RoadLites Announces New Trailer Light Safety Feature: End Outline Marker Light Turn Signal Module

RoadLites is introducing a new turn signal module designed to add a supplemental turn-signal function to compatible trailer end outline marker lights. The module expands the role of these lamps beyond steady-burning position lighting, giving fleets and trailer owners an additional way to communicate a turn.

The new function complements the trailer’s required turn signals. It does not replace them.

From Steady-Burning Markers to an Additional Turn Signal

Outline marker lights help identify a trailer’s outer edges in low-light conditions. Their steady illumination provides useful reference points for recognizing the vehicle’s width and position.

RoadLites’ new module adds another function: allowing compatible outline lamps to respond to the trailer’s turn-signal circuit. This brings supplemental turn indication to a lighting position already used to draw attention to the trailer’s outline.

For customers who already value the visibility of RoadLites outline marker lights, the module offers a way to expand their functionality without treating them as a replacement for the trailer’s original lighting equipment.

Why Add Turn Indication at the Trailer’s Outer Edges?

A trailer’s outline and its intended movement communicate different information. Position lighting helps other road users recognize where the vehicle is. Turn signals communicate a planned change in direction.

Adding a supplemental turn-signal function to compatible outline lights brings these two purposes into the same installation. Depending on the selected lamp and mounting position, the additional indication may be visible from viewing angles where the outline lamp can already be seen.

This can be useful to evaluate in everyday operations such as:

• Turning into a customer’s driveway or delivery entrance.
• Maneuvering through truck stops and commercial yards.
• Navigating intersections and tight access roads.
• Operating during early-morning or evening deliveries.

The goal is clear communication through additional lighting. The module does not eliminate blind spots, establish right of way, or replace safe turning procedures.

Supplemental Lighting: Required Turn Signals Stay in Place

The trailer’s required turn signals must remain installed, operational, and unobstructed. RoadLites’ module adds supplemental indication through compatible outline marker lights; it does not convert those lights into substitutes for required turn-signal equipment.

Customers should select and install the module according to the instructions for the specific lamp and trailer configuration. The completed installation must preserve the operation and effectiveness of required lighting.

Are Flashing Side Marker Lights Legal?

Federal Rules (FMVSS No. 108)

• Side Marker Flashing: FMVSS No. 108 permits side marker lamps to flash for signaling purposes, including when wired to operate with turn signals, provided applicable placement, color, performance, and functional requirements are met.
• Supplemental Function: The RoadLites module adds turn indication to compatible outline marker lights. It complements the trailer’s required turn signals, which must remain installed and operational.

NHTSA also recognizes an exception to the general steady-burning rule for auxiliary lamps that supplement required flashing lamps, such as turn signals.

This permission is specific to the lamp’s function and installation. It does not authorize every face of a multi-function outline lamp to flash or permit required clearance lights to lose their steady-burning function. Supplemental lamps must not impair the effectiveness of required lighting.

RoadLites’ module is intended to add supplemental turn indication to compatible outline marker lights. The trailer’s required turn signals remain in place and operational. Confirm the approved wiring arrangement and supported lamp functions with RoadLites before installation.

Patent-Pending Development

RoadLites has patent applications pending relating to its new outline marker light turn signal module. This development expands the functionality of compatible outline marker lights, adding supplemental turn indication alongside their position-lighting role.

A New Option for Fleets and Trailer Owners

For fleet safety and maintenance teams, the module creates an additional lighting option to assess alongside mounting location, viewing angles, electrical compatibility, and service requirements.

For owner-operators and individual trailer owners, it offers a functional upgrade to compatible RoadLites outline lamps: steady position lighting with an added supplemental turn-signal capability.

Before ordering, customers should confirm:

• Whether their specific RoadLites outline lamp model supports the module.
• Compatibility with the trailer’s electrical system and connectors.
• The required installation components and wiring arrangement.
• The intended mounting position and lamp orientation.

Compatibility should be confirmed by the actual equipment configuration rather than by trailer brand or age alone.

Expanding the RoadLites Lighting System

RoadLites supplies commercial LED lighting manufactured in Poland by Horpol. The new turn signal module expands the functionality available to customers using compatible RoadLites outline marker lights.

It reflects a practical product-development goal: give trailer owners more useful lighting functions while retaining the distinct purpose of the trailer’s required lighting equipment.

Ask RoadLites About Compatibility and Availability

Interested in adding supplemental turn indication to your trailer outline marker lights? Contact RoadLites with your lamp model and trailer connection details to confirm compatibility, installation requirements, pricing, and availability.

Keep your required turn signals working as intended, and explore how the new module can add functionality to your RoadLites lighting installation.