The Truth About Lights

One of the biggest problems with adding lights to a truck or van – especially those that will be mounted on the exterior of the vehicle – has to do, as always, with legality.  Canada has plenty of laws regarding vehicle lights, and all for good reasons.  We’ve all driven in blowing snow and had to deal with somebody in the oncoming lane driving with their high beams on – it can be a terrifying experience.

Interestingly, the majority of these laws deal with lighting that faces forward.  When it comes to work lights mounted on service bodies, LEDs that cast their beams downward, or even amber beacons, if you’re getting the job done, the law is usually on your side.

At the same time, in just a few months – September of 2021 – the government will be adopting a new law regarding vehicle lighting.  What’s new?  In reality, not that much, but here are a few highlights:

• Taillights need to automatically power on along with daytime running lights.
• Vehicle taillights, headlights, side marker lights must automatically power on whilst in the dark.
• Dashboards must remain dark in order for the driver to be easily alerted to power the lights on.
• The above standards apply to all types of vehicles, be it trucks, cars, SUVs, heavy trucks, three-wheeled vehicles, or motorcycles.

It’s worth noting that several provinces have additional standards to be met if the vehicle is a truck or a certain size…

In Alberta, for example, two taillights and two brake lights are required.  Plus, a license plate light, clearance lights, right and left turn signals, as well as side markers are needed.

In British Columbia, mandatory lighting includes brake lights, taillights, turn signals, reflectors, license plate lights.  Also, reflectors and clearance lights are needed if the overall width of a trailer is anywhere from 2.05 metres or more.  The same lighting requirements apply if a trailer has a gross weight of more than 1,400 kilograms.

The bigger point is this:  trucks and vans, especially commercial units, legally may be required to have additional lights and operators many times need additional lights for the jobs they do.  Fortunately, at Expertec, we have one of the most extensive catalogs of aftermarket lighting options in the country, and our installation team can make any one of them look like a factory installation.

For example, our friends at Whelen Engineering and their Amber Division build some of the toughest lighting units in the world for some of the harshest environments in the world.  From light bars to spotlights, switch boards to harnesses, the Amber Division is built for work vehicles and those men and women who use them.   More importantly, by choosing Expertec to handle your lighting installations, you’re getting guaranteed quality from companies like Whelen Engineering.

This might not sound like a big deal, but remember:  commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard than personal vehicles.  Right or wrong, it’s true – your customers look at how the trucks and vans in your fleet look and make assumptions about how your team works.  Law enforcement looks at the condition of your vehicles and the overall safety of any aftermarket devices you’ve added that are not factory installed.

The “price” of a light (or any piece of equipment) isn’t measured just in dollars and cents, it’s also measured in how durable it is, how long it lasts, and how well it handles its job.

These are just a few of the reasons we are so selective in choosing our own suppliers, and why we are so pleased to be able to bring our customers the Amber Division product line from Whelen Engineering.

Quality is critical, and if you’re thinking about upgrading a current truck or van in your fleet or having a brand-new unit outfitted, our team is ready to serve you.  You can reach out right here or simply call to learn more at 1-888-435-6466