I built a single axle utility trailer, 99" wide by 13'6" long, with 3500# axles and registered it in AZ. I was not required to have the "ID" lights on the rear. Was that a "goof" by the state inspector or is there some exemptions to the DOT Regs ?

The following quote is from Wannadiesel on the subject of running a Dually w/o tailgate.
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It's a part of the USDOT regs. FMCSR 393 Subpart B Table 1.

Any vehicle 80 inches wide or more must have them (identification lights) front and rear (1 at each corner, 3 in the middle). The reason the cab lights are available on SRW trucks is so they can be run legally with a flatbed trailer 80 inches wide or wider.

The tri-bar is not technically legal by itself unless it's at the same level as the tail lights, you should mount individual lights as close to the corners as practical.
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I have rear ID lights on both of my 5th wheels and I pulled this trailer behind my Arabian 5r this year without being stopped, but want to be sure I'm legal.

Thanks
Harold

 

If you are running interstate you should have them . State laws may not require them . Didn't you have a DOT inspection on the trailer ? They are cracking down on the light law . Three in the middle and one on each edge means exactly that . Trucks that have put more than 5 lights across their cab are being fined .

 

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cars/rules/.../Trlrpstr.html

 

That's "The Answer", with pictures even!!

The state inspector never even ask, or measured the width of the trailer. He checked that I had side markers front and rear, tail/stop/turn signal lights and license plate light.

Thanks RickG and Slim51015

Harold

 

That was a great link.

Thanks.