Pick up cab clearance lights - required?

[MechE1]

Sure I can call IDOT. Perhaps I already have? Typically, TBN'ers are more friendly. Typically. But somehow I doubt IDOT can answer this question for any of the other 48 states I might find myself in. ****. I can drive from one end of the great state of Illinois no tie downs, no lights and I might get stopped. Maybe. Depending on the day. Depending on the road. Depending on how the LEO feels that day. Honestly, from what I see around here, the LE community pays little or no attention to pick up trucks and regs until something bad happens then they throw the book at them. Point is, I'm not worried about getting stopped around here (Illinois). It could be a safety issue with towing/trailering and I might find myself not in Illinois one day.

 

[RickB]

If you drive a new vehicle that doesn稚 meet lighting requirements that liability should fall back on the manufacturer.

 

[wolfpack2]

Your new truck should meet all FMVSS 108 requirements. The clearance lights are options for those who like the look or plan to modify their vehicle in such a way as to require them by adding fender flares, wider wheels and tires, flatbed, or some other modification that puts if over the 2032 mm width limit. Any trailer you pull will also have to meet the FMVSS 108 requirements. The combination is not required to both meet the requirements. i.e you truck has to meet its own requirements as does the trailer.

eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

 

[atsah]

Why not just order it with them, the truck looks better with them anyway and you will be covered in any state so you won't have to worry about what state you in without cab lights..

 

[timswi]

I know people that put clearance lights on 1500's and never an issue. The manufacturer is on the hook as far as I'm concerned. If it needs them they will be there if not, oh well, their problem. Personaly, I like them if needed or not.

 

[blackdog2086]

As a former P.O., If you're good in the state it's registered in you're good anywhere. In many states you need a front and rear license plate. In Michigan you only need a rear. I'm not breaking the law if I travel through a state requiring a front plate if I'm not driving a vehicle registered in that state. Does anybody really believe that clearance lights (or lack of) are a safety issue on a light duty pickup?

I understand your wanting to be compliant, but it kind of seems like a non issue. Get what you want. If it was required you wouldn't have an option from the dealer.

 

[MechE1]

Thanks for the input guys. Wolfpack2, thanks for the link. I talked with my SIL yesterday and he's a P.O. at the city level. He basically had no idea what the rules, if any, were and said that the State Troopers would be the only ones he knows of that would think to look at that. Which is what I suspected in Ill. Ditto on the comment "..if it's legal in your state.." as blackdog2086 stated.

 

[jwstewar]

I'm looking at the regulations and it looks like anything over 80" needs clearance lights. I'm looking at the specs for my 2017 2500HD and it says it is 80.5" wide. It does not have clearance lights....ironically that is one of the items I negotiated in. The dealer is supposedly getting them in for me. Been 2 months now and still waiting.

 

[Reb954]

Just to be sure, are you asking about cab lights or clearance lights? They are two different things.

Cab lights, mainly the 3 center closely spaced lights are to indicate a combination vehicle.

Clearance lights are to mark the outer perimeter of a vehicle.

 

[MechE1]

Hi Reb954. Thanks for the question. Ford does not distinguish between the two inside/outside. If you order the cab clearance lights you get both. So the answer is both or either, depending on how you want to phrase it. But, if there is information on either, it is welcome.