Certain versions of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are not available with amber-colored, roof-mounted clearance lights the pickups are usually offered with in other states.
In the United States, any vehicle that measures in at over 80 inches wide will fall under commercial vehicle guidelines. These vehicles must come equipped with “three amber front and three red rear identification lamps spaced between 6 and 12 inches apart at the center of the front and rear of the vehicle, as high as practicable,” as per the federal government, but this does not apply to the single-rear-wheel versions of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD in California.
So, what’s the reasoning behind this? It turns out that California has a law that overrides this federal regulation and the reason why is a bit ridiculous, in our opinion. According to California Vehicle Code 27606, “no person shall own or operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a light bar, or facsimile thereof, to resemble a motor vehicle used by a peace officer or traffic officer while on duty within that jurisdiction.” The law goes on to explain that a “light bar” can refer to “any light or device affixed to or mounted upon the roof of a vehicle and extending the width of the roof, or a substantial portion thereof, which emits amber, red, or blue, or any combination of those lights.”
Simply put, California law mandates that a vehicle cannot have an amber, red or blue light bar mounted to it that spans the width of the roof, as other motorists may confuse the vehicle for law enforcement. As such, Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks in California cannot be equipped with the amber roof marker lights (RPO code U01), which are typically a $55 option.
A GMC spokesperson provided a little more information in a statement emailed to GM Authority.
“At GMC, we are dedicated to working with all our stakeholders when building and delivering our vehicles and we will provide different vehicle configurations accordingly,” the automaker said. “For example, in California, local regulations require that our single rear-wheel Sierra HD trucks are not offered with amber roof marker lamps.”
In fact, this explains why the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD Carhartt Edition will not be sold in California, as it comes equipped with the amber roof marker lamps.
So if you’re a California resident wondering why not all configurations of the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD can be purchased with amber roof marker lamps in the state, now you know!
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Comments
I am not shocked at the California stupidity.
I am just shocked they did not say the Carhartt interior causes Cancer.
It does, it does!
I’ve never ever been confused that a pickup truck clearance lights look like a law enforcement vehicle. Light bars with white lights during the daytime can look very close to law enforcement in the rear view mirror so it is understandable why CA has a law, but they didn’t get it right and it needs some tweaking. Today, most law enforcement vehicles use internal light bars for less air flow drag than roof mounted units for improved MPG.
I though those lights on top are recommended as per DOT requirement
Every place but California they have their own rules should become their own country that’s what they want anyway can make Nancy Pelosi president
I doubt this is what the Californian lawmakers had in mind with that legislation. Sounds like someone’s interpretation gone wild.
ONLY IN CALIFORNIA IMAGINE THAT. WHAT ELSE CAN THEY DREAM UP NEXT
Well, ya know, the life style libs in Kalifornia don’t think you should be driving a big truck anyways. Does the same law apply to commercial vehicles like the electric or telephone companies? Probably not, just your average Joe 6 Pack because that’s who they like to push around using the Government.
Maybe when the entire state is burned down, someone with some common sense, will then take it over and run it like it used to be. They have the most stupid laws on the books of any state in the nation. Makes no sense whatsoever. Thats why they are in such a deep financial position. Besides, roof marker lamps are KOOL! We can only hope!
So…. what if you buy it out of state and then register it in CA? you have to pull them off? LOL
What cop is going to enforce this anyway…
Didn’t think state aw could supersede federal law.
Who knows anything in California seems to go do you have the great Adam shift and Nancy Pelosi to guide you through these troubled waters
dont want to scare any illegals
There are no shortages of defunct laws in this country , in wisconsin its illegall to sit on a curb while drinking beer out of a bucket !
I guess I’ll leave the buck at home
Is it the beer or the bucket that’s illegal?
My local CA dealer has one sitting on the lot with the roof lamps and single rear wheel. They ordered it. All you have to do is pick federal emissions on the order sheet and it will allow you to order them. It doesn’t change anything on the emissions either.
California has some terrible laws. My Ram heavy duty has some bad ass bright led lights in the rearview mirrors for helping to see a trailer at night while backing up. The owners manual says that in California they have been deactivated because of state law. I can only turn them on when the vehicle is in park. So what good are they now that I can’t use them for backing up? Stupid dumb law. I can understand deactivating them in drive, but give me use of them in reverse!
Just put the lights in the upper grill like on the Ford Raptor. Problem solved.
Wouldn’t that make the CHMSL illegal as well?
F commiefornia
Back in 1964, my mother, best friend, and I, toured around the US by car. I seem to recall going through one state that mandated a white light at the front of the vehicle that had to be on when the car was being operated. I believe it was Missouri. I guess that went away later on as that all went away until DRLs came in.
This law is news to me. My brother ran several HD pickups over the years, and all had the amber roof lights and red tailgate lights. All of them were bought, and licensed in, California.
One looking to make quota.
The law has been misconstrued. First of all, if the cab lights on the silverado HD are a violation of CVC 27606, then the CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Lamp) is also in violation at 23.5″ wide; The California law does not say it only applies to front facing lights.
Secondly, in order to be a violation of CVC 27606, the emitted light (not the bracket or mounting block) must be as wide as the roof or nearly as wide (substantial portion). The total width of the 5 lights (lit-up portion) is about 6″, which is about 10& of the 58″ wide roof. The CHMSL on the other hand is 23.5″ (40.5%)
I have a letter in to the GM legal department for clarification, and I’ll update if I hear anything.
CVC 27606.
(a) No person shall own or operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a light bar, or facsimile thereof, to resemble a motor vehicle used by a peace officer or traffic officer while on duty within that jurisdiction for the primary purpose of enforcing Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000) or Division 11 (commencing with Section 21000) pursuant to Section 40800.
(b) For purposes of this section the following definitions apply:
(1) A “light bar” means any light or device affixed to or mounted upon the roof of a vehicle and extending the width of the roof, or a substantial portion thereof, which emits amber, red, or blue, or any combination of those lights.
(2) A “facsimile of a light bar” is any device designed or contrived to resemble a light bar regardless of the degree of light emission or lack thereof.