N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-32.25

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:20-32.25 - Miscellaneous lights requirements, all vehicles; commercial motor vehicle inspection at official inspection facilities

(a) All miscellaneous lights used on motor vehicles shall be of a type and color approved as meeting the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers. The letters "SAE," along with the manufacturer's name and trademark, are often on the lens of such lights. In addition, the letters listed below often appear on the following lights:

1. Fog lights = F;

2. Spot lights = O;

3. Emergency warning lights = W or W1 or W3; or

4. Supplemental driving or passing lights = Y or Z.

(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary driving lights mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height of not less than 12 inches, nor more than 42 inches, above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. Auxiliary driving lights include, but are not limited to, fog lights, passing lights, and supplemental driving lights. Auxiliary driving lights shall be properly installed, so that their aim is not grossly misaligned nor readily disturbed by ordinary vehicle operation. Certification of a commercial motor vehicle shall be refused if the aim of an auxiliary driving light is grossly misaligned.

1. Fog lights are auxiliary driving lights that may be used with the low beam headlights to provide general illumination ahead of a motor vehicle. A fog light shall be white, yellow, or amber in color. Approved fog lights shall meet the requirements of SAE J-583d, incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented. The Standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) may be obtained from the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096.

2. Passing lights, also known as auxiliary low beam driving lights, are designed to supplement the lower beam of a standard headlight system. Approved lights shall meet the requirements of SAE J-582a, incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented. Passing lights shall be wired, so that they are controlled by a switch separate from the headlight switch.

3. Supplemental driving lights are auxiliary driving lights that may be used to supplement the upper beam of a standard headlight system. Approved lights shall meet the requirements of SAE J-581, incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented. Supplemental driving lights shall be wired, so that they are controlled by a switch separate from the headlight switch.

(c) A spot light is a light that can be aimed at will. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one spot light, but the use of any such spot light for driving purposes is prohibited. The letters "SAE" and the letter "O," along with the manufacturer's name or trademark, are often on the lens of approved type spot lights. Approved spot lights shall meet the requirements of SAE J-591b, incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.

(d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lights that shall emit a white or yellow light without glare.

(e) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one running board courtesy light on each side of the vehicle. The courtesy light shall emit a white or yellow light without glare.

(f) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more back-up lights, either separately, or in combination with other lights. Back-up lights shall be white in color. Certification of a commercial motor vehicle shall be refused if a back-up light is illuminated when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

(g) On motor vehicles used for plowing snow, there may be auxiliary driving lights connected to either the parking light system or the low beam headlight system. If headlight units are used for the auxiliary driving lights, they shall be wired, so that the taillights will be illuminated when the auxiliary driving lights are turned on. Auxiliary turn signal lights are also permitted on such motor vehicles.

(h) Flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles (except an authorized emergency vehicle or unless a permit for such vehicle has been issued in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:24), except as a means for indicating right or left turns or for hazard warning signals.

(i) A motor vehicle driven by an active member in good standing of a volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad may be equipped with a blue emergency warning light or lights in accordance with the requirements set forth at N.J.A.C. 13:24-5. An identification card (permit) issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:24-5shall be in the possession of the operator at all times when the blue emergency warning light or lights are operated on a motor vehicle.

(j) A motor vehicle driven by an active member in good standing of the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol may be equipped with a blue emergency warning light or lights in accordance with the requirements set forth at N.J.A.C. 13:24-7. A permit issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:24-7shall be in the possession of the operator at all times when the blue emergency warning light or lights are displayed on a motor vehicle.

(k) All miscellaneous lights shall be permanently and securely mounted on a permanent part of the vehicle in such a manner as to reduce the likelihood of their being obscured by mud or dirt thrown up by the wheels.

(l) Two or more lighting devices and reflectors may be combined optically, but the following combinations are prohibited:

1. A turn signal with a headlight; or

2. A clearance light with a taillight or an identification light.

(m) Motor vehicles may be equipped with other lights in addition to those that are specified in this subchapter. The manufacturer's name or trademark and the letters "SAE" often appear on the lens of such lights, along with the identification letters shown below:

1. E: Side turn signal lights (mounted on vehicle sides);

2. K: Cornering lights;

3. R: Back-up lights;

4. U: Supplemental high-mounted stop and turn signal lights;

5. V: Liquid burning emergency flares;

6. W4: Emergency reflex reflectors; or

7. X: Emergency lanterns.

(n) Except as otherwise provided at (b) and (f) above, certification of a commercial motor vehicle shall not be refused because of noncompliance with any provision of this section; however, the motorist shall be advised to have the defect corrected.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-32.25

Repealed by 48 N.J.R. 810(a), effective 5/16/2016

Adopted by 53 N.J.R. 2056(a), effective 12/6/2021