Boat Trailer Question

[Luck e 1]

The other day I was fishing with my brother. We got off near dark and took the boat out. I noticed that mt right brake light wasn't working (running lights were working). The boat is a 14 ft lund...and you can still see my tail lights on my 4runner if you are behind me. My brother said I didn't need lights if the person behind me could see my truck lights? That didn't sound right to me.

What do you guys know??

[Northlander]

From what I have been told by Sheeriff, Police and Highway Patrol you still need lights at the back of your trailer that are all functional.

[sparcebag]

I'd stop a highway patrol and ask!I got stoped once and they told me to wait till daylight,as long as someone could see my tail lights on truck I was OK.But others here told me that was wrong,I tend to believe the officer,but to get a realistic true answer I'd yet ask someone in the know!A OFFICER!HIGHWAY PATROL preferably!

[pfluemis]

I suggest reading chapter 169 of the Minnesota statutes.

[Finns]

169.50

( Every motor vehicle, other than a truck-tractor, and every vehicle that is being drawn

at the end of a train of vehicles, registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after

January 1, 1960, must be equipped with at least two taillamps mounted on the rear and on the

same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. When lighted, the taillamps must comply

with the provisions of this section.

Is this it?

Finns.

[BobT]

I'm no law enforcement officer but I think common sense can answer this question.

YES, you do need tail lights on a trailer regardless whether you can see the tow vehicle's lights. It stands to reason that at some point such as while traversing a curve in the road or when following from a closer distance, it is likely that you will not always have a visual of all the tail lights of the tow vehicle.

At any rate, one is asking for a mishap by not making sure his trailer lights are functioning. Just a couple weeks ago I was following a vehicle towing a boat and I nearly ran into him because he didn't have any brake lights on his trailer. Fortunately we were in town and only moving at 30mph. Could have turned an otherwise pleasant trip into a disaster. From far enough back I could see his truck lights but when closer to him as I was in town I could not and not knowing his trailer lights didn't work, well... One thing about my driving habits is that I do not tailgate. In fact, I am constantly on my wife's case because she does.

Regardless of the law if in fact I am wrong, protect your own butt (literally) by having functional lights.

Bob

[Luck e 1]

I think you are right on...Why chance it?

Good call guys and thanks.

[Dahitman44]

I think the question is "Can I get away with it?"

There is no question that you need to have all lights working. That is the law. Now, some officers will not stop somebody if you can plainly see their lights. Others will make it a point to stop them so they know it is out.

Regardless of the point of view -- all working lights is a must. You could be stopped if you don't.

On the Flip Side --

I don't have lights on my fish house. I should, but I don't. I bought some one year, but never get around to putting them on. I could and should get stopped one of these times. I do not drive at night or in low visibility. I usually have a duddy with his truck following behind me.

[Shack]

My 4x6 utilly trailer has no light. I use reflective tape. I mostly run her during the day and have never been messed with. I have not been pulled over either with the trailer on.

[sparcebag]

Kinda like haulin lumber,I've hauled 18ft ers! What do ya need a red flag attached to the end! there hanging 8ft beyond the down tail gate!! AND JUST A RED RAG! I have run into others haulin lumber hanging out of their trucks,almost hit it!! but it had a red rag on it to make it legal.

[fish2live]

i think the law is over 4 feet from your bumber you need lights.