It will surprise most drivers to know that inoperable lights/no reflective material is the number one violation among road side inspections to Pinnacle’s PTSI division.
Checking your lights is a simple, mundane task but the number of points being generated by this category earns more attention during pre-trip inspections and periodic inspections performed during the day.
Whether you’re hauling a brand-new RV, driving a box truck or toting a mobile home checking your lights is important. First, it’s a good idea not to have any custom or after-market lighting on your truck that isn’t necessary. The law says if you have a light, it must work. So, if you have a decorative string of LED lights attached to your cab or sleeper, every one of them little buggers must be working. It’s wiser to not have any more lights than required.
The biggest issue PTSI drivers have with lighting is the transport lights. Wiring is not always secure which causes bulbs and fitting to disconnect. Unfortunately, getting the light to work by reinserting the bulb after the DOT has seen an inoperable light will not get you off the hook.
All lights must always be working properly. It’s a good idea to check your lights whenever you stop. Just turn on your clearance lights and your four-ways and do a quick walk around. If everything is working, you should be good.
Happy trails,
Brian
