a motor vehicle lighting configuration has a plurality of backup lights for illuminating an area in a rear of the motor vehicle and a flasher for changing a mode of operation of the backup lights from a continuous lighting mode to a flashing mode of light illuminated by the backup lights . a switch is provided for actuating the flasher and thus changing a mode of operation of the backup lights . a backup mode indicator is provided for indicating whether the backup lights are in a flashing mode or a continuous lighting mode .