Running board lights are LED lighting kits mounted along a vehicle’s running board or rocker panel to provide side-facing illumination and visibility.
If you’ve seen a truck or SUV with a glowing strip along its side steps at night, you’ve seen running board lights in action. These LED kits attach under or alongside the running board, rocker panel, or step board, casting light outward from the vehicle’s side. Whether the goal is extra visibility when you open the door or a sharper aftermarket look, these lights serve a practical purpose beyond simple decoration.
The Different Kinds of Running Board Lights
Running board lights aren’t one single product category with universal specs. The term covers several distinct styles, and knowing which one you’re dealing with matters before you buy or install anything.
- Accent and visibility lights: The most common type, these LED strips mount beneath the running board or rocker panel to illuminate the ground beside the vehicle and make it more visible to other drivers at night.
- Sequential or flow-effect lights: Some kits add animated lighting patterns, with LEDs that light up in sequence for a modern, custom appearance.
- OEM-style side markers: Vehicle-specific kits like those made for the 2013–2019 Ford Explorer fit under the running board and provide a lateral-facing signal from the side of the vehicle.
- Emergency or auxiliary lighting: Brands like SoundOff Signal make running board lights for emergency vehicles, with brighter output and specific bracket requirements for professional installation.
The exact meaning of “running board lights” therefore depends on the product line and application. A decorative LED strip and a first-responder signal light share a mounting location but little else.
How Running Board Lights Mount and Connect
Running board lights attach with brackets and wired connections, and the process varies by vehicle and kit. Most kits follow a similar pattern: position the lights, secure the brackets, route the wiring, and connect to a power source.
Installation manuals reveal how specific the process can get. The Ford Explorer guide for 2013–2019 models instructs owners to drill mounting holes using a #34 drill bit, then route the wiring as needed. A revised version for the 2020 Explorer lowers the rocker panel assembly about 1/4 inch before mounting the brackets. SoundOff Signal’s instructions for their SL running board lights take a different approach: establish a position on the bottom of the running board, space the brackets evenly, and drill 5/16-inch wire holes.
One important precaution appears across multiple manuals: . Wiring should also be routed away from sharp edges, hot surfaces, and moving parts, with excess cable secured using ties.
Before installing anything, bench-test the lights first. One manual explicitly instructs testing all units before mounting, which catches defective LEDs while they’re still easy to replace.
What Running Board Lights Are Not
A common point of confusion is mixing up running board lights with the running boards themselves. The running board is the step that sticks out along the side of the truck or SUV. The lights are a separate lighting system added to that step — not part of the board itself.
Another assumption that causes problems: universal fit. Multiple manufacturer manuals are vehicle-specific, calling out exact model years, mounting points, and bracket hardware. A kit designed for a 2013 Ford Explorer won’t necessarily bolt onto a 2020 model or a different make entirely. Checking fitment for your specific vehicle before ordering saves a frustrating install.
Wiring near sensitive electronics is another common mistake. Beyond the 36-inch rule for radio equipment, running LED wiring alongside the vehicle’s existing harnesses can introduce interference if not properly secured and isolated.
Buying Considerations for Running Board Lights
When shopping, focus on three factors: vehicle fitment, brightness and purpose, and installation complexity. Confirm the kit matches your exact model year, decide whether you need visibility lighting or full emergency-grade output, and be honest about whether the drilling and wiring work fits your skill level.
For trucks and SUVs with step boards, LED kits that mount under the running board provide the cleanest look and the most practical side illumination. If you’re comparing options for a pickup, our tested roundup of the best truck running board lights for trucks and SUVs breaks down the top kits currently available.
One honest limitation of the current market: there’s no single industry standard for running board lights, and prices vary widely by brand, vehicle fitment, and whether the product is decorative, utility, or emergency lighting. The same mount can cost $40 or $400 depending on what it’s built for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do running board lights require professional installation?
Not always, but the drilling and wiring involved makes it more involved than a plug-and-play accessory. Kits with brackets that use existing bolts under the rocker panel are more DIY-friendly, while those requiring drilled mounting holes call for careful measuring and the right drill bits. Bench-test every light before mounting.
Are running board lights legal on public roads?
Legality depends on your state’s vehicle lighting laws. Side-marker and visibility lights are generally acceptable when they’re white or amber and don’t create confusion with turn signals or brake lights. Colored or animated lights, especially red or blue, can violate regulations in many areas. Check local laws before installing aftermarket lighting.
Will running board lights fit my truck if it didn’t come with steps?
Most running board light kits are designed for vehicles with factory or aftermarket running boards already installed, since the lights mount under the board itself. If your truck has rocker panels without steps, look for kits specifically designed for rocker-panel mounting rather than running-board mounting.
References & Sources
- SoundOff Signal. “SL Running Board Light Installation Instructions.” Details bracket positioning and 5/16-inch wire hole drilling for emergency-style lights.