I notice they change the pattern of the lights on their trailers. Was wondering if there was any significance.
Is there any meaning to 18 wheeler tail light configuration?
There is a meaning to some of the lights. A truck is required by federal DOT law to have left and right tail lights, turn signals and brake lights. It is also required to have 3 clearance marker lights in the center, either at the top of the back of the truck or on the same plane as the tail lights. All of which are to be red, except separate turn signals can be amber. No other lights are allowed to be on the same plane as the tail lights or clearance lights. This identifies the vehicle as a truck from the rear as prescribed by Federal DOT regulations.
Any other lights on the back, just mean the truck owner thinks it looks cool and usually has more money than he knows what to do with.
On the sides of the trailer, it is required by federal DOT regulations to have 1 amber clearance light on each front corner. On a van it is to be at the top. On a flat bed on the front corner. 1 amber light half way of the trailer(at the bottom of the side. 1 red clearance light at each back corner at the bottom. The rest of the lights with the exception of side turn signals are just to look cool and waste money.
The extra lights are called chicken lights as are all the extra lights on the cab of the truck.
Is there any meaning to 18 wheeler tail light configuration?
No, as long as they have left and right signals and a brake light on each side they are legal, lot's of trucks and trailers have extra lights just for show or increased visibility.
Actually it does have some meaning. D.O.T. has a lot to do with the way certain lights are placed on a trailer, some guys add more for fun.
