Hawaii Automobile Safety Inspector Practice Exam

The correct mounting location for intermediate side marker lamps is each side near the midpoint between the front and rear side marker lamps. This placement is designed to enhance the visibility of the vehicle from the side, particularly at its midpoint. It allows the light to be seen effectively by drivers in adjacent lanes, improving safety during nighttime driving or in low-light conditions.

Having the lamps at this midpoint location ensures they follow federal and state regulations concerning visibility and spacing between markers. These guidelines are put in place to minimize blind spots and provide an adequate warning signal to other drivers about the width and presence of the vehicle, especially when it's on the road or when making turns.

In contrast, placing the lamps near the rear bumper would not provide adequate side visibility, as it could lead to confusion about the vehicle's dimensions. Mounting them on the top of the vehicle would not conform to the standard regulations nor enhance side visibility effectively. Restricting the lamps to only the front of the vehicle would similarly fail to address the need for side visibility, which is crucial for overall road safety.