does anyone know what laws might exist about reverse lights on a vehicle? i wanted to get a swing-away tire carrier fabbed up for my rear bumper but on the 2nd gen 4runners, the reverse lights are in teh middle of the tailgate, unlike hte 3rd gens with the lights on the corners. im just worried about them being covered up. any input?

 

Well, i don't know if they are a legal requirement, but i'm pretty sure they are...also, it's pretty nice to have something lighting up the road behind you at night, if you are trying to back up...i'd just mount up a couple of cheap lights inside the bumper itself, then you're covered, and it'll look pretty good.

 

incorperate your own design backup lights in to your spare tire holder

I could build you something too if you want to pay

good luck

 

i would say yes, but theres a local shop here in Charlotte that im planning on using. shipping would be brutal for a bumper that big im sure.

thanks for the input though guys, maybe ill see if i can put the lights inside bumper somehow, good call.

 

I have lights in my bumper, and it really does help out especially on the trail.

 

awesome, great idea seaflea

 

I know in Virginia you must have reverse lights and you can not relocate them unless you cover up there original hole. However, NC's laws aren't quite as bad on most things. Another quick fix you can consider would be to get a set of the 2nd gen taillights with the reverse lights in them. They came on the 2nd gens with factory rear tire carriers. Then you would just need to reroute your wires to your taillights.

 

the only taillights that would work are hilux taillights. the US spec 4Runners with factory tire carriers had the reverse lights on the tailgate.

 

Thats right, they are just in a different location.

 

In NY you must have one backup light working. I would check with your inspection station if you have one in your state or visit the state police if you dont have any outstanding warrants

James