tail light color laws

Tail Light Color Laws: State-by-State Guide

By Mark JacksonFebruary 23, 2026

Illuminating the roads and improving visibility, tail lights play a crucial role in our vehicles' safety features. But have you ever wondered if there are regulations regarding their color? Laws concerning tail light color indeed exist to ensure everyone's safety and driving experience. Let's delve into the details of these regulations, exploring various jurisdictions and their specific requirements.

Before we dive in, it's essential to understand that while many jurisdictions have standards, some are more lenient than others. This article will focus on the most common and stringent regulations to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tail light color laws.

Regulations in the United States

The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 outlines tail light requirements, which all vehicles must comply with. However, individual states may have additional regulations, so it's crucial to check local laws.

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According to federal regulations and most states, tail lights must be transparent or translucent and emit an amber or red color. Here are two key sub-topics that delve deeper into these requirements:

Red Tail Lights

Red tail lights are mandatory in all U.S. states. They must be steady and illuminated with a light intensity of at least four candelas per lux (cd/lx) in dull daylight and at least two cd/lx in glare. The red light must be visible from a distance of 600 feet (183 meters) during the day and 1,500 feet (457 meters) at night.

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Red tail lights can either be separate or part of a combined red/amber rear lamp. If separate, they must be positioned horizontally, with one on either side of the vehicle's centerline. If combined, they should have a horizontal width of at least 4.5 inches (114 mm) and a vertical height of at least 2 inches (51 mm).

Amber or Clear Tail Lights

Amber or clear (transparent) tail lights are also permitted in most U.S. states but cannot replace the red lights. They must be additional lights and can be used in combination with red lights. The amber or clear lights must meet the same intensity and visibility requirements as red tail lights.

Many states, such as California and Texas, allow amber or clear lens tail lights, especially for use on motorcycles and off-road vehicles. However, in some states like New York and Illinois, clear tail lights have been prohibited, so it's essential to check local laws.

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Regulations in the European Union

The regulations governing tail light colors in the European Union are outlined in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations, which are adopted by all EU member states.

The UNECE regulations stipulate that rear position lamps must be a minimum of two and emit a red or amber color. Additionally, they must be visible from a distance of 100 meters (328 feet) at an angle of 20 degrees from directly behind the vehicle. Let's explore the sub-topics of red and amber tail lights in the EU:

Red Tail Lights

Red tail lights are mandatory in all EU member states and must be steady and have an intensity of at least 0.2 candelas per square meter (cd/m2). The red light must be visible from a distance of at least 200 meters (656 feet) during the day and 300 meters (984 feet) at night.

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Red tail lights should be positioned horizontally, with one on either side of the vehicle's centerline, and have a minimum width of 250 mm (9.84 inches) and a height of 100 mm (3.94 inches).

Amber Tail Lights

Amber tail lights are permitted in the EU but are not as common as in the U.S. They must meet the same intensity and visibility requirements as red tail lights and may be used in combination with red lights.

Amber tail lights can either be separate or part of a combined red/amber rear lamp. If separate, they must be positioned horizontally, with one on either side of the vehicle's centerline. If combined, they should have a horizontal width of at least 250 mm (9.84 inches) and a vertical height of at least 100 mm (3.94 inches).

Understanding the regulations surrounding tail light colors is essential to ensure your vehicle complies with the law and maintains optimal safety. Always remember to check local laws, as they may vary from the federal or international guidelines outlined here. Stay safe and keep those tail lights shining brightly!