What mandatory lights should a transport trailer have?

Visibility allows for safe driving in any circumstance, which is why it is one of the elements to pay the most attention to before setting out. If traveling with a trailer, the importance of lights increases even more, making them an essential component in most cases. Therefore, before starting to drive, it’s important to know what types of lights exist and which ones need to be installed on a transport trailer.

Types of Lights on a Trailer

There are many types of trailer lights; the use of each depends on the type of trailer, as does their legal requirement. It’s important to understand the options available and when they should be used.

Position Lights

These are the most basic lights on any vehicle or trailer, as they serve as a reference for the vehicle's dimensions in low-visibility conditions, which is essential for performing maneuvers safely.

Clearance Lights

These lights are only mandatory for vehicles exceeding 2.10 meters in height and are located at both the front and rear. The front ones are white, while the rear ones are red. They serve the same function as position lights.

Fog Lights

They are only used in extremely adverse weather conditions, as they can be very disturbing to other drivers. Trailers must have them as a substitute for the rear fog lights of cars.

Turn Signals

These are among the most important lights a trailer should have, without which driving would not be possible. Their importance lies in notifying other drivers of the maneuvers being performed.

Brake Lights

These are used to signal to the driver behind that the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Since this is such a basic maneuver, these lights are mandatory in most cases.

Reflectors

Reflectors are not lights themselves but rather plates placed on the rear of trailers and semi-trailers. Additionally, depending on the trailer’s size, they can be placed at the front and on the sides. They are triangular and reflect the light from other vehicles, so their function is to make the trailer visible to other vehicles on the road.

License Plate Lights

As the name suggests, these lights are mounted on the license plate to make it visible to any driver, regardless of visibility conditions.

Which Lights Your Trailer Must Have According to Regulations

Trailers may be equipped with many lights, but not all of them are mandatory. Many must always be installed and functioning by law, as they play a vital role in safe driving. The lights that must always be included on your trailer according to regulations are:

• Turn signals to safely signal all maneuvers.
• Brake lights at the rear of the trailer.
• Clearance lights if the trailer exceeds 2.10 meters in length.
• Rear fog lights for situations where weather conditions hinder visibility.
• Rear position lights, and front ones if the trailer exceeds 1.60 meters in height.
• License plate lights whenever the trailer has a plate.