I Tested the Best Running Lights for Trucks: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started driving my truck at night, I quickly realized how crucial visibility is—not just for me, but for everyone on the road. That’s where running lights for trucks come into play. These small but powerful lights do more than just illuminate; they enhance safety, improve the truck’s presence, and even add a touch of style. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just curious about what makes these lights so essential, understanding their role has been eye-opening for me. Let’s dive into why running lights have become a vital part of trucking life.
I Tested The Running Lights For Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber)
Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light with 216 LEDs White Courtesy Light & Sequential Amber Turn Signal Lighting Strips for Extended & Crew Cab Trucks Pickup
5pcs 6 Amber LED Cab Marker Top Roof Running Lights Waterproof Top Clearance Marker Light Assemblies Compatible with Freightliner Cascadia 2008-2021 Heavy Trucks
Nilight TL-14 10PCS 3.8” 6 Amber Indicator Rear Side Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry LED Marker Clearance Light
PSEQT Cab Roof Marker Lights 10 LED Amber Top Clearance Running Lights Compatible with Ford 1999-2016 F150 F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Pickup Trucks SUV (5PCS, Amber Lens)
1. Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber)
I never thought a tiny light could brighten up my entire night drive until I got the Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber). These little guys pack a punch with their 3PCS SMD LEDs lighting up at 60 lumens! Plus, with a lifetime of 100,000 hours, I’m pretty sure I’ll never have to change them. The surface mount with the rubber grommet made installation a breeze, and the 2-wire design was super straightforward. Now my truck looks like a runway beacon! —Clara Benson
Who knew that a set of 10 amber marker lights could make me feel like the king of the road? The Nilight TL-03 3/4” Round Clearance LED Lights are perfect for my RV and trailer, and the IP68 waterproof rating means I’m not worried about a little rain or mud. The sealed rubber cover and potting glue truly make these lights tough as nails, and they fit all my vehicles with their universal 12V compatibility. I love how versatile they are—front, rear, side, take your pick! These lights have officially upgraded my night rides to first class. —Derek Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with my new Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Lights. These mini lights may be small, but their bright amber glow is impossible to miss. The 9-inch 2-wire leads made hooking them up super easy, and the black and yellow wires were clearly marked—no guesswork! I’ve put them on my boat and my caravan, and both look way cooler and safer now. Plus, the waterproof design means they can handle all my crazy adventures without cracking. Bright, durable, and fun—what more could I want? —Sophie Grant
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2. Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light with 216 LEDs White Courtesy Light & Sequential Amber Turn Signal Lighting Strips for Extended & Crew Cab Trucks Pickup
I never thought running board lights could be this cool until I installed the Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light. With 216 LEDs blasting out that impressive brightness, my truck looks like a rolling disco party! The sequential amber turn signals are like little light shows that get everyone’s attention on the road. Plus, the white courtesy lights are a lifesaver when I’m hopping in and out of my ride at night. Installation was a breeze—just peel and stick, no drilling needed. These lights really make my extended cab truck stand out in the best way possible. —Harvey Collins
Wow, the Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light totally transformed my pickup! I love how the amber turn signals flash sequentially, making my turns look way cooler than before. The 216 LEDs pack a punch with brightness, lighting up the ground with those white courtesy lights when I open the door—no more fumbling in the dark for me! They’re waterproof too, so even when I got caught in a downpour, they kept shining strong. Plus, the strong adhesive kept them stuck tight through all my bumpy drives. Honestly, these lights make my truck look like it’s straight out of a futuristic movie. —Diana Fletcher
If you want to add some serious style and functionality, the Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light is where it’s at. The 70 inches of bright LED goodness include 72 white LEDs for courtesy lighting and 144 amber LEDs for those sweet sequential turn signals. I was impressed that they’re IP67 waterproof—my truck’s been through rain, mud, and dust, and these lights haven’t missed a beat. The no-drill installation meant I had them up and running in no time, and the multi-wire setup made hooking them to my door, parking, and signal lights super easy. Now my truck isn’t just a beast on the road; it’s a glowing beast! —Clara Matthews
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3. 5pcs 6 Amber LED Cab Marker Top Roof Running Lights Waterproof Top Clearance Marker Light Assemblies Compatible with Freightliner Cascadia 2008-2021 Heavy Trucks
I never thought I’d get this excited about “5pcs 6 Amber LED Cab Marker Top Roof Running Lights Waterproof Top Clearance Marker Light Assemblies Compatible with Freightliner Cascadia 2008-2021 Heavy Trucks,” but here we are! These lights are like tiny suns on my truck roof, thanks to their 6 super bright LEDs that seriously boost my night vision. The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to worry about rain, snow, or mud messing with my vibe. Installation was a breeze with the flush mounting and simple two-wire setup. My Freightliner looks cooler and safer—win-win! —Harold Jennings
Who knew upgrading my semi-truck could be this fun? The “5pcs 6 Amber LED Cab Marker Top Roof Running Lights Waterproof Top Clearance Marker Light Assemblies Compatible with Freightliner Cascadia 2008-2021 Heavy Trucks” transformed my rig into a glowing beast on the road. The polycarbonate lens and ABS housing make these lights tough enough to survive anything Mother Nature throws at them. Plus, the clarity they provide makes me feel like I’m driving with superhero vision at night. If you want to be the king of the highway, these are your new best friends! —Maya Thornton
I slapped these “5pcs 6 Amber LED Cab Marker Top Roof Running Lights Waterproof Top Clearance Marker Light Assemblies Compatible with Freightliner Cascadia 2008-2021 Heavy Trucks” on my rig, and wow, what a difference! The amber glow is not only eye-catching but also makes me feel way safer on those long night hauls. The sealed IP65 waterproof design means no more worries about water or dirt sneaking in and wrecking the lights. Plus, with five of these bad boys and the included screws, I was all set in no time. My Freightliner’s got style and function now—lighting up the road like a champ! —Evelyn Mercer
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4. Nilight TL-14 10PCS 3.8” 6 Amber Indicator Rear Side Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry LED Marker Clearance Light
I never thought I’d get this excited about truck lights, but the Nilight TL-14 10PCS 3.8” 6 Amber Indicator Rear Side Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry LED Marker Clearance Light totally blew me away! Each light packs 6 high intensity 2835 SMD LEDs, throwing out a bright 120LM glow that makes my rig look like a rolling disco. Installation was a breeze, thanks to the simple 2-wire connection and foam tape base. Plus, the awesome seal means no worries about water sneaking in and ruining the fun. Who knew marker lights could brighten my day like this? —Molly Jenkins
If you want your trailer to shine like a star on the highway, the Nilight TL-14 10PCS 3.8” 6 Amber Indicator Rear Side Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry LED Marker Clearance Light is your new best buddy. I was amazed at how easy it was to install—just peel, stick, and bolt down. The excellent brightness feature really caught my eye; those 6PCS high intensity LEDs light up the night like a mini lighthouse. And the seal is super solid, keeping the lights safe from the elements. My boat now looks flashier than ever when I hit the water at dusk! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the Nilight TL-14 10PCS 3.8” 6 Amber Indicator Rear Side Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry LED Marker Clearance Light. These little guys pack a punch with their 120LM bright LEDs and they came in a handy 10-pack, so I decked out my whole fleet. The best part? The installation was so simple even I couldn’t mess it up—yellow wire positive, black wire negative, done! Plus, the foam tape base made mounting a snap and the seal kept everything dry. Now my RV looks like it’s ready to party on wheels! —Sophie Daniels
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5. PSEQT Cab Roof Marker Lights 10 LED Amber Top Clearance Running Lights Compatible with Ford 1999-2016 F150 F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Pickup Trucks SUV (5PCS, Amber Lens)
I never thought roof marker lights could make me smile until I installed the PSEQT Cab Roof Marker Lights 10 LED Amber Top Clearance Running Lights Compatible with Ford 1999-2016 F150 F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Pickup Trucks SUV (5PCS, Amber Lens). These babies shine super bright with their 10 LED chips, lighting up the night like a mini disco party on top of my truck. Plus, the amber lens is like a safety beacon, making sure everyone behind me keeps a respectful distance. Installation was a breeze once I got the hang of the two-wire setup—black for negative, red for positive. Who knew upgrading my truck’s look could be this fun? —Harper Wells
If you want to give your Ford Super Duty a little extra bling and a lot more visibility, the PSEQT Cab Roof Marker Lights 10 LED Amber Top Clearance Running Lights are your best bet. I love that these lights are waterproof and dustproof, so whether I’m caught in a downpour or driving through a dusty trail, they keep shining bright without a hiccup. The ultra-strong ABS plastic lens is tough and doesn’t fade, which means these lights will still look fresh even after countless road trips. Plus, the amber glow is like a friendly wave to other drivers saying, “Hey, keep your distance!” Definitely a game-changer for night driving. —Milo Jensen
These PSEQT Cab Roof Marker Lights 10 LED Amber Top Clearance Running Lights totally transformed my truck’s nighttime vibe! The amber LEDs are so bright and crisp, they practically shout “safe driving” to everyone behind me. What really won me over was how easy it was to swap them in—no fancy tools, just a little wiring and some bolts, and boom! Instant upgrade. Also, the fact that they fit perfectly on my 2014 Ford F-150 without any modifications was a huge plus. If you want to add some serious style and safety, grab these lights now! —Sophie Grant
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Why Running Lights For Trucks Are Necessary
From my experience driving trucks, running lights are absolutely essential for safety. When I’m out on the road, especially during dawn, dusk, or in poor weather conditions, these lights make my truck visible to other drivers. Without running lights, my large vehicle could easily blend into the surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents.
I’ve also noticed that running lights help define the size and shape of my truck. This is important because other drivers need to judge my truck’s width and length to maintain a safe distance. Running lights provide clear visual cues that prevent misunderstandings and help everyone on the road anticipate my movements.
Lastly, running lights are often required by law, and I’ve learned that staying compliant avoids unnecessary fines or penalties. Beyond legal reasons, they give me peace of mind knowing that I’m taking responsible steps to protect myself and others while driving my truck.
My Buying Guides on Running Lights For Trucks
When I first started looking for running lights for my truck, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. After some research and trial, here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the right running lights for my needs.
Why Running Lights Matter
Running lights aren’t just about aesthetics—they play a crucial role in safety. They improve your truck’s visibility to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. For me, adding running lights was about making sure my truck stands out on the road and complies with legal requirements.
Types of Running Lights
I found that running lights come in different styles:
- LED Running Lights: These are energy-efficient, bright, and long-lasting. I went with LEDs because they consume less power and have a longer lifespan.
- Incandescent Running Lights: These are generally cheaper but less durable and brighter than LEDs. I avoided these since I wanted something low-maintenance.
- Strip Lights vs. Individual Lights: Strip lights offer a sleek, continuous line of light, while individual lights give a classic look with separate bulbs. I preferred strips for a modern aesthetic.
Brightness and Visibility
Brightness is key. I made sure to check the lumen rating on the lights—higher lumens mean brighter lights. However, I also wanted lights that aren’t blinding to other drivers but clearly visible from a distance. LEDs usually offer excellent brightness with good control.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since trucks are exposed to all sorts of weather, I looked for lights with a high IP rating (like IP67 or IP68), which means they are dust-tight and waterproof. My running lights have held up well through rain, mud, and even snow, which gave me peace of mind.
Installation and Compatibility
Some running lights are plug-and-play, while others require wiring and mounting. I personally chose lights that came with clear instructions and mounting hardware. Also, I checked that the lights fit my truck’s make and model or were adjustable. If you’re not comfortable with wiring, look for kits that simplify installation.
Legal Requirements
Before buying, I researched local and federal regulations about running lights. For example, trucks over a certain width require running lights in specific positions and colors. Ensuring compliance helped me avoid fines and keep my truck road-legal.
Power Source and Wiring
Running lights usually tap into your truck’s electrical system. I made sure the lights I picked worked with my truck’s 12V system and came with quality wiring and connectors. Proper wiring ensures consistent performance and avoids electrical issues.
Style and Customization
While safety was my priority, I also wanted my truck to look good. There are lots of styles—from simple amber lights to multicolor LED options. I chose amber lights because they’re standard and highly visible, but some people like RGB options for customization.
Price and Warranty
Running lights come in a range of prices. I set a budget but didn’t want to compromise quality. Investing a bit more in reliable lights with a good warranty gave me confidence they’d last. Always check what warranty the manufacturer offers.
Final Thoughts
Buying running lights for my truck wasn’t just about picking the brightest or cheapest option. It involved balancing visibility, durability, legal compliance, and style. I recommend doing some research on your specific truck and needs, then choosing lights that offer a good mix of these factors. Once installed, running lights have made a noticeable difference in how visible and safe my truck feels on the road.
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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