Are aftermarket taillights legal?

Generally yes—aftermarket taillights are legal if they meet your country’s vehicle lighting standards (for example, FMVSS/CMVSS 108 in the U.S. and Canada, ECE regulations in Europe, ADRs in Australia), display the correct colors, remain bright and visible at required distances, include required reflectors, and carry the proper compliance markings. If they’re excessively tinted, lack certification marks, say “for off-road/show use only,” or alter the light’s color or visibility, they’re typically illegal and can get you cited or fail inspection. Below, we explain what to look for and how rules differ by region.

What the law actually requires

Vehicle lighting rules aim to ensure other road users can see and interpret your signals. Aftermarket units are allowed so long as they perform the same functions as stock lights and meet the same performance standards. Most countries either adopt or closely mirror international standards that specify color, brightness, aim, number, placement, and visibility distances.

Core compliance standards by region

These are the primary regulations that determine whether an aftermarket taillight is street-legal in major markets.

• United States: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. Manufacturers self-certify; compliant lamps typically bear “SAE” function codes and often “DOT” markings. States enforce compliance and may inspect for markings and visibility.
• Canada: Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108, harmonized with FMVSS 108. Provincial inspection regimes apply.
• European Union/UK: ECE Regulations (notably R48 for installation; R7, R6, R23, R38 for lamp types). Look for an “E” mark in a circle/rectangle with a number denoting the approving country.
• Australia/New Zealand: Australian Design Rules (e.g., ADR 13/00, 49/00) and E-marked components commonly accepted.

The takeaway: a legitimate compliance mark (SAE/DOT in North America; E-mark in Europe and many other regions) is your first and easiest signal that a taillight is intended for road use and has been designed to meet applicable standards.

What must be correct on any road-legal taillight

Regardless of style, the light must perform required functions with correct colors, brightness, and visibility, and include mandated components like reflectors.

• Colors: Tail and stop lamps must be red; rear turn signals may be red or amber in the U.S./Canada but must be amber in the EU/UK/Australia; reverse lamps must be white; rear fog lamps (where fitted/required) must be red.
• Visibility/brightness: Must be visible at specified distances (commonly 500–1000 feet/150–300 m, depending on jurisdiction and function) and meet photometric output. Excessive tint that reduces output is unlawful.
• Number and placement: Most passenger vehicles require two tail/stop lamps and two red rear reflectors; mounting height and spacing are regulated. A center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is required on modern cars and must remain functional.
• Markings: Look for molded/etched SAE function codes (e.g., “S” for stop, “T” for tail, “R” for reverse, “A” for turn, “IA/IIA” for reflectors) and/or an E-mark. “DOT approved” claims without markings are suspect.
• Behavior: No unauthorized flashing, strobing, or color changing. Turn signals/hazards may flash; brake lights generally may not. Some local exceptions exist for motorcycles—check your state/province.

If your aftermarket unit hits these targets—and is correctly installed and aimed—it’s typically legal for road use in your area.

Common modifications that often cross the line

Some popular styling choices frequently cause tickets or inspection failures because they undermine color or visibility or violate installation rules.

• Dark tint films/covers: If they reduce required light output or alter color, they’re illegal in most jurisdictions. Many states/provinces explicitly ban lamp covers.
• “Show only” lamps: Products labeled for off-road/show use usually lack required photometrics and markings.
• Noncompliant LED bulb swaps in stock housings: Many drop-in LEDs don’t meet FMVSS/CMVSS/ECE photometrics for the original lamp and can be illegal, even if they seem brighter. Purpose-built, certified LED assemblies are safer choices.
• Blue, purple, or color-shifting effects: Reserved for emergency or prohibited; likely to draw immediate enforcement.
• Disabled or removed reflectors: Required rear red reflectors must be present—either integrated in the lamp or as separate reflectors.
• Mismatched behavior: Rapid “hyperflash,” sequential patterns that don’t meet timing specs, or brake lights that pulse/strobe can be illegal.

While enforcement varies, these issues are among the most commonly cited and are likely to fail safety inspections where required.

U.S. state-level notes you should know

States adopt FMVSS 108 but may set specific visibility distances, inspections, and tint rules. Here are typical themes many states share; always verify your state’s code.

• Visibility: Tail lamps typically must be visible from 500–1000 feet; stop lamps from about 300 feet or more. Texas, for example, specifies 1000 ft for tail lamps; California and New York commonly use 500 ft for tail and 300 ft for brake visibility.
• Markings: Officers and inspectors often look for SAE/DOT markings. Lack of markings can lead to a fix-it ticket even if the lamp looks bright.
• Tint/covers: Many states explicitly prohibit any material over lights that diminishes intensity. Smoked or blackout styles commonly result in citations.
• Color: Rear turn signals may be red or amber; blue to the rear is prohibited. White is only for reverse.
• CHMSL: Required on passenger cars since the mid-1980s; it must remain functional and red.

If your aftermarket taillights meet FMVSS 108 and retain correct color and visibility—and you keep the CHMSL—you’re generally in the clear across the U.S., but local enforcement of tint and markings can be strict.

Europe and UK specifics

Europe and the UK require ECE-compliant lamps with E-marks and amber rear indicators. Tinted lenses can be legal only if photometric performance is maintained, which deep tint generally fails.

• E-mark: Look for an “E” in a circle/rectangle with a country number and function codes. This is the accepted approval marking.
• Amber rear indicators: Red rear turn signals are not permitted; they must be amber.
• Rear fog lamp: Often required (one or two, depending on side/market). Aftermarket assemblies must retain or include this function.
• MOT/inspection: Excessive tint, incorrect color, or missing reflectors will fail the MOT in the UK and analogous tests elsewhere.

Choose E-marked assemblies designed for your market, ensure the rear fog function is present where required, and avoid dark tints to pass inspection and remain legal.

Canada and Australia quick highlights

Canada aligns closely with the U.S. on standards, while Australia follows ADRs that align with ECE in many respects, including amber rear turn signals.

• Canada (CMVSS 108): SAE/DOT-style markings are common; rear indicators may be red or amber; provincial inspections may scrutinize tint and markings.
• Australia (ADRs): E-marked lamps generally acceptable. Amber rear indicators required; rear fog lamp rules apply. Excessive tint and noncompliant flash patterns can fail roadworthy checks.

As in other regions, use properly marked lamps, keep correct colors, and avoid any modification that reduces visibility.

How to verify a set is legal before you buy

Several practical checks can prevent headaches, failed inspections, or fix-it tickets when selecting aftermarket taillights.

• Check markings: Look for molded SAE function codes and/or E-marks. Be wary of stickers; molded/etched markings are more credible.
• Confirm functions: Tail, stop, turn, reverse, reflectors—and rear fog where required—must all be present and bright.
• Scrutinize color: Ensure red for tail/stop, correct amber or red for rear turn per your country, and white for reverse.
• Avoid “show use only”: If the listing says off-road/show, it’s not street-legal.
• Read fitment notes: Buy the version for your specific market (US, EU, AU) to match local color and fog-lamp rules.
• Mind LED conversions: Prefer full replacement assemblies certified for road use over generic LED bulbs in stock housings.

If a seller can’t confirm compliance markings or photometric testing, assume the product is not legal for on-road use.

Installation and use tips to stay compliant

Even compliant parts can become noncompliant if installed or configured incorrectly. These tips help you keep things legal and safe.

• Don’t disable safety features: Keep the CHMSL functional and red.
• Fix hyperflash: Use the correct flasher module or vehicle coding instead of hot resistors when possible.
• Seal and aim properly: Water intrusion and misalignment can degrade performance and invite citations.
• Keep lenses clean and clear: Dirt or film reduces effective brightness; avoid films/covers altogether.
• Document compliance: Keep packaging or photos showing markings in case you need to prove legality after a stop.

Proper installation and maintenance ensure your compliant lamp stays compliant—and visible—over time.

Special cases: motorcycles, classic cars, trailers

Some vehicle types have unique allowances or requirements that affect taillight legality.

• Motorcycles: Often allowed a single rear combination lamp; some jurisdictions permit brake light modulation for bikes, but others don’t—check local law.
• Classic/antique vehicles: May have different requirements based on model year; consult your state/province rules.
• Trailers: Must have their own compliant tail/stop/turn, license plate light, and reflectors; towing vehicle lights don’t substitute.

When in doubt, check the specific code section for your vehicle type to confirm what’s required and what’s optional.

Bottom line

Aftermarket taillights are legal when they’re purpose-built for road use, carry legitimate compliance markings, display the correct colors, meet visibility/brightness requirements, and retain all required functions (including reflectors and the center brake light). Excessive tint, missing markings, “show only” units, and noncompliant LED bulb swaps are the most common pitfalls.

Summary

Yes, aftermarket taillights can be legal—but only if they comply with your jurisdiction’s standards (FMVSS/CMVSS 108, ECE/ADR), have proper markings, show the right colors, remain bright and visible at required distances, and include required reflectors and functions. Avoid tinted covers, show-use products, and uncertified LED bulb conversions. Buy market-specific, marked assemblies, install them correctly, and keep documentation to sail through inspections and roadside checks.

Do taillights have to be dot-approved?

Did you know if your lighting isn’t compliant, you can face penalties such as a ticket/citation, a fine or even jail time? By law, all headlights and taillights must be DOT compliant for use on roads and highways in all 50 states.

Is it illegal to have custom tail lights?

California is one of the strictest states when it comes to lighting modifications, and not just because it bans most aftermarket tints. Under California Vehicle Code §24600, tail lights must: Emit a red color clearly visible from at least 500 feet away. Be unobstructed and not dulled or darkened by any covering or film.

Will cops pull you over for tinted tail lights?

Yes, in most cases, tinted tail lights are illegal in the United States. Federal law requires tail lights to be red in color and visible from at least 1,000 feet away, and most state laws explicitly prohibit any aftermarket tinting that reduces light output.

What color tail lights are legal?

red light
In California, smoked taillights must meet certain requirements in order to comply with state laws. The taillights must emit red light, be clearly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).