Effect Of NightShade On Light Output

[Toasty]

Really? Is that the way the law is written? They have to see the reflectors? Im just asking because I would figure the light output would be the thing they would be watching out for.

i'm not 100% on it, and it may vary from state to state, but that's the big thing with the aftermarket 'euro' tails... the reflectors arent correct as per mfg specs. (typically deals with either non existent or differnet location reflectors), but also deals with the clear corner issue (supposed to have amber reflectors in the front) but i can bet that having a reflector that doesnt reflect like it should (or is wrong color) would be a problem too. -- but i've gotta think that if your eye can see the reflector, then it'd be alright.

 

[SyntheticShield]

cool. I did not know that. So wouldnt that make all those Altezza type lights technically illegal as well? Or are those the same as the euro tails? And I had no idea there were legal issues with clear corners either.

They are just taking all the fun out of everything.

 

[Toasty]

cool. I did not know that. So wouldnt that make all those Altezza type lights technically illegal as well? Or are those the same as the euro tails? And I had no idea there were legal issues with clear corners either.

They are just taking all the fun out of everything.

technically, yeah the 'altezza' style euro lights are usually illegal. most laws specifically state that the reflectors have to be same size/orientation/placement as OE.

clear corners fall victim to the fact that there are supposed to be amber reflectors in the front markers-- most get by with amber bulbs.

 

[benzilla19]

I think a light tint is perfect, what did you use? Wish my tail lights looked as good as those ^^^^^

 

[BackInBlack]

Any tinting of taillights (including reflectors) is technically illegal in all 50... When I lightly tinted mine, I masked off the reflectors, but still got pulled over for it. Even LIGHT tint. If someone rear-ends you, you may end up paying for other's damages because your lights were altered.

 

[archemedes]

anything that has a DOT stamp (all lights have it if you look) must be submitted to the US department of transportation for approval on cars for on road use, and modifying the item after approval would also be illegal. The real question is will you get a ticket, the answer is maybe

 

[Vundabar]

Holy big pictures batman lol lemme see if I can resize them.

Here are a few more pics. Hope they give you an Idea. Pictures dont really do justice. you can see the lights quite well no matter what time of day or night it is.

Lights off no flash daytime

Lights off with flash Daytime

Lights ON no flash daytime

Lights On with flash daytime

 

[s1795so2]

anything that has a DOT stamp (all lights have it if you look) must be submitted to the US department of transportation for approval on cars for on road use, and modifying the item after approval would also be illegal. The real question is will you get a ticket, the answer is maybe

While this is very much right, when I worked at the kawasaki dealership there was a full racing slick with a dot stamp, but it also had in very small print not legal for road use.

So maybe all those altezza's and what not do have the dot stamp, but also have the "not for on road use stamp" somewhere also.
-steven-

 

[Toasty]

x2... the DOT doesnt approve/disprove items. -- the DOT puts out specs, but they dont test stuff

 

[archemedes]

x2... the DOT doesnt approve/disprove items. -- the DOT puts out specs, but they dont test stuff

actually they have to approve it from what I have been told (my cousin is an engineer with Chrysler, and they have to send a copy of all the lightsin to be inspected, but it is by an independant lab)

 

[archemedes]

While this is very much right, when I worked at the kawasaki dealership there was a full racing slick with a dot stamp, but it also had in very small print not legal for road use.

So maybe all those altezza's and what not do have the dot stamp, but also have the "not for on road use stamp" somewhere also.
-steven-

all altezzas say not legal for road use on the package

 

[a_v_s]

clear corners fall victim to the fact that there are supposed to be amber reflectors in the front markers-- most get by with amber bulbs.

This varies by state... Oregon, Washington, and California do not require any type of reflector at all on the front/side. Only commercial vehicles are required to have front/side reflectors.

Oregon doesn't require the front turn signals to be amber, it allows white... Washington says it must emit yellow/amber.

 

[a_v_s]

technically, yeah the 'altezza' style euro lights are usually illegal. most laws specifically state that the reflectors have to be same size/orientation/placement as OE.

I doubt it. The laws state how/when/where things are to be mounted. If they said it has to be OEM, that's basically saying that the manufacturer can determine what is acceptable and what is not...

I checked the laws for Oregon, Washington, and California, and none of these states have such a requirement. They simply state that the rear reflectors must be big enough to be clearly visible from ~50ft to ~600ft depending on state. They also state that the reflector must be no lower than 15 inches from the ground an no higher than 60-72" from the ground, depending on state.

These three states also expicitely mention the reflectors being plainly visible at *night* from these distances... They don't mention anything about during the day.