dark tailight covers (legal or not?)
10/18/06, 02:42 PM
#1
dark tailight covers (legal or not?)
I really like the dark tinted tail light covers, especially on black cars. Besides the obvious, is it legal question. How visible are the tail/brake lights during the day and night? I'd like to install them, but I'd feel like a schmuck if someone rear ended my car because of them. 
btw, are they legal?
btw, are they legal?
10/18/06, 06:34 PM
#4
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Well, having just tinted mine, I'd like to know where I can find the law regarding the color of tail lights.
BTW, my exterior is black and I tinted the tails dark smoke (Bluebatmobile).
I live on the east side of Atlanta and see plenty of tinted tails on all kinds and colors of cars every day. I also see 20% window tinting every day all over the Atlanta area. You takes your chances, eh.
BTW, my exterior is black and I tinted the tails dark smoke (Bluebatmobile).
I live on the east side of Atlanta and see plenty of tinted tails on all kinds and colors of cars every day. I also see 20% window tinting every day all over the Atlanta area. You takes your chances, eh.
10/19/06, 03:56 PM
#7
She's Back and Strapped!
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Most exterior modification laws are state governed,and you would have to look at your specific state Vehicle Codes to find the actual laws.
I know that California's vehicle code states no more than 20% tint on front windows, however back and rear windows can be limo tint. Mine are 30% and I have been pulled over but never mentioned the tint or the missing front plate. I dont know the law regarding tail light tint.
I know that California's vehicle code states no more than 20% tint on front windows, however back and rear windows can be limo tint. Mine are 30% and I have been pulled over but never mentioned the tint or the missing front plate. I dont know the law regarding tail light tint.
10/19/06, 04:55 PM
#8
In California tail light tint is illegal.
I called the CHP and talked to a sergeant - his statement was "...anything that covers or obstructs a factory tail light lens is illegal and we may ticket you for it."
That being said, I think that if you choose to tint your lights the odds of you getting pulled over are probably slim.
However, be sure people can see you when you hit your brakes! You don't want some crappy Honda to crash into you because they didn't see you (they don't see you as it is, don't make it worse!)
I called the CHP and talked to a sergeant - his statement was "...anything that covers or obstructs a factory tail light lens is illegal and we may ticket you for it."
That being said, I think that if you choose to tint your lights the odds of you getting pulled over are probably slim.
However, be sure people can see you when you hit your brakes! You don't want some crappy Honda to crash into you because they didn't see you (they don't see you as it is, don't make it worse!)
10/19/06, 05:03 PM
#9
Exactly, that was really my main concern when i started the thread. Imagine a crappy Honda crashes into you and you can't hold him liable because you have illegally modified your taillights. That would bite.
10/19/06, 09:15 PM
#10
Bullitt Member
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During my research for the laws concerning illumination all the state differed to the Federal law.
Have fun reading it, the answer is in there and in a nut shell it states if it restrictes or hinders the light/reflective qualities of the lamp then no, you can't use them.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=108&TYPE=TEXT
Have fun reading it, the answer is in there and in a nut shell it states if it restrictes or hinders the light/reflective qualities of the lamp then no, you can't use them.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=108&TYPE=TEXT
10/20/06, 04:38 PM
#11
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Here's what I found on the SEMA website concerning Georgia State Law:
Georgia Legislation to Ban Taillight Covers is Dead - 2001
This bill (H.B. 482) would unfairly allowed only OEM-tinted or covered taillights to be displayed on public roads. Everyone from truck enthusiasts to import hobbyists would have been affected by this legislation. Car show participants would have had to install the treatments at the show and then remove them before driving on public roads again.
Georgia Legislation to Ban Taillight Covers is Dead - 2001
This bill (H.B. 482) would unfairly allowed only OEM-tinted or covered taillights to be displayed on public roads. Everyone from truck enthusiasts to import hobbyists would have been affected by this legislation. Car show participants would have had to install the treatments at the show and then remove them before driving on public roads again.
10/20/06, 05:19 PM
#12
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I've had my GTS tail light covers on for about a year or more now.....never had a cop say anything, and have been pulled over about 3-4 times for other reasons.
10/20/06, 05:28 PM
#13
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Then I got the GTS ones like above, and got pulled over again, and had to take them off, my 2nd set of window tint, and return my car to stock....
It's all a gamble.
The reason they are illegal (at leat in CA) is that they cover up the reflector on the bottom of the taillight. Even though they still show up great when you apply the brakes, you cannot reflect light off of the reflectors.
I still have my GTS covers, but they ride along in the trunk!
BTW...I bought these GTS covers after seeing SurfNSocal's pic! Thanks bro!
.
10/29/06, 10:29 AM
#17
I talked to a local cop here... I have the 5% tint on my taillights. They shine real bright still, but the cop said it is illegal, but it isn't something they go around writing tickets for. He said if i got pulled over for speeding or anything and gave somewhat of an attitude, it would be a good possibilty they would write away on everything...
Kentucky, since on the box mine said Off Road Use Only - i'd say they are illegal anywhere.
my 2cents
Kentucky, since on the box mine said Off Road Use Only - i'd say they are illegal anywhere.
my 2cents
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