TowMate requests exemption for motor carriers to use wireless, rechargeable tow lights

TowMate, a company that manufactures and sells wireless tow lights, submitted an exemption request to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration asking it to allow motor carriers to use rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn and tail lights during temporary emergency towing situations instead of hardwired temporary lighting systems.

These rechargeable wireless light systems don’t meet current power supply requirements for lamps in FMCSA’s regulations, which require all required lights, with the exception of battery-powered lamps used on projecting loads, to be powered by the electrical system of the truck.

According to the exemption request, TowMate says that with the improvements in LED technology, coupled with advancements in battery technologies, rechargeable wireless tow lighting systems will meet or exceed the current level of safety achieved without the exemption.

FMCSA is seeking public comment on the exemption request, which can be made by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0238 at regulations.gov, or by clicking here.

The comment period will be open for 30 days following publication on the Federal Register.