Accessories
Tail Light Guards
Tail light guards are metal frames that bolt over your rear lamps to protect them from branches, rocks and parking lot bumps. We list 13 guards from $36 to $146 for 1981-2018 vehicles, from TrailFX, Rugged Ridge, Rampage, Smittybilt and Body Armor, mostly for the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler JK.
Shop tail light guards by vehicle
Why fit tail light guards
Tail lights on off-road vehicles sit close to the corners, where they are easy to break on trail obstacles or tight gate posts. A guard puts a steel or aluminum frame in front of the lens so it takes the hit instead.
Guards suit Jeeps and trucks that see trail use, farm work or tight urban parking. They do not change how the light works, and the openings are designed so the lamps stay visible.
Materials and finish
You can choose steel, black steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Steel is strong and usually less costly, but it relies on its coating to resist rust. Aluminum and stainless steel are lighter or more corrosion resistant.
Finishes include black, black texture and silver. Textured black powder coat hides scratches well. If you live where roads are salted in winter, touch up chips in the coating to stop rust spreading.
Installation and fitment
The guards listed here require drilling, so plan the install carefully. Mark the holes, drill small pilot holes first, and treat bare metal edges with primer or touch up paint to stop rust.
Guards are shaped for one tail light design. A Wrangler JK uses a different lamp than a Wrangler from earlier years or a CJ Scrambler, so confirm your model and year in the fitment table before ordering.
Tail Light Guards questions
Do tail light guards require drilling?
The guards in this range list drilling as required. You will need to drill mounting holes in the body or tail light area. Seal and paint the bare metal afterward.
Are tail light guards legal?
Guards are generally fine as long as the lights remain clearly visible and are not blocked. They are open frames, but check any local rules if you also add tinted covers.
Will Wrangler JK tail light guards fit a JL?
Check the fitment table. The JK and later Wrangler models use different tail lamp shapes and mounting, so a guard built for one model may not fit the other.