FMCSAFinal Rule

Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: License Plate Lamps

Transportation

Summary

This federal regulation sets safety standards for the lights that illuminate license plates on commercial trucks and vehicles. The rule ensures these lights work properly so law enforcement and other drivers can clearly read license plate numbers, which is important for public safety and vehicle tracking.

Key Points

  • 1Requires license plate lamps on commercial vehicles to meet specific brightness and durability standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  • 2Applies to trucking companies and commercial vehicle operators who must ensure their vehicles have properly functioning license plate lights
  • 3Helps prevent accidents and crimes by making sure license plates are clearly visible to other drivers and cameras at all times
  • 4Sets minimum technical requirements for lamp design, brightness levels, and how long the lights must last before replacement
  • 5Non-compliance could result in safety violations and fines for commercial vehicle operators during inspections

Key Dates

Published

February 19, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

The Digest Network