A Simple, Condensed Guide on Trailer Lighting Rules

Trailer Lighting Rules vary a lot from 1 trailer to another.

Many people seem to think that if you can see the lights on the back of the tow vehicle or fit a small light board on the back their trailer is

Most of these variations are on size and some on type of trailer with a few changing for the type of trailer.

Towing and trailers has a YouTube video to explain the following information.

The types / categories of trailer are as follows

• O1 Trailers – Very lightweight trailer with a GW of 750kg or less.
• O2 Trailers – Lightweight trailer with a GW from 750kg to 3500kg.
• O3 Trailers – Heavy duty trailer with a GW between 3.5T to 10T.
• O4 Trailers – Heavy duty trailer with a GW over 10T.

This page is related to O1 and O2 trailer lights as these are normal trailers towed by a car, van or pickup with overrun braking systems or no brakes.

Standard Lights Required on all trailers

Listed below are the basic lighting rules that cover all trailers until they reach 1.3m wide.

• 2 Side / tail lights
• 2 Direction indicators
• 2 Brake lights
• Illumination for number plate

All must also have the following reflectors.

• Minimum 2 side reflectors dependant on length
• 2 Front reflectors
• 2 Rear Triangular Reflectors

The above rules are only suitable for small trailers upto 1.3m wide and more than 2 reflectors are required if the trailer is over 2.9m long.

The requirements for trailers over 1.3m wide

At an overall width of 1.3m additional to the standard lights the trailer will also need the following lights.

• Fog light

This fog light is required if a trailer is more than 1.3m wide at the furthest point including mudguards.

Requirements for trailers over 1.6m wide

At an overall width of 1.6m additional to the standard lights and a fog light the trailer will also need the following lights.