license plate light

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by kidz bop, Mar 3, 2019.

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  1. kidz bop

    kidz bop Medium Load Member

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    one of the more common things wrong with the trailers at my company is license plate light not working on a trailer. i used to do my own fixes and stuff, but now i use my own strap light or magnet light(with tape for more securement, it also has a hook). those work like a charm, they hard to notice it's not the real license plate light bulb that is illuminating the plate and they last the entire trip if need be. i was just wondering if anyone knows if it's dot legal, or a dot violation. i might have to go ask a dot officer or something for clarification of that regulation regarding license plate light.

    this just saves me time, and can get it where it needs to go with load in it, and then can red tag it at destination(terminal to terminal trailer moving).
     
    kidz bop, Mar 3, 2019
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  2. tadpolly1966

    tadpolly1966 Light Load Member

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    If it's on the truck, it has to work.
     
    tadpolly1966, Mar 3, 2019
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It might get you through a run and not get you pulled over for not having a plate light. But if you get inspected, the light on the trailer has to work.
     
    kemosabi49, Mar 3, 2019
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  4. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    That doesn't make any sense. Lots of drivers are found to be not functioning properly but they are allowed to go on their way. What gives?
     
    STexan, Mar 3, 2019
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  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Not true.

    Chicken and other lights don't have to work.
     
    Ridgeline, Mar 3, 2019
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  6. tadpolly1966

    tadpolly1966 Light Load Member

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    Are we talking about the LP light, or the driver?
     
    tadpolly1966, Mar 3, 2019
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  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I'm talking about malfunctioning drivers.
     
    STexan, Mar 3, 2019
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  8. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    LP light is required on trlr and the tractor if a rear plate is required, ala NY.
     
    Dennixx, Mar 3, 2019
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  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    License plate light is the number 1 DOT violation.

    Cause everyone shines it on. One of the first thing bear looks for.

    Nice avatar btw.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, Mar 3, 2019
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  10. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    The way I understand the rule for license plate light.
    It must illuminate when the headlights are turned on. I'm sure it doesn't matter if it's the hard wired light or a battery light.
    I've been inspected with battery operated red tail lights on my trailer.
    Got the ok. I was about 60 miles from home and empty, stepdeck.

    The phrase if the light is on your truck/trailer it must work, is a confused statement. The way dot has described it to me.
    If the light turns on, it must not flicker, as to be confused for a turn signal.
    If the light is not required, it does not have to energize.

    In your question. If you have a battery powered plate light operating. That makes the hard wired light unnecessary.
    So it doesn't have to light up.
    Good luck.
     
    xsetra, Mar 3, 2019
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