Are backup lights required for a safety inspection?

Backup lights play a crucial role in vehicle safety, particularly during maneuvers such as reversing. In the context of a safety inspection, these lights are not a mandated requirement under North Carolina state regulations. Therefore, it is accepted that vehicles can function without them, thus making their presence or absence non-essential for passing a safety inspection.

Additionally, while backup lights are designed to activate only when the vehicle is in reverse, the inspection guidelines do not stipulate that a vehicle must have them at all. Hence, they can technically be on all the time without violating inspection standards. This understanding reflects the law's focus on ensuring that essential safety features are functional, while also acknowledging the flexibility regarding non-essential components like backup lights.