What color light must tail lights produce?

Tail lights are crucial for ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road. They are required to emit red light, which serves several purposes. The primary function of tail lights is to indicate to drivers behind a vehicle that it is in motion or slowing down. The red color is universally recognized and alerts other drivers to the presence of the vehicle, enhancing overall road safety.

In addition to signaling a vehicle's presence, red tail lights are also pivotal for visibility during low-light conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather. The use of red light for tail lights is standardized across many regions, including Maine, to ensure consistency and predictability for all road users.

Other colors such as blue, green, and amber are designated for different types of vehicle signals and functions. For instance, blue lights are often associated with emergency vehicles, green lights may indicate specific traffic-related functions or personal vehicles in certain jurisdictions, and amber lights are typically used for caution or to signal a vehicle that is moving slowly or is stationary. Therefore, the requirement for tail lights to produce red light is a safety standard that helps maintain clear communication on the road.