DOT lighting requirements

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Oct 4, 2001 | 05:15 PM

maharashii

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DOT lighting requirements

Hi guys,

I am building a flat bed on the back of my '78 F150 4x4. I am going to replace the brake lights and tail lights, with creatures of my own choosing, and I am wondering where I can find info on the requirements for placement, size, brihgntess, color, etc for these lights, as well as license plate lights, running lights, and so forth.

I'm in Illinois, but I need requirements that are good for all 50 states.

thanks,

take it easy,
maharashii

Oct 4, 2001 | 10:09 PM

jbhf250

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From: Kelseyville USA

DOT lighting requirements

Anything that is good in illinois is good in all 50 states. Most `lamp lenses` have a DOT marking and that meets the federal requirement. Go to a good RV supply store and pick out what will fit your needs.

__JOHN__Õ¿ö
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Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
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Oct 5, 2001 | 12:25 AM

maharashii

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DOT lighting requirements

but what about positioning? Aren't there rules about where my tail lights have to be, and so forth?

Also, I'm wondering about the legality of using a colored license plate light, under carriage lights, and things like that.

Thanks a million,
maharashii

Oct 5, 2001 | 12:41 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

DOT lighting requirements

Try to be different and that's where you will run into trouble. If you are going to do something weird, get the rule book for your state, as the other poster said, they are all about the same. Does your state have inspections? Ask one of them. But really, look at what everybody else is running on their delivery trucks and such, and run down to wally world and get a set of lights.

Oct 5, 2001 | 09:20 AM

maharashii

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DOT lighting requirements

in the county I live in at least, there are no inspections (not even emissions).

I'm not planning on doing anything weird, but my current bed design doesn't allow the tail lights to be placed at the far edges of the bed, but rather a few feet in, towards the center.

if the zeros were lights, and you looked at my truck from the rear, it would be something like this:

|------0--------0--------|

as opposed to this:

|-0--------------------0-|

I guess I could go ask at the DMV, but I was hoping to find something online. I'm also curious as to what the rules are on colored lights (blue dot taillights for example).

thanks

take it easy,
maharashii

Oct 5, 2001 | 09:54 AM

jbhf250

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Joined: Oct 1999

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From: Kelseyville USA

DOT lighting requirements

I guess that having the lights toward the outside would be my guess.

>> I'm also curious as to what the rules are on colored lights (blue dot taillights for example).
<<
Here in Calif..Technically the `blue dots` are illeagle from the rear. BUT it is something that is not really looked at. I guess if they are stopping you for the blue dots they have found another good reason to pull you over anyway. I`ve had them on my truck for 2 yrs now (show thing). I cover them up in the winter.

__JOHN__Õ¿ö
FTE Club #7
Member-
http://www.cruisin-north.com/
Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
http://www.ford-trucks.net/users/jbhf250/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1972_f250_2.html

Oct 5, 2001 | 08:06 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

DOT lighting requirements

18 wheelers and dump trucks have their lights close together on the inside. I am sure you have seen them, they mount them on the truck frame. There's nothing but mud flaps toward the outside.