Tail Light Obstruction Amendments

6
41-6a-1647
0
Tail Light Obstruction Amendments
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Scott H. Chew
Senate Sponsor: Kathleen A. Riebe
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses vehicle lighting requirements relating to cargo carriers.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
prohibits operating a motor vehicle when a cargo carrier obscures required tail lights
unless auxiliary lighting equipment and reflectors are installed;
establishes compliance requirements for operators;
provides standards for auxiliary lighting equipment and reflectors; and
provides penalties for violations.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
41-6a-1647
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section
41-6a-1647
is enacted to read:
41-6a-1647
. Tail light obstruction prohibited -- Cargo carriers and bicycle racks.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Cargo carrier" means any device attached to a vehicle for the purpose of
transporting cargo, luggage, or equipment, including:
(i)
a hitch-mounted cargo carrier;
(ii)
a cargo tray; and
(iii)
a cargo basket.
(b)
"Reflector" means a device designed to reflect light from another light source to
provide visibility of the device.
(c)
"Tail light" or "tail lamp" means the rear lighting equipment required under Section
41-6a-1603
.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection
(2)(b)
, an individual may not operate a vehicle
to which a cargo carrier is attached on a highway if the cargo carrier obscures,
obstructs, or blocks a required tail light such that the tail light is not clearly visible
from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(b)
An individual may operate a vehicle as described in Subsection
(2)(a)
if the
individual installs auxiliary lighting equipment and reflectors in accordance with
Subsection
(3)
.
(3)
(a)
If an individual operates a vehicle on a highway with a cargo carrier that obscures,
obstructs, or blocks a tail light, the individual shall install auxiliary lighting
equipment and reflectors as described in Subsection
(3)(b)
and (c).
(b)
An individual required to install auxiliary lighting or reflectors required under
Subsection
(3)(a)
shall:
(i)
mount or attach the auxiliary light onto the cargo carrier;
(ii)
ensure that the auxiliary lighting:
(A)
is wired to activate simultaneously with the vehicle's standard tail lights and
brake lights; and
(B)
is red in color and visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear; and
(iii)
meet or exceed the standards established by the Department of Public Safety
under Section
41-6a-1601
.
(c)
An individual required to install reflectors as described in Subsection
(3)(a)
shall
ensure that the reflectors:
(i)
are red in color;
(ii)
are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear when illuminated by the
headlights of a motor vehicle; and
(iii)
meet or exceed the standards established by the Department of Public Safety
under Section
41-6a-1601
.
(4)
(a)
A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $100
for a first offense.
(b)
A second or subsequent violation within three years is punishable by a fine not to
exceed $200.
Section 2.
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on
May 6, 2026
.
2-24-26 7:56 AM