What Lights are required around the roof of my skoolie?

[TheGreatEscape-SKO]

I am resurfacing the roof and the inside is gutted so i only want to replace what is required by DOT. There are currently 3 on the front face at the very top,1 on each side corner, 1 on each side center , and 3 on the rear face above back door...

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

And those are what DOT requires ... 5 front (3 center, 2 on the corners), 5 rear (same as front, in red), and one on each side (typically if length is 30' or more).

 

[New2Skool]

Anything over 8 feet wide requires top clearance lights.
Part of those top clearance lights are the edge area lights to help traffic determine your vehicle width.
Large vehicles over 30 or 32 require side marking lights.
Amber lower side, red upper if you are going to make the sides.
Equally spaced apart, within front 10 and rear 10, ideally 5 per side.
front end, mid, center, mid, rear end.

The best rule of thumb with lighting, red to the rear only, amber on the sides unless approaching 10+ feet, amber and white only to the front.
Driving lights, fog lights, and other non-off roading lights cannot be at a height higher than your state allows. Typically 16-24 inches before it is ruled as a blinding or distracting light source for oncoming traffic.

If you have questions for exact things, look up your local state police or county sheriffs non-emergency number and ask to speak to a deputy or highway safety officer. They can give you the exact low down on your specific state requirements and regulations.

 

[Iceni John]

This is what's needed:
https://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/TBMpstr.html

John

 

[TheGreatEscape-SKO]

Thank you all for the helpful replies!

 

[TheGreatEscape-SKO]

looking at the led clearance lights on amazon to replace the old brittle ones I am removing. Not one so far is stating DOT approve. Would this ever be an issue down the road (crossing the border, changing title to Motor home/RV, ect.)?

 

[Robin97396]

Were some of the other clearance lights on amazon DOT approved? I've shopped for new clearance light too but gave up.

 

[Scooternj]

Check out Superbright LEDs. All their lighting is DOT approved.

 

[TheGreatEscape-SKO]

Ok will do scooter. So are these lights required to be DOT certified? Have you or have you heard about anyone ever having a problem? There are so many real good ones without the certification.

 

[Scooternj]

Ok will do scooter. So are these lights required to be DOT certified? Have you or have you heard about anyone ever having a problem? There are so many real good ones without the certification.

As long as they're DOT compliant, and stamped DOT, they'll be fine. Clarification reference here; article on Truck-lite.com

 

[TheGreatEscape-SKO]

Ok. Thanks again.

 

[Brewerbob]

Are the front and rear clearance markers required to be directional? My OEM ones have little wings that prevent them from being seen from the side. What the **** does "[SIZE=-1]photometrically certified at installation angle" mean? That sounds like fancy talk for must be seen from all angles for its intended use. As a height (not turn) it shouldn't need any blocking.

Oh, mine rears are out and I plan on replacing all the markers.
[/SIZE]

 

[dan-fox]

What the **** does "[SIZE=-1]photometrically certified at installation angle" mean? That sounds like fancy talk for must be seen from all angles for its intended use. As a height (not turn) it shouldn't need any blocking.[/SIZE]

To me, it sounds like "tested to be bright enough to meet spec". Implied, "tested by a lab that carries our certification and will charge you a lot to do the testing".

I used to work at an appliance certification lab that was _not_ UnderWriter's Labs. Lotta money, lotta politics in that whole "certified testing agency" thing.

 

[Brewerbob]

To me, it sounds like "tested to be bright enough to meet spec". Implied, "tested by a lab that carries our certification and will charge you a lot to do the testing".

I used to work at an appliance certification lab that was _not_ UnderWriter's Labs. Lotta money, lotta politics in that whole "certified testing agency" thing.

I did see where the plastic covers have to be marked either PC or P2 or some such.. Another site explained it as if it's a corner marker it can be used as both side and rear if it can be seen from both.

 

[Stu & Filo. T]

Since we're on the subject, What about the reflectors? do I need them and / or can I replace them with lights?

 

[Scooternj]

Since we're on the subject, What about the reflectors? do I need them and / or can I replace them with lights?

Still needed. Everything is spelled out in the link provided.

 

[Brewerbob]

Since we're on the subject, What about the reflectors? do I need them and / or can I replace them with lights?

One of the links here had reflectors in it at the bottom. At least I think it was from this thread. There were places that reflectors were required. Corner markers (L shaped, and round) IIRC.

 

[jimmars]

Hi All, Skoolie Marker front and side light combo saf-t-liner thomas 2007. Has only one set of markers for the side and front and side and rear. the lights can be seen both from front and side, I believe that is what i need to keep. Does anyone have any experience with keeping those? Thanks

 

[PNW_Steve]

I am replacing all of mine with LED on my current build.

On my first bus I had planned to do the same. I removed all of the old ones and then found myself behind schedule and needed to get on the road. I set out on the road planning on finishing the clearance lights while on the road. Almost seven years and 250k miles I got around to it.

I never had any issues. I had LEO in and around my bus numerous times and nobody said a word.

 

[jimmars]

Hi,
Thanks for the response. I would like info on how to do it and what it should be, not how to ride for 7 years and 250k mikes without the proper lighting.
Cool, Jim