Reverse Lights on When Not Backing?

Question

Is it legal for vehicle reverse lights to illuminate when not backing or at least in reverse?

I've been noticing late model vehicles that activate the reverse lights when the driver unlocks with the remote. The parking lights and reverse lights light up and stay that way for some time.

This seems contrary to the function of reverse lights--clearly communicating the act of backing--and I would think it's contrary to vehicle codes.

Answer 1

If the vehicle is stationary and off, it is perfectly legal. As soon as the engine is engaged, it becomes very much illegal to have white lights shown to the rear when not in reverse gear.

Answer 2

My 2007 Chevy Malibu does that.  It only does it at night when you unlock it with the remote.  It's supposed to be a safety feature to help you see and see around the car.  As soon as you open the door, it shuts the lights back off.

The other night I used it in a busy parking lot after a movie was over.  The guy driving up the parking lane actually hit his brakes when he saw my backup lights come on to make sure the car wasn't in fact backing up.  So you make an interesting point, should a car be permitted to use those lights for any function other than backing?  It's obviously not "illegal" or the manufacturers wouldn't make them that way.  Is it really a hazard?  I say not, because it's no more so than when the driver actually puts the car in reverse.  It's up to the other drivers to ascertain if the vehicle is actually backing up or not.

Answer 3

It is a new safety feature that allows the person to be able to see all around the vehicle at night.

As soon as the vehicle is started the lights will go off and just the front day-time running light will come on during the day or if at night the regular lights will come and the rear backup lights will turn off.

Answer 4

Its obviously legal.

Answer 5

I never thought about that before but you make a very good point although i dont believe that most drivers even know what they mean lol, but it must not be illegal otherwise they would not be able to be sold like that from factory