Is it normal for only one reversing light to be on?
5 Answers
It is normal for only one reversing light to be on. Here is the relevant information: Reversing light: The reversing light is installed at the rear of the car to illuminate the road behind and warn vehicles and pedestrians behind that the car is reversing. All reversing lights are white. The controller for the reversing light is located on the car's transmission, and there is no reversing light switch in the driver's compartment. Since the reversing light is a mandatory warning light used to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, it cannot be manually turned off. Other mandatory lights include brake lights and turn signals. Reversing light models: Reversing lights generally come in three standard models: P21W (1156) flat single contact, W16W (T15), and W21W (T20) single filament.
Having only one reverse light working is actually not normal. Generally, cars are designed with two reverse lights to provide better rear illumination and signal warning when reversing, preventing situations where it's hard to see at night or other vehicles can't spot you. If only one is lit, it's most likely that the other bulb has burned out, or there could be issues like circuit problems, poor contact in the lamp socket, or a blown fuse. I've encountered a similar situation before—I thought it was a minor issue at first, but as I kept driving, it felt increasingly dangerous, especially when reversing in parking lots where visibility was significantly worse. It's best to take some time to check it out. You can try to see if the non-working bulb is loose or burnt out. If you can't fix it yourself, just go to a repair shop to get a new one—it's quite inexpensive. I recommend checking all lights during regular maintenance to prevent potential troubles and avoid safety hazards.
I think having only one reverse light is not reliable because it affects visibility when reversing at night. If there's a child or obstacle behind the car, it could easily lead to an accident. Most cars are designed with dual lights—first, to improve safety lighting, and second, to serve as a signal for others to notice you're reversing. If only one light is on, the other bulb might be burnt out, there could be a short circuit, or a switch malfunction. I believe drivers should pay attention to this detail and not wait until an accident happens to regret it. Regular checks are a good habit, like glancing at the lights every time you wash the car. If you notice anything unusual, take it to a professional repair shop immediately—don’t delay. Safety comes first. Keeping the lights in proper working order is good for both yourself and others—it’s simple and cost-effective.
A friend of mine had a car with only one reverse light working, and he thought it was normal until he almost hit something while reversing at night. I felt something was off because standard vehicles should have both lights working simultaneously for illumination and warning purposes. Possible causes include a burnt-out bulb due to aging, a blown fuse, or a loose connection. If you encounter this issue, try replacing the bulb yourself first to see if it solves the problem. Don’t overlook this small issue—it can make reversing dangerous. I recommend car owners develop a habit of checking their lights every few weeks to ensure all are functioning properly.
From my experience, having only one reverse light working is definitely not normal—it usually indicates a burnt-out bulb or an electrical issue. Having driven many types of vehicles, I've found that faulty lighting compromises reversing safety, especially in low-light conditions. I recommend first checking yourself: see if the non-working light is loose or burnt out, and inspect whether the corresponding fuse in the fuse box has blown. If that doesn’t solve it, take it to a professional for diagnosis to prevent more serious issues. Maintaining car lights is quite simple and doesn’t cost much, but it requires regular checks. Remember, dual-light designs are for better illumination and signaling—keeping them functional ensures safer driving.
