Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

At night, when a vehicle is carrying a load that extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body, there must be what at the extreme end of the load?

1. 1 red light

2. 2 red lights

3. Reflective tape

4. Warning flags

The correct answer is: 2 red lights

When a vehicle carries a load that extends beyond its body at night, it is crucial for safety to ensure that other drivers are aware of the extended load. Placing two red lights at the extreme end of such a load serves to create a clear signal that the load is extending beyond the normal limits of the vehicle. This requirement helps in alerting drivers in the vicinity, especially in low visibility conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. The use of two red lights is established in safety regulations to ensure a higher level of visibility. While one red light could indicate the presence of an extended load, two lights provide a more enhanced signal that is easier for other motorists to recognize from a greater distance. This is particularly important as depth perception can be compromised at night, and a more pronounced signal contributes to a safer driving environment for all road users.