Exterior Lighting Requirements

There is a wide variety of lights that vehicles must have in different parts of the world.
This post will identify and explain them.



Headlights:
This consists of a high and low beam to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle.
Required in the US and Europe.


Daylight Running Lamps:
Consists of two headlamps that make oncoming vehicles more visible in daylight.
Permitted in US, required in Canada and Europe for some vehicles.


Front Fog Lights:
Two forward-facing lights mounted symmetrically about the center line.
Required in Europe.

Park and Turn Lights:
Parking- Indicate the vehicle's position during parking if the headlights fail.
Turning- Flashes to indicate the drivers intent to turn or for an emergency.
Required in US and Europe.


Side Marker Lights:
Indicate the overall length of the vehicle.
Required in US and Europe


Side Repeater Lamps:
Work with turn signals to show intent to turn or change lanes.
Visible to vehicles travelling alongside.
Required in Europe




Center High Mounted Stop Light:
One rear-facing red light mounted on the vehicle centerline, activated with brakelights.
Required in US and Europe

Back-Up Lights:
For illumination behind the vehicle and to provide a warning signal.
One required, two optional.
White in color.
Required in Europe.

License Plate Lamps:
Used to illuminate the rear license plate to be legible at night.
Required in US and Europe



Taillights:
Brake lights - Red - Indicate the vehicle is slowing down.
Turn Signal - Red or Amber - Flashes to indicate the drivers intent to turn or for an emergency.
A specified portion of the taillight must be mounted on the fixed body (not the trunk lid/hatch).
Clustered into one light assembly.
Required in US and Europe.

Rear Fog Lights: Red- make the vehicle more visible in fog.
One is required, mounted on the driver's or vehicle's centerline. Two are optional.
Not allowed in US, required in Europe.

Thanks for Reading!