ANYONE KNOW IF YOUR TRUCK HAS TO HAVE REVERSE LIGHTS?

Yeah definitely need reverse lights. The question is why doesn’t it have it already?

 

Really? My 1980 KW doesn't even have a switch on top of the transmission. I have one that I'll be installing once the transmission goes back in. Just to be on the safe side.

Edit: didn't see your other post.

 

1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR)
2. Title 49. Transportation
3. Subtitle B. Other Regulations Relating to Transportation
4. Chapter V. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
5. Part 571. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
6. Subpart B. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
7. Section 571.108. Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Reverse (backup) light is required. You might get away with a manual switch if you are lucky, but the requirements listed below require the switch to automatically work to be compliant. This leaves it to the inspecting officer's discretion whether to cite or not.

From --- Table I-a - Required Lamps and Reflective Devices -- requirement for reverse light device activation

Steady burning.
Must be activated when the ignition switch is energized and reverse gear is engaged.
Must not be energized when the vehicle is in forward motion.

 

2007 should have it. My 2001 century had it. Now if you looked at the old 59 white, it had nothing back there except a single 2 inch lense for stop.

 

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if the DOT cop is standing behind truck to see if the lights come on how will he know if you flipped a switch? My switch on top of tranny had the connectors rot off so I wired it to a spare toggle on dash. If I ever pull tranny I will replace the switch.

 

Have yet to have a DOT inspection where they checked for a light for reverse.

That said, now that they have less to look at with ELD’s, that’s one more thing to get a buck or four from.

 

Yes

 

That is the risk you take. If he notices the lights are still on when you shut off the truck, or if he can tell you took it out of reverse, then he could tell. It is no different that people putting a switch in the cab for dump valves and lift axles, in many cases that is illegal but the chance of getting caught is small. We are just talking about the strict legality, not the technicality or real world implications. A fully knowledgeable inspector could look for this to be correct in every little detail, but I would guess most would not. If they see the lights go on that is probably enough to satisfy them.