FMVSS 108 Trailer Light Requirements Guide
Standard 108 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regulates lighting, signaling, and reflective devices required for all motor vehicles in the United States, and it is complicated. We decided to break this information down so that making your trailer FMVSS 108 compliant is easy.
To start, you will need to find out the dimensions of your trailer. Find your trailer’s length, width, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which define the required lights. For length, measure from the point closest to the vehicle, including the coupling to the rearmost point of the trailer. Measure the width at the widest point, including fenders or overhangs. Most of us don’t have access to a scale large enough to weigh a trailer. Luckily, the GVWR can be found on your trailer label. You can typically find this on the frame or trailer tongue near the hitch.
Find your trailer’s length, width, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), then select the image that corresponds to your trailer dimensions to see what lights are required.
Once you have your trailer's length, width, and GVWR, you have all the necessary information to determine what lights you need and where they go on your trailer.
Find the image that corresponds with the categories that match your trailer:
- Less than 80 inches wide and less than 30 feet long
- 80 inches wide or wider, less than 30 feet long, and a GVWR of 10,000 lb or less
- 80 inches wide or wider, 30 feet long or longer, and a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb
- Trailers 30 feet long or longer, regardless of the width or GVWR
Each of the first three categories builds on the previous, and there are additional requirements for any trailer over 30 feet long, regardless of the width or GVWR.
Follow the links to see and shop for the required lights.
FMVSS 108: Trailer Size Light Requirements
Less than 80 in. wide and less than 30 ft long.
Table 1
Greater than or equal to 80 in. wide and less than 30 ft long with a GVWR less than or equal to 10,000 lb.
Table 2
In addition to required lights from table 1
Greater than or equal to 80 in. wide and greater than or equal to 30 ft long with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Table 3
In addition to required lights from tables 1 and 2
Greater than or equal to 30 ft long (regardless of width or GVWR).
Table 4
In addition to lights required based on width and GVWR
Exceptions per Title 49 - Code of Federal Regulations-Section 571.108
If you have any questions regarding your specific trailer's lighting requirements or LED lighting in general, please contact a member of our customer service team for more information.
by Tyler Harrison
Product Writer
Tyler is a product writer for Super Bright LEDs and has nearly a decade of experience writing about outdoor equipment and LED lighting. When he is not writing, Tyler enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with his partner and their cat Finn who is a very good boy, except when he's not.
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