Tail Lights (Nite-Shades)

[Mustang89]

I have tinted tail lights on my truck; I need to know if they are illegal? The tail lights are “blacked out” but still emit a red light plainly visible at a distance 500' away (per 347.13(1)) I have upgraded the bulb in the tail light fixture with a high output led. The lights before they were tinted emitted 212 lumens, after tint and the upgraded led bulb the emit 371 lumens so they are now brighter and more visible. I have also installed a 60" led light bar under the tail gate and install red reflectors on the bumper to ensure the truck can be seen at night with the lights off. I need to know if any Police Officer or State Patrol Officer can fine me for this and if so how and why?

Thank you.

[greg72982]

Wrong forum and list your state.

[Samuel]

What Greg said. In addition, there are some codes/statutes out there that prohibit equipping vehicles with non-DOT approved/certified safety/lighting equipment.

[marinepilot]

This forum is for help with technical questions about the site only, such as how to I post a link or a picture, or change my avatar. This thread is being moved to the Ask A Cop forum. Also, like the others said, officers will need more information such as what state you're talking about. Not every state has the same laws, so people won't be able to answer your question until they know where you are.

[Mustang89]

Sorry about putting it in the wrong forum... new to the site.

I live in Wisconsin. Work in MN. Someone told me its a road violation so I can get fined in any state not just the one the truck is reg. in.

[G35 Mass]

Why would anyone want to decrease the visibility of their slowing / braking vehicle by motorists approaching from behind at night?

[mcsap]

In PA , it is not legal to do anything that impairs , impedes or inhibits the transmission of a factory required lamp. Not sure for other states but it appears to be a standard law.

[McNulty]

Why would anyone want to decrease the visibility of their slowing / braking vehicle by motorists approaching from behind at night?

That's what I want to know.

[Mustang89]

If you read the original post and understand it, the tail light visibility is not decreased there more visible the lumen output is now higher but when the lights are off the tail lights appear black… there is also a light bar added to ensure visibility. I want to know if a cop can say anything about it because the tail lights are altered but still function.

[G35 Mass]

Illegal. You modified your factory lighting. Brighter is not permissible.

/thread

[Mustang89]

hmm... well this I can tell will be a waste of my time to ask, because cops will just fine anyone at will even though the truck is safe and meets all requirements. As for making the tail lights brighter that is total BS, because the cop would have no idea what the lumen output is on every make and model out there so would never know if they are brighter, not to mention the output changes greatly between bulb manufactures and how many hours of use the bulbs has so there for everyone should get a ticket for altering their tail lights if they ever had to replace a blub… I know this is just being a smart *** but its true.

[Citicop]

So, to be clear... you didn't get the answer you wanted, so now it was a waste of your time to have asked?

[mcsap]

Why not go ask the local police ....or did you already do that and go the SAME answer ???

[G35 Mass]

Maybe OP didn't ask and got the answer anyways (in the form of a little certificate signed by an officer)....

OP: Some of us pigs are tuners / gear heads. We can spot aftermarket and modified equipment a mile away, and know whether they're legal or not. Quit playing the role.

[cntryboy0531]

Illegal in Florida as well. Specific statute that prohitibts putting anything over the tail lights or head lights. It says nothing about visibility in this statute. If it covers the tail light or headlight, it's illegal.