NYC Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Exam

What type of lights are considered auxiliary tow lights?

1. Only fog lights that assist visibility

2. Lights used solely for nighttime towing

3. Stop, tail, and turn signal lights for the towed vehicle

4. Lights that indicate the load is secure

The correct answer is: Stop, tail, and turn signal lights for the towed vehicle

Auxiliary tow lights are specifically designed to provide essential visibility and signaling for a towed vehicle, particularly when it is not equipped with its own operational lighting system. This means that stop, tail, and turn signal lights are crucial components on the towed vehicle to ensure safety and visibility while being transported. When towing, the towed vehicle needs to communicate its intentions to other drivers, much like a regular vehicle. If the towed vehicle is not equipped with functional lights, it poses a significant risk to both the driver of the towing vehicle and other road users. Thus, having auxiliary tow lights that include stop, tail, and turn signal functionality is critical for maintaining safety standards while towing. The incorrect options highlight aspects of lighting that, while important, do not encompass the full scope of what auxiliary tow lights serve as. Fog lights are specifically designed for enhanced visibility in low-visibility conditions and do not apply exclusively to towing scenarios. Lights used solely for nighttime towing wouldn't cover the requirements for signaling as extensively as the auxiliary tow lights. Lastly, lights that indicate a load is secure play a different role and do not provide the necessary functions of visibility and signaling during towing operations.