Backup Lights Confusion

Question: How is it that car manufacturers are allowed to use reverse lights for functions other than reversing? I find it very confusing in a parking lot when I am slowing down for a vehicle that has the backup lights on, only to find people walking towards it or away from it.

The vehicle is simply using the backup lights as safety or courtesy lighting for the passengers.

Defensive Driving Cues

Watching for backup lights as you drive through a parking lot is good practice. Most people don't back into a parking space and have limited their ability to see cross traffic when they exit. Being aware that someone is backing up into your path helps you avoid a crash.

Exterior Courtesy or Safety Lighting

Today it is common to find vehicles where the backup lights operate the way this person is complaining about. They are intended to offer courtesy lighting to the people who are using the vehicle at night. Usually the headlights turn on with the backup lights as well.

Given all the "smart" features in vehicles I'm a bit surprised that the vehicle doesn't realize when it is daytime and not turn on the lights for exit and entry. This would eliminate the complaint during the day.

Standards for Backup Lights

Vehicle equipment standards are set by the federal government, often in lock step with the United States.

Technical Standard 108 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations outlines the standards behind lights and reflectors. The standard allows for 1 or more white lights on the rear of the vehicle that are:

Steady burning. Must be activated when the ignition switch is energized and reverse gear is engaged. Must not be energized when the vehicle is in forward motion.

Aside from telling us when the backup lights must and must not be on, there are no further specifications for their use.

Enforcement of Standards

It's up to the provinces to create laws to enforce compliance with the federal standards. In our case, it's the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations that require:

4.18 (1) A vehicle may be equipped with not more than 2 backup lamps, mounted on the rear of the vehicle, that are capable of displaying only white light to the rear of the vehicle.

(2) A backup lamp must illuminate only when the vehicle is in reverse gear.

So, technically, if you throw it into park, lock the doors and walk away, the backup lights must not be on.

Share This Article