Rules for Permitted Equipment on Vehicles

Pre-Drive Checklist

• Make sure the vehicle is in park or neutral
• Adjust the seat to reach all controls
• Adjust rear-view mirrors to avoid leaning forward or backward
• Remove any obstructions from view of mirrors or roadway
• Lock all car doors
• Fasten safety belt and ensure all passengers do the same

Equipment Standards

• Brakes: two braking systems, each capable of stopping the car alone
• Low Beam Headlights: visible from 1,000 feet
• High Beam Headlights: visible from 1,000 feet
• Taillights: two red lights visible from 1,000 feet
• Brake Lights: two red lights visible from 300 feet in the daytime
• License Plate Light: white light making the license plate visible from 50 feet
• Directional Signals: amber or white (front) or red (rear)
• Horn: audible from 200 feet
• Mirrors: at least one rear-view mirror with a 200-foot view to the rear
• Windshield Wiper: in good working order to clear the driver's view
• Windshields and Side & Rear Windows: in good condition
• Tires: meet specific standards

Prohibited Equipment

• Red lights visible from the front or blue lights (except for emergency/law enforcement vehicles)
• More than two spotlights, cowl or fender lights, fog lights, or other extra lights
• A siren, bell, or whistle
• A very loud muffler (heard from more than 50 feet) or one emitting smoke
• Signs, posters, or stickers on the windshield or windows (except if required by law)
• A "television-type receiver" visible to the driver
• Headsets/headphones worn by the driver while operating a vehicle

Bumper Height Requirements

• Front and rear bumpers must be mounted within certain height levels
• Height limitations are governed by the net shipping weight of the vehicle

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

• Prevents skidding and allows drivers to steer during emergency braking
• Automatically pumps the brakes at a faster rate than the driver could
• Requires steady pressure on the brake pedal; removing pressure disengages ABS
• Check for ABS by looking for a lighted ABS symbol on the dashboard or in the owner's manual

Trailers, Towing, and Load Equipment

• Trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer weighing 3,000 pounds or less:
  • Two reflectors, one at each side
  • A brake light if the trailer or load blocks/hides the brake lights on the towing vehicle
• Trailer or semitrailer weighing more than 3,000 pounds:
  • Front: two clearance lamps, one at each side
  • Each side: two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear, and two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear
  • Rear: two clearance lamps, one at each side, and two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear
• Pole trailer weighing more than 3,000 pounds:
  • Each side: one side marker lamp and one clearance lamp
  • Rear: two reflectors, one at each side

Drawbar or Towing Connection

• Must be strong enough to pull all towed weight
• Must not be more than 15 feet long unless towing poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects that cannot be easily taken apart
• Must have a white flag at least 12 inches square attached to it if it is a chain, rope, or cable

Learn about the equipment that is not permitted on vehicles according to traffic regulations. This quiz covers restrictions on lights, sirens, mufflers, and additional accessories that are prohibited while operating a vehicle.