California § 24600 - During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other ve
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 24600 — During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other ve, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24600. During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other ve
During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other vehicle and every vehicle at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with lighted taillamps mounted on the rear as follows: (a) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more taillamps. (b) Every vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with not less than two taillamps, except that trailers and semitrailers manufactured after July 23, 1973, which are less than 30 inches wide, may be equipped with one taillamp which shall be mounted at or near the vertical centerline of the vehicles. If a vehicle is equipped with two taillamps, they shall be mounted as specified in subdivision (d). (c) Every vehicle or vehicle at the end of a combination of vehicles, subject to subdivision (a) of Section 22406 shall be equipped with not less than two taillamps. (d) When two taillamps are required, at least one shall be mounted at the left and one at the right side respectively at the same level. (e) Taillamps shall be red in color and shall be plainly visible from all distances within 500 feet to the rear except that taillamps on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1969, shall be plainly visible from all distances within 1,000 feet to the rear. (f) Taillamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than 72 inches, except that a tow truck, in addition to being equipped with the required taillamps, may also be equipped with two taillamps which may be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than the maximum allowable vehicle height and as far forward as the rearmost portion of the driverâs seat in the rearmost position. The additional taillamps on a tow truck shall be lighted whenever the headlamps are lighted.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 24600
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 24600 cover?
Section 24600 ("During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other ve") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 24600?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 24600" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 24600 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.