19A NCAC 03D .0533      LIGHTS

(a)  Headlights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(b) and (c). Headlights shall not be approved if:

(1)           there are not at least two headlamps, or at least four on dual headlamp systems. Motorcycles and motor driven cycles need only one headlamp;

(2)           the headlamp lens or light produces other than a white or yellow light;

(3)           any lens or reflector is cracked, broken, discolored, or missing;

(4)           the high beam-low beam dimmer switch does not operate or the high beam indicator light does not burn on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956;

(5)           lights can be moved by hand, due to a broken fender or loose support, or if a good ground is not made by the mounting;

(6)           foreign materials, such as shields or painted lenses, are placed on the headlamp lens that interferes with light beam of lamp;

(7)           using a headlight testing device that meets Society of Automotive Engineers standards or light testing chart that is approved by the Division, lights are improperly aimed;

(8)           lights project a dazzling or glaring light when on low beam as defined in G.S. 20-131(b); and

(9)           the vehicle is equipped with headlamps that change the original design or performance of the headlamps; or do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, as adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(b)  Rear Lights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(d). Taillights shall not be approved if:

(1)           all original equipped rear lamps or the equivalent are not in working order;

(2)           the lens is cracked or discolored, the lens or light projects a color other than red, or is covered by a foreign material, such as shields or painted lenses. Cracks on lenses shall not lead to disapproval unless water is likely to short out the bulb;

(3)           they do not operate and project white light on the license plate; and

(4)           they are not mounted.

(c)  Stoplights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(g). A stoplight shall not be approved if:

(1)           the lens is cracked, discolored, or the lens or light projects a color other than red or amber, or is covered by a foreign material such as shields or painted lenses. Cracks on lenses shall not lead to disapproval unless water is likely to short out the bulb;

(2)           it does not come on when pressure is applied to foot brake; and

(3)           it is not mounted so as to project a light to the rear.

(d)  Vehicles shall have the lights as required by G.S. 20-129.1.

(e)  Parking lights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-134. A vehicle shall not be approved if parking lights are not working or covered by a foreign material, such as shields or painted lenses.

(f)  A motor vehicle that was originally equipped with back-up lamps, lamps, must have those lamps maintained in operating condition. Backup lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in a forward motion, nor shall the backup lamp emit any color other than white.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 20-2; 20-39; 20-131(a)(b); 20-183.3;

Eff. October 1, 1994;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021.