Typically, GMC would provide the same models of a vehicle to all customers no matter what state they’re in. However, due to a law implemented in California, the Chevy Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD cannot be sold with the amber lights on top of the cab of either truck. 

Anyone wanting to purchase these trucks in the state of California can still do so, but you won’t be able to choose the light bar option for the cab like other states can get. GM Authority’s blog explains why this is. 

Federal regulations vs California law

There’s a federal regulation that currently says any vehicle that’s over 80 inches wide must follow commercial guidelines. These guidelines state that the vehicle should have three amber lights on top of the cab, in the front center portion. It must also contain three red lights on the back portion of the cab. The lights must be spaced 6-12 inches apart. 

These guidelines apply to all states, except California, which has its own law overriding it. California’s law states that no vehicle should have any red, blue, amber, or any combination of those lights on it. 

The reason is that these lights could confuse other drivers on the road. They may think the offending vehicle is actually a law enforcement car when it’s not, which GM Authority feels is kind of ridiculous. 

The Silverado HD and the Sierra HD, which would normally have those lights mounted on the cab, will not have them in California. That’s because of the law officials in that state have put in place, which overrides federal regulations. 

What will the Chevy Silverado HD offer?

The 2020 model redesigns both the Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD pickups to make them stronger than before. This will increase the towing capacity up to a jaw-dropping 35,500 lbs. 

This new model is longer, wider, and taller than any of its predecessors, stretching it out 5.2 inches for the Crew Cab versions. You can choose from the Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country trim levels in either the 2500 or 3500 configurations. 

The lower trims offer 17-inch aluminum wheels standard on the 2500 HD, and 18-inch wheels are standard on the 3500 HD. The Custom trim comes with standard 20-inch wheels. 

The higher trims offer anywhere from 17-inch to 20-inch wheels. There are also options to get polished aluminum or polished forged-aluminum wheels. 

You can choose either a 6.6-liter L8T V8 gasoline engine or a 6.6-liter Duramax L5P V8 diesel motor. The gas V8 comes with a six-speed automatic, while the V8 diesel has a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

What will the GMC Sierra HD offer?

Much like the Silverado, the Sierra also received a complete redesign overhaul. According to the GM Authority blog, it’s designed to offer drivers a world-class experience when it comes to towing. GMC packed it with several trailering technology features to help make hauling even easier. 

The 2020 model introduced the AT4 trim, which is an off-road capable pickup truck. It comes with a Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist feature along with a Traction Select system with off-road mode. 

It has comfortable seating, maximum head and legroom, and a higher seating position for better viewing of the road. You’ll also find GMC’s infotainment system along with a heavy-duty head-up display.

You’ll find that the Sierra comes with the same engines as the Silverado offers. You can choose from the 6.6 V8 gasoline-powered motor or the 6.6 V8 diesel. 

Even though California residents won’t be able to get the light bar across the top of the cabin, like other states, they will still get a high-quality truck. One that still has tons of safety, technology, and trailering capabilities.