• Amber signal lights and red rear tail lights are required by Florida law.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Florida traffic laws are designed to protect the health and safety of drivers and pedestrians under all weather conditions, day or night. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure all vehicle safety equipment is in working order. Particular care and attention to standardized rules regarding color and placement of external lights is imperative before any alterations are made.
  
  

Tail Light Number and Color

• Florida law requires at least two rear tail lamps on all motor vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1972. Trailers, semitrailers and any vehicles drawn in combination with a tow vehicle must also have two operational rear lamps. By law, tail lamps must be red, mounted on the same level and spaced as far apart as practical.
  
  

Time and Distance Requirements

• Vehicle tail lamps in Florida must be lit during twilight hours prior to and following sunset and sunrise, during periods of fog or rain, and in conditions of smoke. Both lamps must have sufficient amperage to be visible from 1,000 feet.
  
  

Exceptions and Prohibitions

• Passenger cars and pickup trucks manufactured prior to January 1, 1972, are legal with only one tail lamp, providing the single lamp is part of original model specifications.
  
  For combination vehicles, including a drawn trailer or other vehicles in tow, the visual distance requirement of 1,000 feet applies only to the rear vehicle.
  
  Alterations to the rear tail lamp of any kind that limits visibility from 1,000 feet are strictly prohibited.
  
  

Violations

• Violations of Florida tail lamp laws are classified as noncriminal traffic violations, punishable by appearance before an official and related fines. Violations of tail light requirements that result in bodily harm or death, however, are subject to criminal penalties.