Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

Which color must lighting devices on the rear of a vehicle be, unless stated otherwise?

1. Green

2. Blue

3. Red

4. Yellow

The correct answer is: Red

The correct answer is red because, by standard traffic regulations, lighting devices located on the rear of a vehicle are typically required to be red in color. This convention helps ensure consistency on the road, as red lights indicate that a vehicle is either stopped or slowing down, making it easier for drivers behind to understand the vehicle’s actions and intentions. Red lights on the rear also serve a safety purpose by making the vehicle more visible at night or in low-light conditions, thus reducing the risk of collisions. In contrast, the other colors like green, blue, and yellow are designated for specific uses or vehicles. For example, blue lights are often associated with police, and green lights may signify certain emergency or special operations vehicles. Yellow lights generally indicate caution and are used on vehicles that are stationary or moving slowly, such as construction vehicles. Therefore, the requirement for rear lighting to be red helps to maintain a clear and recognizable signaling system for all road users.