"Hi, I just purchased a 1926 Ford Model T automobile recently. The car never had brake lights or turn signals when it was manufactured. I am getting ready to install these because of safety concerns, however I was asked recently about the law and this situation. Are they still required even though they never had them from the factory? Thanks."
The situation you ask about with Antique vehicles is addressed in 625 ILCS 5/12-208. This section states that every vehicle other than an antique vehicle displaying an antique plate shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps.(Note that a stop lamp or "brake light" is different than tail lights - although they may be combined) It further states that during times when lighted lamps are not required, (daylight) an antique vehicle may be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle of the same type originally installed by the manufacturer as original equipment and in working order. In your case, this would be none. However, the section states that at all other times (night or low light situations) such antique vehicles must be equipped with stop lamps like any other vehicle.
As for Turn Signals, the vehicle code states that every motor vehicle other than an antique vehicle displaying an antique plate shall be equipped with an electric turn signal device with lighting on the front and rear of the car. It further says that an antique vehicle shall be equipped with a turn signal device of the same type originally installed by the manufacturer as original equipment in working order. Again, your car was not equipped with any. Note that you would still be expected to signal your turns with hand signals.
A consideration for the above exceptions is that your vehicle must be equipped with antique plates. You would then have to abide by the restrictions placed on such registration, such as being driven on the highways only going to and from antique auto shows or for servicing or demonstration. If you want to use the car for everyday use, it would have to be retrofitted to meet requirements for any other vehicle, and display regular plates. Hope that information is helpful.
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