- Nonmotorized campers are considered trailers and must adhere to Texas Department of Public Safety lighting requirements.coach, trailer image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
The Texas Department of Public Safety sets the lighting requirements for all vehicles, including trailers. The requirements are created with road safety and economy in mind. A trailer is nonmotorized, has at least one axle and is designed to be hauled behind a motorized vehicle. DPS lighting requirements can be applied to all varieties of trailers, including utility trailers, horse trailers, boat trailers, mobile homes and pop-up campers. - Every trailer, large or small, must display lights or reflectors on each side toward the front. Their license plate must be illuminated by at least one white license plate light. Red reflectors must be present on each side. Working taillights are required as well as brake lights on the back left and right. Turning indicator lights, commonly known as "blinkers," should be positioned on the rear of the trailer---one on each side.
- A trailer that measures 30 feet or more in length must meet additional requirements. At least one amber (orange) reflector must be centered on each side of the trailer. Two red reflectors must be displayed on the rear of the trailer---one on each side. One side marker light must be centered on each side. A marker light is a lamp that is wired to the brake and comes on whenever the other lights are in use. They can be wired to blink in sync with the indicator lights, but this is not required. Hazard lights also are required on long trailers.
- If a trailer measures 80 feet wide or more, it is subject to further lighting requirements. One amber (orange) reflector must be present on each side of the trailer, toward the front, and red reflectors must be placed on each side near the back of the trailer. Side marker lights must be positioned on each front side and each rear side. Clearance lights are required on the front and the rear. Lights are available on the market that are designed to act as both clearance and side marker lights. Some manufacturers also are using these. Finally, all wide trailers must be equipped with working hazard lights.
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