The Equipment Stop
Md. Code, Transp. § 22-201.1 — lighted lamps whenever persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible at 1,000 feet
When the light is insufficient. Every vehicle on a highway displays lighted lamps and illuminating devices at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead.
The tail lamps. A vehicle manufactured after June 1, 1971, has at least 2 tail lamps emitting a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear. One manufactured before then has at least 1, visible from at least 300 feet. Every tail lamp is located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.
The plate lamp. A tail lamp or a separate lamp illuminates the rear registration plate with a white light and renders it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear, wired to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
Other equipment the code requires, from brakes to mirrors, is set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a lamp was out, or the conditions called for lights, is a question of fact, and whether a stop on that basis was lawful is a question for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 22-201.1 — When lighted lamps are required
- Md. Code, Transp. § 22-204 — Tail lamps, and the registration plate lamp
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.