Are White Cab Lights Illegal in Texas?: Your Quick Guide to Understanding Texas Vehicle Lighting Regulations

In Texas, the legality of white cab lights depends primarily on their usage, placement, and purpose. Generally, cab lights—those small marker lights often mounted atop trucks, pickups, or commercial vehicles—are intended to increase visibility and indicate the vehicle’s size, especially at night. According to the Texas Transportation Code and state vehicle lighting regulations, amber is the standard color allowed for forward-facing marker lights, while red is typically used for rear-facing lights. White lights, particularly if they are visible from the rear or are excessively bright, can be confusing to other drivers and may violate Texas laws regarding unauthorized vehicle lighting.

For standard passenger vehicles or personal pickup trucks, installing white cab lights that are constantly illuminated while driving may not comply with state law, unless explicitly permitted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Commercial vehicles traditionally display amber cab marker lights to signal their presence and width, helping to ensure road safety for all. If white cab lights are installed for off-road use only and not used while driving on public roads, there are generally fewer restrictions.

As a designer, I advise considering compliance and aesthetics. If you want your truck to stand out while meeting legal standards, selecting appropriately colored and well-designed cab lights is essential. Planning your vehicle’s lighting can be similar to orchestrating layered ambient and task lighting in interior design—each fixture should serve a distinct purpose, harmonize with its environment, and comply with codes. For those planning custom lighting layouts (for vehicles, homes, or offices), leveraging a specialized tool like a room planner can help visualize combinations and ensure everything fits together functionally and legally.

Tips 1:

If you’re set on unique lighting for your truck or vehicle, always check your local Texas regulations first to avoid fines. When possible, choose amber or other DOT-approved color options for cab marker lights, and consult with a professional installer who’s up to date on state codes.

FAQ

Q: Are white cab lights illegal on all vehicles in Texas?

A: While white cab lights are not explicitly banned, only amber or yellow front-facing marker lights are generally allowed by Texas regulation for on-road use. Using white lights for cab markers may result in a citation.

Q: Can I have white cab lights if I use my vehicle off-road only?

A: If the lights are used exclusively off-road and not while driving on public roads, it’s less likely to be an issue. However, always turn off non-compliant lighting when on public highways.

Q: What colors are legal for cab lights in Texas?

A: Amber/yellow is the approved color for forward-facing cab marker lights. Rear marker lights should be red. White is typically restricted to headlights and certain other applications.

Q: Can I change the color of my existing cab marker lights?

A: Yes, but you must ensure the new bulbs comply with Texas state law. Amber/yellow is recommended to avoid conflicts with traffic codes.

Q: Will aftermarket cab lights affect my vehicle inspection in Texas?

A: Yes, if the cab lights are not the correct color or are installed incorrectly, your vehicle may fail inspection. Always check with your local inspection station before making modifications.