must display on the rear 2 red taillights, 2 red reflectors, and a white license plate light. The reflectors may be incorporated in the taillights.

Turn signal lights and brake lights are required if visible signals cannot be given by arm and hand; or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load exceeds 24 inches; or when the distance from the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load exceeds 14 feet.

Montana

A trailer with a GVW in excess of 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with: (1) 2 clearance lamps on the front, 1 at each side; (2) 2 side marker lamps and 2 side reflectors, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear; and (3) 2 clearance lamps and 2 reflectors on the rear, 1 at each side.

A pole trailer with a GVW in excess of 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with (1) on each side, 1 side marker lamp and 1 clearance lamp that may be in combination, to show to the front, side, and rear; and (2) on the rear of the pole trailer or load, 2 reflectors, 1 at each side.

A trailer or pole trailer with GVW of 3,000 lbs. or less must be equipped with 2 rear reflectors and 2 stop lights, 1 on each side.

Nebraska

Any trailer, in use on a highway, shall be equipped with brake and turn-signal lights in good working order.

Nevada

Pole trailers need only have reflectors, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, and tail-lamps on the rearmost portion of the load.

On every trailer or semitrailer at least 80 inches wide, there shall be 2 front clearance lamps, 1 on either side; 2 rear clearance lamps and 3 identification lamps; and on each side, 2 side marker lamps and 2 reflectors, with 1 at the front and 1 at the rear.

In addition, on every trailer 30 feet or longer, there shall be on each side, 1 amber side marker lamp and 1 amber reflector, centrally located.

On every pole trailer there shall be on each side, 1 amber side marker lamp and 1 amber reflector at or near the front of the load.

Identification lamps shall be grouped in a horizontal row, with lamp centers spaced between 6 and 12 inches apart, and mounted as close as practicable to the vertical center line.

On trailers designed to carry boats, front and rear clearance lamps may be located on each side of the trailer at or near the midpoint of the trailer between the front and rear of the trailer to indicate the extreme width of the trailer.

Every reflector required above must be readily visible at nighttime at all distances between 100-600 feet. Every front and rear clearance lamp and every side marker lamp shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at all distances between 50-500 feet.

Whenever motor vehicles and other vehicles are operated in combination and lights are required, only the rear vehicle’s lamps need be illuminated.

New Hampshire

The tail lamps and reflectors on trailers may be located at a height of less than 20 inches from the ground, provided they are placed in such a manner as to indicate the extreme width of the vehicle and load, and the visibility of reflectors is not impaired at any time.

It shall be unlawful for any person to pull any trailer unless it is equipped with a stop lamp in working order at all times.

It shall be unlawful for any person to pull a trailer registered in New Hampshire, which was manufactured after January 1, 1952, unless such a vehicle is equipped with directional signals.

Every trailer, when driven at night, shall have on the rear, 1 lamp, displaying a red light visible for a distance of at least 1000 feet, and a white light illuminating the registration plate of such vehicle so that the characters thereon shall be visible for a distance of at least 50 feet. All tail lamps shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches from the ground. On a combination of vehicles, only the taillamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified.

Every trailer and semitrailer, with a weight of 3,000 lbs. or more, when driven on the roads at night, shall have displayed on the body or load carrying portion of the vehicle, the following: on each side, 1 amber reflector, located at or near the front, and 1 red reflector located at or near the rear. Such reflectors shall be located not less than 24 nor more than 48 inches from the ground. The visibility of any such reflector shall not be impaired at any time.

New Jersey

Every trailer or semitrailer must be equipped on the rear with 2 tail lamps, 2 stop lamps, 2 turn signals, and 2 reflectors, 1 of each at each side.

New Mexico

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red light tail lamp mounted on the rear that is plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet, and must also be equipped with at least 1 white light illuminating the license plate so as to make it visible from at least 50 feet from the rear.

Trailers must have 2 amber clearance lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle, with 1 on either end of the front side.

Trailers must also be equipped with 2 red reflectors, 1 at each side, and at least 1 red or amber stop/break lamp and must be equipped with at least 1 lamp or mechanical turn-signaling device visible from both the front and the rear.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 lamp or mechanical turn-signaling device visible from both the front and the rear.

New York

Taillights, brake lights, license plate lights, and turn signals required. On a combination of vehicles the rear signal lamp must be at the rear of the last vehicle in the combination.

North Carolina

Trailers whose load does not obscure the directional signals of the towing vehicle from the view of a driver approaching the vehicle from the rear within 200 feet, and trailers with a gross weight of 4,000 lbs. or less, do not need turn signals.

Trailers with a gross weight of less than 4,000 lbs. need not be equipped with a rear tail lamp, provided that the trailer is equipped with 2 red rear reflectors with a diameter of at least 3 inches that are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet when opposed by a vehicle with lighted headlamps.

Every trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of 4,000 lbs. or more must also have: on the front, 2 clearance lamps, with 1 on each side; on each side, 2 side marker lamps and 2 reflectors, with 1 of each at or near the front and at or near the rear; and on the rear, 2 clearance lamps and 2 reflectors, with 1 of each at either side, and 1 stoplight.

Every pole trailer with a gross weight of 4,000 lbs. or more must also have: on each side, 1 side marker lamp and 1 clearance lamp (which may be in combination) to show the front, side, and rear; and on the rear, 2 reflectors, with 1 on each side.

Every trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight below 4,000 lbs. must also have: 2 reflectors, with 1 on each side, on the rear of the vehicle.

On every trailer or semitrailer 30 feet or more in length and weighing at least 4,000 lbs., 1 combination marker lamp showing amber and mounted on the bottom side rail at or near the center of each side of the trailer is required.

North Dakota

Taillights, brake lights, license plate lights, turn signals, and reflectors are required.

Ohio

Trailers must carry, either as part of the tail lamps or separately, 2 red reflectors.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red tail lamp visible from 500 feet to the rear and a white light to illuminate the license plate and render it visible from at least 50 feet from the rear.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 2 stoplights, visible from 500 feet to the rear.

Oklahoma

On every trailer or semitrailer with a GVWR over 3,000 lbs., there must be the following equipment: on the front, 2 clearance lamps, with 1 on each side; on each side, 2 side marker lamps and 2 reflectors, with 1 each at the front and the rear; and on the rear, 2 clearance lamps and 2 reflectors, with 1 each at either side.

Every trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a GVWR of 3,000 lbs. or less must have 2 reflectors, with 1 on either side of the rear of the vehicle. If the trailer is equipped to obscure the stop lights of the towing vehicle, 1 stop light is required.

Oregon

All trailers are required to be equipped with 2 taillights, registration plate lights, 2 brake lights, turn signal lights, and 2 rear reflectors.

Any trailer that is 80 inches or more in overall width and less than 30 feet in overall length must be equipped with 2 front and 2 rear clearance lights, and front and rear identification lights.

Any trailer that is 30 feet or more in overall length must be equipped with 2 front and 2 rear clearance lights, front and rear identification lights, and intermediate side marker lights and side reflectors on each side of the vehicle.

Pennsylvania

Trailers and semitrailers do not have to be equipped with headlamps.

All trailer and semitrailer vehicles operated on a highway must be equipped with a rear lighting system including but not limited to rear lamps, rear reflectors, stop lamps, and a license plate light.

Rhode Island

Every trailer or vehicle being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles must have at least 1 tail lamp mounted on the rear which emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

South Carolina

Tail, license plate, and brake lights are required. Turn signals and reflectors are also required.

South Dakota

Trailers and semitrailers manufactured before July 1, 1973 can have 1 red tail-lamp mounted on the left-hand side which emits a light from a distance of 500 feet.

Tennessee

Every vehicle being towed by another vehicle must carry at the rear a lamp of type which exhibits a yellow or red light plainly visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

Texas

A trailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles must be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps, at least 2 stop lamps, electric turn signal lamps, and at least 2 red reflectors.

A trailer that is at least 80 inches wide must be equipped with 2 front clearance lamps, 1 on each side; 2 rear clearance lamps, 1 on each side; 4 side marker lamps, 1 on each side at or near the front and 1 on each side at or near the rear; 4 reflectors, 1 on each side at or near the front and 1 on each side at or near the rear; and hazard lamps.

A trailer that is at least 30 feet long must be equipped with 2 side marker lamps, 1 centrally mounted on each side; 2 reflectors, 1 centrally mounted on each side; and hazard lamps.

A pole trailer must be equipped with 2 side marker lamps, 1 at each side at or near the front of the load; 1 reflector at or near the front of the load; and 1 combination marker lamp that emits an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear and side and is mounted on the rearmost support for the load to indicate the maximum width of the trailer.

Utah

Tail, brake, and license plate lights are required. Turn signals and 2 or more red reflectors are also required. A trailer over 80 inches must have clearance lights.

Vermont

Taillights, required; brake lights, at least 1 required, if equipped with 2 both must work; license plate light, required; turn signals, required if trailer coach manufactured after January 1, 1955; reflectors required.

Virginia

Trailers must carry at the rear a red light plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 ft.

Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle.

Reflectors must be affixed to the rear end of the trailer.

Washington

Tail, brake, and license plate lights are required.

West Virginia

Tail and brake lights are required. License plate lights and reflectors are also required. Turn signals are required where trailer obscures towing vehicle.

Wisconsin

A mobile home, trailer, or semitrailer must be equipped with at least 1 red tail lamp, mounted on the rear that is plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet. If a vehicle was originally equipped with 2 red tail lamps, it is unlawful for such vehicle to be operated or towed unless both tail lamps are in proper working order.

All mobile homes, trailers, and semitrailers sold after January 1, 1968 must be equipped with at least 2 direction signal lamps to the front and 2 direction signal lamps to the rear which must be visible from a distance of 300 feet.

Any trailer having a width at any part of 80 inches must be equipped with 2 amber clearance lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle, 2 red clearance lamps mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and 2 red reflectors mounted on the rear.

It is unlawful to tow or operate any trailer during the hours of darkness if not equipped with 1 red reflector on each side of the rear of the trailer.

Wyoming

A motor vehicle which is greater than 50 inches in width, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer or any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear; either as a part of the tail lamps or separately, 2 or more red reflectors; 2 or more stop lamps; and electrical flashing turn lamps.

 

Canada

 

Alberta

Must have two tail, two brake and a license plate light. Right and left turn signals are required as are clearance lights and side markers.

British Columbia

Trailer must be equipped with taillights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate light and reflectors. Clearance lights and reflectors required if overall width 2.05 meters or more or gross weight over 1,400 kg.

Manitoba

A motor vehicle with a trailer attached that has width in excess of 2.05 meters on any part must carry at least 4 clearance lamps or reflectors located as near the top as practicable: 1 on each side of the front that casts or reflects a green or amber light forward, 1 on each side of the back of the vehicle that casts or reflects a red light to the rear; and placed on that part of the vehicle that projects farthest to the left and to the right. Lamps must be visible from a distance of 150 meters to the rear of the vehicle.

For every trailer attached to a motor vehicle, or if more than 1 is attached, the rear-most vehicle must carry at the back: (1) at least 1 stop lamp that casts a red light; and (2) signal lamp; and (3) a left and right rear amber or a red turn signal light.

New Brunswick

Every semitrailer, or trailer 2 meters or more in overall width must be equipped with: (1) 2 amber clearance lamps on the front mounted at each side; (2) 2 red clearance lamps on the rear mounted 1 at each side; and (3) on each side, an amber reflector at or near the front and a red reflector at or near the rear.

Every semitrailer, or trailer may be equipped with the following: (1) on the front, 3 amber identification lamps; and (2) on the back, 3 red identification lamps. The identification lamps must be mounted in a row either vertically or horizontally.

Clearance lamps must be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate its extreme width.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Tail, brake, and license plate lights required. Turn signals and reflectors also required.

Northwest Territories

No person may operate a trailer less than 760 mm wide unless it is equipped with 1 red taillight and 1 red stop light at the rear of the vehicle.

Nova Scotia

Every semitrailer or trailer must be equipped with rear lamps that shine a red light for a distance of 150 meters to the rear of the vehicle. A white light for a distance of 15 meters must illuminate the license plate.

Nunavut

No person shall operate a vehicle having a width exceeding 2.6 m, unless the vehicle displays during the night two red lights mounted on the rear of the vehicle or the load, or during the day has such lights or warning flags mounted on the extremities of the vehicle or the load.

Vehicles with a width greater than 3.2 m must also display an over-dimension sign and be preceded by an escort vehicle or display one or two rotating amber lights mounted on the top of the cab of the vehicle.

Ontario

When on a highway at night or during periods of poor visibility, every trailer must display 1 lighted red lamp which is clearly discernible from a distance of 150 meters or less.

Prince Edward Island

Every semitrailer or trailer must be equipped with at least 2 rear red tail-lamps, 1 on each side of the vehicle. These rear tail lamps must emit a light visible from a distance of 150 meters.

Every tail lamp and reflector must be located at a height between 500 mm and 1,520 mm.

Every vehicle must have a light on the rear of the vehicle that illuminates the license plate for 15 meters and rear red brake lights.

Every trailer or semitrailer that is 2 meters or more in overall length must meet the following requirements: on the front as high as possible, have 2 amber clearance lamps mounted at the same height; on the rear and as high as practicable, have 2 red clearance lamps mounted at the same height; on the front and each side at or near the midpoint, have an amber reflector, all reflectors being mounted not less than 375 mm or more than 1,500 mm when measured from the ground; and have 3 red indicator lamps in a horizontal row close to the top with the center lamp on center line and others mounted an equal distance from the center lamp, not less than 150 mm or more than 300 mm.

Quebec

Every trailer must carry at least:

  • Two red tail lights at the same height, one on each side of the vertical centreline and as far apart as practicable;
  • Two red stop lights, at the rear, at the same height, one on each side of the vertical centreline and as far apart as practicable;
  • Two red or amber turn-signal lights, at the rear, at the same height, one on each side of the vertical centreline and as far apart as practicable;
  • Two red reflectors at the rear, at the same height, one on each side of the vertical centreline and as far apart as practicable;
  • If the trailer measures 1.8 metres or more in length, one amber side marker lamp on each side and as far forward as practicable;
  • One red side marker lamp and one red side reflector on each side, as far to the rear as practicable;
  • If the trailer measures 9.1 metres or more in length, one amber side marker lamp and one amber side reflector midway between the front and rear side marker lamps;
  • A white light illuminating the rear registration plate.

In addition, if the trailer width exceeds 2.03 metres at any point, it must also carry:

  • At the front, two amber clearance lights, at the same height and not more than 150 mm from the upper right and left extremities of the vehicle;
  • At the rear, two red clearance lights, not more than 150 mm from the upper right and left extremities of the vehicle and three red identification lights, grouped in a horizontal row at the centre and spaced not less than 150 mm nor more than 300 mm apart.

Lights and reflectors must be visible at a distance of not less that 150 metres.

Saskatchewan

Brake, tail, and signal lights required.

Yukon

No trailer, whether in motion or stationary, may be on a highway unless it has at least 1 light visible at a distance of 30 meters or more from the rear of the vehicle, or 2 reflectors that will reflect the light from a vehicle approaching from the rear.

No trailer pulled by or attached to a motor vehicle and having a width at any part, including any load, in excess of 205 cm, may be on any highway unless it has affixed in conspicuous positions, at its widest point and as near the top as practical, at least 1 lighted amber clearance light on each side of the front and at least 1 lighted red clearance light on each side of the rear.

 

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