Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and pole trailer, except as otherwise provided in this section, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, which when lighted as required in SDCL § 32-17-4 shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear. However, motor vehicles, trailers, semi trailers, and pole trailers manufactured and assembled prior to July 1, 1973, shall have one tail lamp mounted on the left side of the rear which when lighted as required in SDCL § 32-17-4 shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. Motorcycles and
motor driven cycles, except mopeds as defined in § 70.01, shall have at least one tail lamp, which when lighted as required in SDCL § 32-17-4 shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 250 feet to the rear. On a combination of vehicles, only the tail lamps on the rear most vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles with more than one tail lamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 15 inches.
(Prior Code, § 19-809)