Indiana § 9-19-6-4 - Tail lamps
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 9-19-6-4 — Tail lamps, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-19-6-4. Tail lamps
Sec. 4. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section:
(1) a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer; and
(2) any other vehicle that is drawn at the end of a train of vehicles;
must be equipped with at least one (1) tail lamp mounted on the rear that when lighted as required in this chapter, emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear.
(b) Only the tail lamp on the rear-most vehicle of a train of vehicles is required to be seen from the distance specified.
(c) Excluding a truck-tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination equipped with a B-train assembly (as defined in IC 9-13-2-13) governed by section 7 of this chapter, truck-tractor, motorcycle, or motor driven cycle:
(1) a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer; and
(2) any other vehicle drawn at the end of a train of vehicles;
that is registered in Indiana and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1956, must be equipped with at least two (2) tail lamps mounted on the rear that, when lighted, complies with this section.
(d) A tail lamp upon a vehicle shall be located at a height of not less than twenty (20) inches and not more than seventy-two (72) inches.
(e) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp must be placed and constructed so as to illuminate the rear registration plate with a white light and make the plate clearly legible from a distance of fifty (50) feet to the rear. A tail lamp or tail lamps, together with a separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, must be wired so as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
[Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-6.]
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.34-2010, SEC.2; P.L.221-2014, SEC.29.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 9-19-6-4
What does Indiana Code § 9-19-6-4 cover?
Section 9-19-6-4 ("Tail lamps") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. 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 Indiana § 9-19-6-4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 9-19-6-4" (Indiana). 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 Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 9-19-6-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana 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 Indiana.