Question on trailer lights/blinkers

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by truckerdan90, May 13, 2013.

  1. truckerdan90

    truckerdan90 Bobtail Member

    31
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    Feb 13, 2012
    Idaho
    0
    I drive for the wonderful company called Werner and went thru the safety lane in one of the terminals to tell them that the right side blinker wasnt working on the trailer (the one in the middle of the trailer on the side, not on the rear end). It was lit but it did not blink when I turned on the blinker. Anyways he told me since it was an older trailer it wasnt supposed to blink and I would be fine if the DOT did an inspection. Actually many of Werners trailers seem to have this problem. The trailer I have now has the same problem, but with both side blinkers not blinking. So is this true? If I get an inspection those lights will pass?
     
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  3. cetanediesel

    cetanediesel Medium Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2013
    Albany, NY
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    You do not need a blinker on the side of a trailer. You just need one at the rear of the trailer and truck with the one on the front of the truck. 3 total is all that is needed.
     
  4. CDL1968

    CDL1968 Medium Load Member

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    Sep 27, 2012
    USA
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    Your correct in the fact that this light in question is not required by law, however any and all exterior lights on the vehicles must be in proper working order. I have experienced as a former "Chickin Hauler" and no doughty you may have over heard other Chickin Haulers complain about the fact that some DOT officers take pleasure in finding these lights that are out.

    However, TruckerDan mentioned that the light did come on when he turned the signal on therefore I don't think a DOT officer would fault him just because it didn't blink. I think at the most the DOT officer might point it out or question it and I recommend just off handedly saying, yeah all these trailer of year model do that, and be done with it.
     
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  5. jameslawton

    jameslawton Light Load Member

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    May 1, 2013
    Tulsa OK
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    depends on the trl if its a 53 ft trl it does need a turn on the side and the if its on there it has to work is not the fed dot law but there are several states that have that
     
  6. jameslawton

    jameslawton Light Load Member

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    65
    May 1, 2013
    Tulsa OK
    0
    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.9
    [TABLE="align: center"]
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    [TD="width: 50%, align: left"]< 393.7[/TD]
    [TD="width: 50%, align: right"] 393.11 >[/TD]
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    [TD="width: 100%, colspan: 2"] [TABLE="class: rellink"]
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    [TD="class: rlhdr"] Related Links [/TD]
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    Subpart B - Lamps, reflective devices, and electrical wiring

    § 393.9Lamps operable, prohibition of obstructions of lamps and reflectors.(a) All lamps required by this subpart shall be capable of being operated at all times. This paragraph shall not be construed to require that any auxiliary or additional lamp be capable of operating at all times.

    [/TD]
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    cetanediesel Thanks this.
  7. cetanediesel

    cetanediesel Medium Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2013
    Albany, NY
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    Yea bro, we know that. Its just getting the DOT cops to actually read the laws.
     
  8. 379exhd

    379exhd Road Train Member

    2,925
    3,153
    Jun 25, 2012
    rolling through hell
    0
    Print that little tidbit off keep it in the truck and when its questioned whip it out and show it to them. Right there in black and white. If they can't understand that they need to find a new profession
     
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