Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...?

[Hazieview]

Hey guys I'm kind of new to the board and I recently purchased an '81 chevy truck. I put a "wrap around" suburban bumper on the back with the ruber molding on it. I was thinking about removing the rubber molding and replacing it with LED lights. LMC sells some LED lights that look like rope lights. I was thinking about running the lights where the holes are that use to hold the rubber. I may possibly have to make the holes longer width wise but I dont know if it is even legal because I would be removing the tail lights as well if I do this. Here is a picture to help show you what I mean.



So could I run these LEDs I'm talking about in my bumper with out tail lights and it still be legal (I live in Texas by the way"

Also the bumper is chrome so making the holes wider may be a problem. Any help you could give me would be great. THANKS!