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ok so the big debate/ rant

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by peabody747, Jan 31, 2023.

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  1. Jan 31, 2023 #1
    peabody747

    peabody747 Light Load Member

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    First of to the ones that seen I was missing a parking light on back of tractor yes I know its frickin out, I don't have 1000s for them to inspect the wiring harness.

    Now the debate, since my light is out on the tractor will dot give me a ticket while hooked to a trailer?

    I say yes cause the rule is all lights must work, friend says no cause its covered by the trailer....

    go ahead trucker forum lawyers let the debate begin
     
    peabody747, Jan 31, 2023
    peabody747, Jan 31, 2023
    #1
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  3. Jan 31, 2023 #2
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    There's no debate, idk if you'll get a ticket but yes, it is a DOT violation.

    Just like if you dont have mudflap while hooked to a trailer, youre OK.

    However, if you have the mudflap bracket on and no flap/reflectors, thats also a violation.
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2023
    nikmirbre, Jan 31, 2023
    nikmirbre, Jan 31, 2023
    #2
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  4. Jan 31, 2023 #3
    REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sometimes a light being out is a simple repair. Look for broken wires, especially at butt splices. Look for the simple stuff first. No need to go right to a shop and spend shop rates for something minor. Learn to fix things yourself.
     
    REO6205, Jan 31, 2023
    REO6205, Jan 31, 2023
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  5. Jan 31, 2023 #4
    Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Legally it’s a required light even with a trailer.

    I’d start by cutting everything apart where it’s bundled together at the back of the frame. If one side works normal and the other side doesn’t it’s usually pretty easy to inspect the wires going to the inoperable side, especially if only one function of the light isn’t working.
     
    Long FLD, Jan 31, 2023
    Long FLD, Jan 31, 2023
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  7. Jan 31, 2023 #5
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Ridgeline, Jan 31, 2023
    Ridgeline, Jan 31, 2023
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  8. Feb 1, 2023 #6
    Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    No, the rule is all required lights must work. Additional lights are not required to work. That is not guidance, it is in the regs themselves. 393.9(a) states: “All lamps required by this subpart shall be capable of being operated at all times. This paragraph shall not be construed to require that any auxiliary or additional lamp be capable of operating at all time
     
    Bean Jr., Feb 1, 2023
    Bean Jr., Feb 1, 2023
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  9. Feb 1, 2023 #7
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Both are wrong.
    If it's a required light it must work. If it's a light that's not required then it doesn't have to work. Having a trailer hooked up or not has no bearing if it's a required light or not.
    For a list of required lights read the FMCSA 393.11
    Federal Register :: Request Access

    Also, to those saying all lights must work read the last sentence @Bean Jr. just posted, burn it into your mind. That way you will stop spreading incorrect information
     
    ZVar, Feb 1, 2023
    ZVar, Feb 1, 2023
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  10. Feb 1, 2023 #8
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I was inspected and the left center tail/brake light was out. Just the tail light. The brake light part worked fine. Cop told me that there was no violation as I only had to have 2 tail-lights, 2 brake lights and turn signals. He said I would be legal if all were combined into having only one light on each side. Tail/brake/turn signal combined as on the tractor or some 4 wheelers.
    Although I'm glad I didn't get a violation, I'm not sure he was right. @ZVar what do you think.?
     
    kemosabi49, Feb 1, 2023
    kemosabi49, Feb 1, 2023
    #8
  11. Feb 1, 2023 #9
    ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Ask 10 so called qualified DOT inspectors the same question
    Guarantee you’ll get 10 different answers
    Best to have everything up to snuff
    Jus Sayin
     
    ‘Olhand, Feb 1, 2023
    ‘Olhand, Feb 1, 2023
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  12. Feb 1, 2023 #10
    bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Only if you get caught by a sour DOT officer.
     
    bryan21384, Feb 1, 2023
    bryan21384, Feb 1, 2023
    #10
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