What must the color of reverse lights (backup lamps) be?

Reverse lights, also known as backup lamps, must be white in color. This requirement is established to ensure visibility and to signal to other drivers that the vehicle is moving in reverse. The use of white lights helps provide clear illumination of the area behind the vehicle, which is essential for safety. This color is consistent with the standard used in most jurisdictions, including Hawaii, as it helps distinguish reverse lights from other vehicle lights, such as brake lights or turn signals, which can be red or amber.

By using white lights, drivers and pedestrians can easily recognize that a vehicle is backing up, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents. The other colors listed, such as amber, red, and blue, are typically reserved for different vehicle functions, and using them for reverse lights would confuse the signaling and potentially lead to hazardous situations.