no, it's not required here, in fact GM is the only manufacturer that has them on every vehicle sold here. A native truck built for Canada can't turn them off, the dome light switch won't work and the 03+ switch doesn't have and off position if I remember correctly

 

Mine did this too. But my passanger side reverse light went with it at the same time. Weird. Every truck i have seen with a day time running light out, its always been the passanger side.

 

I keep a spare in the glove box because it gets on my damn nerves. It's always the passenger side. I've only replaced it twice in 18 months

 

I have replaced mine once since i boutght the truck brand new Jan. or 2004. And i carry an extra one now. It is annoying as hell when it goes out.

 

I just put some Amber 3157's in mine and havent had any trouble since.

 

Actually in Louisiana if you have a light on your vehicle it has to work to pass inspection. Even if you installed the light, like fog lights or something.

 

If i remember, its the same in Texas where my parents live. My Dad installed fog lights on his 97 Chevy desiel and one of the bulbs were out when he took it in for inspection and he failed.