Prohibited equipment, optional equipment & the slow-moving vehicle emblem
A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Some equipment is banned because it confuses or endangers other drivers, like red lights facing forward or radar jammers. Other equipment is optional but still regulated, and the slow-moving vehicle emblem may be used only on vehicles that truly qualify.
Not allowed on your vehicle:
A red light showing from the front, except on an emergency vehicle
A bell, siren, or exhaust whistle, except on an emergency vehicle
A muffler cutout
Anything extending more than 3 inches past the left side or 6 inches past the right side
Flashing red lights on the front, except on emergency vehicles, school buses, and church buses
A radar interference device meant to scramble or disrupt radar or laser speed measurement
A vehicle designed to operate at a maximum speed of 25 mph or less, including farm and road machinery and anything drawn by animals or slow-moving motor vehicles.
Slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear, with red tail light, red reflector and flashers
Know the rule
The slow-moving vehicle emblem is required on all slow-moving vehicles, and its use is prohibited on anything else, including other vehicles and stationary objects.
You're hauling lumber that sticks out 5 inches beyond the right fender. That's legal, since the right-side limit is 6 inches. The same 5 inches on the left side would be illegal, because the left limit is only 3 inches.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If your headlights fail, how may a spotlight be used?
With the beam aimed at least 200 feet ahead
With the beam striking the road no more than 50 feet ahead
With the beam striking no more than 100 feet ahead
It can't be used; spotlights must stay off
Answer: With the beam striking the road no more than 50 feet ahead
If headlights fail, a spotlight may be used with its beam striking the road no more than 50 feet in front of the vehicle.
