Are side marker lights necessary?
Yes. In many jurisdictions, side marker lights are legally required for most passenger vehicles and trailers to improve visibility.
Side marker lights are small lamps mounted on the sides of a vehicle near the front and rear corners to indicate width and presence to other road users. Regulations vary by country and vehicle type, so it's important to know the rules that apply to your region and vehicle.
What side marker lights are and why they matter
Side marker lights are dedicated lamps on the sides of a vehicle that, when illuminated, make the vehicle’s width more conspicuous to other drivers. This helps reduce side-swipe crashes and makes lane changes safer, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Color codes and basic placement
In most places, there are specific color codes and mounting locations: front side markers are typically amber, rear side markers are red, and markers are mounted near the front and rear corners of the vehicle. The lighting may be a dedicated bulb or an LED module and must meet regulatory brightness and durability standards.
Overview of typical regional requirements:
- United States: Side marker lamps are required on most passenger cars and light trucks manufactured for sale in 1968 or later. Front markers are amber and rear markers red. Trailers over a certain width also require side marker lamps. The system must illuminate with the vehicle's lighting when required and include reflective features.
- Canada: CMVSS 108-based rules require side marker lamps or reflectors on many vehicles, with color and mounting conventions similar to the US. Regulatory enforcement is handled by Transport Canada and provincial authorities, and requirements can vary by vehicle type and year.
- European Union and United Kingdom: The EU does not universally mandate separate side marker lamps in the same way as the US/Canada. Instead, vehicles rely on standard lighting and side reflectors, though some models may include side markers, especially on imports or specific designs. Always verify local rules for your vehicle.
- Other jurisdictions: Some countries have no mandatory side marker lighting, while others require side reflectors or other visibility aids. Always check local regulations and vehicle registration requirements.
Regulatory standards evolve, so verify with official authorities or a qualified mechanic to ensure compliance for your vehicle and year.
Practical considerations for compliance and maintenance
Before undertaking any modifications or replacements, consider how markers affect safety, legality, and inspections. Ensuring proper color, placement, and brightness helps you stay compliant and reduces crash risk.
- Ensure correct color and placement: front markers are typically amber and mounted on the forward sides of the vehicle; rear markers are red and mounted toward the rear sides. Proper height and alignment improve visibility from multiple angles.
- Use compliant components: select markers that meet applicable standards (US SAE, EU ECE, etc.) and are rated for weather exposure and vibration. LED modules require appropriate voltage and sealing.
- Check for functionality and weather sealing: bulbs or LEDs should be tested regularly; replace failing units promptly to maintain full side visibility.
- Consider legal implications of aftermarket lighting: aftermarket markers must be compliant with local regulations; improper color, brightness, or wiring can lead to tickets or failed inspections.
- Account for inspections and registrations: some regions require annual or periodic inspections of lighting systems; noncompliant side markers can cause failures or fines.
In practice, keeping your side marker lights compliant enhances safety and helps you meet regulatory standards. If in doubt, consult your vehicle’s manual, a licensed mechanic, or your local motor vehicle authority.
Summary
Side marker lights serve both safety and regulatory purposes by increasing a vehicle’s visibility from the side, especially at night and during lane changes. In the United States and Canada, they are generally required for most vehicles built since the late 1960s, while EU countries rely more on standard lighting and reflectors. Always verify current local regulations for your vehicle type and year, and replace or upgrade markers with compliant components to stay safe and legally compliant.
Do you have to have side marker lights?
Typically, cars need two front amber side marker lights and two rear red side marker lights.
When did side marker lights become mandatory?
Side marker lights became mandatory in the United States for the 1968 model year as part of new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This regulation required amber lights at the front and red lights at the rear to indicate the vehicle's length and make it more visible from the sides.
- Federal mandate: The requirement was part of the initial Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) issued in 1967, which took effect for all vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968.
- Purpose: The primary goal of these lights is to increase the visibility of a vehicle's overall length and position from the sides, especially in low-light conditions.
- Color and placement: The initial rules required amber lights for the front sides and red lights for the rear sides.
- Related safety features: This mandate coincided with other significant safety requirements, such as the implementation of collapsible steering columns and front-seat shoulder belts.
Do you need sidelights?
According to the Highway Code, you should use sidelights between sunset and sunrise. It also states that you must display sidelights when parked on a road with a speed limit of over 30mph.
Do you need side marker lights to pass inspection?
Side marker lamps have been required by FMVSS No. 108 since it was promulgated as one of the initial Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards in 1967.
