1. (a) Headlights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(b) and (c). Headlights shall not be approved if:

   1. (1) there are not at least two headlamps, or at least four on dual headlamp systems. Motorcycles and motor driven cycles need only one headlamp;
   2. (2) the headlamp lens or light produces other than a white or yellow light;
   3. (3) any lens or reflector is cracked, broken, discolored, or missing;
   4. (4) the high beam-low beam dimmer switch does not operate or the high beam indicator light does not burn on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956;
   5. (5) lights can be moved by hand, due to a broken fender or loose support, or if a good ground is not made by the mounting;
   6. (6) foreign materials, such as shields or painted lenses, are placed on the headlamp lens that interferes with light beam of lamp;
   7. (7) using a headlight testing device that meets Society of Automotive Engineers standards or light testing chart that is approved by the Division, lights are improperly aimed;
   8. (8) lights project a dazzling or glaring light when on low beam as defined in G.S. 20-131(b); and
   9. (9) the vehicle is equipped with headlamps that change the original design or performance of the headlamps; or do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, as adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2. (b) Rear Lights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(d). Taillights shall not be approved if:

   1. (1) all original equipped rear lamps or the equivalent are not in working order;
   2. (2) the lens is cracked or discolored, the lens or light projects a color other than red, or is covered by a foreign material, such as shields or painted lenses. Cracks on lenses shall not lead to disapproval unless water is likely to short out the bulb;
   3. (3) they do not operate and project white light on the license plate; and
   4. (4) they are not mounted.

3. (c) Stoplights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-129(g). A stoplight shall not be approved if:

   1. (1) the lens is cracked, discolored, or the lens or light projects a color other than red or amber, or is covered by a foreign material such as shields or painted lenses. Cracks on lenses shall not lead to disapproval unless water is likely to short out the bulb;
   2. (2) it does not come on when pressure is applied to foot brake; and
   3. (3) it is not mounted so as to project a light to the rear.
4. (d) Vehicles shall have the lights as required by G.S. 20-129.1.
5. (e) Parking lights shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 20-134. A vehicle shall not be approved if parking lights are not working or covered by a foreign material, such as shields or painted lenses.
6. (f) A motor vehicle that was originally equipped with back-up lamps, lamps, must have those lamps maintained in operating condition. Backup lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in a forward motion, nor shall the backup lamp emit any color other than white.

History Note: Authority G.S. 20-2; 20-39; 20-131(a)(b); 20-183.3;
Eff. October 1, 1994;
Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021.