The purpose of the DOT regulations is “to reduce traffic accidents … by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads.” 49 C.F.R. § 571.108(2). This purpose clearly indicates that vehicles should not only have lighting hardware installed, but also have lighting equipment that works. The DOT regulations also indicate that “[t]he taillamps on each vehicle shall be activated when the headlamps are activated in a steady-burning state.” 49 C.F.R. § 571.108(5.5.3). The common meaning of “activate” is: “To set in motion; make active or more active: The motor is activated by a battery.” The American Heritage Dictionary of English Language 17 (4th ed.2000). The plain meaning of this regulation is that when the headlights are on, the taillights must be on, not merely in place. Finally, the DOT regulations indicate the required color and minimum candlepower for taillights. 49 C.F.R. § 571.108 at Figures 1 a, 1c; Tables III, IV. Candlepower refers to a bulb’s “luminous intensity.” The American Heritage Dictionary of English Language 271. A bulb that does not work has no luminous intensity, and would not comply with the DOT regulations’ minimum candlepower requirements. For these reasons, we conclude that the DOT regulations require that one’s taillights not only be installed on one’s vehicle, but also work.
Under Indiana Code section 9–19–6–24, for the statutory exception to apply, a vehicle must be “equipped” as required by the DOT regulations. To “equip” is “to supply with whatever is necessary for efficient action.” Black’s Law Dictionary 558 (7th ed.1999). Therefore, for the exception to apply, a vehicle must have had what was necessary or needed for the required action or undertaking, namely, providing illumination. If a truck’s taillight is not illuminated, then the vehicle was not “equipped” in compliance with the DOT regulations.