Do Boat Trailer Tail Lights Have to Be Installed at the Very Back of the Trailer

Question:

I bought two, mounted them in the original location. They are great. But I wonder if the location is correct. I read with great interest the info about the requirements for trailer lights. Trailer Lighting Requirements Excellent. But my question. My Sailboat extends about 4 feet beyond the trailer. The lights are about 3 feet from the end of the trailer. Making the light 7 feet from the end of the boat. I dont see a requirement for that in you excellent write up - but there must be one. My trailer is Less Than 80 inch Wide and Less Than 30 foot Long Help! Thanks

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase of the Combination lights # STL9RB and # STL8RB!

If the light locations were established by a boat trailer building company then I see no reason why they would place the lights in a place that would cause legal troubles on the highway, but if you've built this trailer then it might not be a bad idea to move the lights further back just to help with visibility. Our article is written with the mindset that the installer is establishing lights on the trailer which is why we talk about having the lights at the back of the trailer.

Please take into consideration the length of your boat as well and make sure you have any flags that might be required by the highway patrol in any area you might be traveling.

expert reply by: Jon G