LED lights on the side of a car in Texas

[alexnb]

Okay, so this is yet another light question, but it is a little different.

So my car (a mazda rx 8 has turn signals in the headlights, taillights, and on the side of the car just above the wheel.

Currently they are yellow(or white which ever you call it) that shine through an orange plastic.

I am replacing that orange plastic and getting LED's to put in place of the bulb.
Now, I can get orange LED's which is fine. However, I really want green ones.

These lights come on with my headlights, and they blink with my blinkers at a brighter intensity.
Would it be legal in Texas to have green or white LED's (white like white, not like soft yellow) in place of them??

If you made it all the way through you are a trooper!
Ha, well thanks for any help you can offer.

[Samuel]

Green is not normally a permissible color - YMMV. Check TX vehicle code for required lighting equipment.

[alexnb]

How can I check that? I came across a law thing a while ago, but it didn't give a definite answer at all.

It's stupid, they should just state what colors and where.... but anyway, where can I check that out?

Or does someone just know the answer right off the bat?

[alexnb]

can anyone answer this?

[Johninaustin]

It's pretty simple. If it's not a factory light color in a factory location, (white to the front, red to the rear, etc) , you are going to get ticketed for it.

[alexnb]

booo!

Thats disappointing.

So you're saying if I put green lights all over my car, just not in a factory location that would be okay?

ha thats kinda dumb if that's right... oh well.

[phantasm]

You are ONLY allowed the color of lights in the factory positions, like said. White forward, white rear for backing up, red for stop, orange for turn in front/side, and red or orange in rear/side for turn.

In NY green = volly ambulance. You'd be in violation of that, and I'm sure other states have similar laws.

[kels]

What you really want is someone to tell you to go ahead.
So go ahead and install the green lights.

PS, when are you coming to visit?
The new guys needs practice on inventorys of towed vehicle's.

[Creeker]

booo!

Thats disappointing.

So you're saying if I put green lights all over my car, just not in a factory location that would be okay?

ha thats kinda dumb if that's right... oh well.

Since when does "dumb" equate to "not what I wanted to hear"?

IMO, putting unnecessary green lights on cars that would only serve to confuse other drivers, void Manufacturers specs, violate the Federal Highway standards and waste the owners $$ on traffic fines and vehicle seizures isn't real intelligent to begin with.

Have you reached puberty, yet?

[txinvestigator1]

In Texas, you cannot have any white light to the rear while the vehicle is in forward motion. Flashing white is never permissible.


Green? I don't see anything in the Texas Transportation Code that would prohibit green lights as you described.

[manahmanah]

Why would you want green lights?

[Ispbear]

Sec. 547.3215. USE OF FEDERAL STANDARD. Unless specifically prohibited by this chapter, lighting, reflective devices, and associated equipment on a vehicle or motor vehicle must comply with:

(1) the current federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108; or

(2) the federal standards in that section in effect, if any, at the time the vehicle or motor vehicle was manufactured.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 547.332. OTHER LAMPS PERMITTED. A motor vehicle may be equipped with:

(1) not more than two side cowl or fender lamps that emit an amber or white light without glare;

(2) not more than two running board courtesy lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, that emit an amber or white light without glare; and

(3) one or more backup lamps that:

(A) emit an amber or white light only when the vehicle is not moving forward; and

(B) may be displayed separately or in combination with another lamp.



Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.


Illegal as in most other states that I know of, including my own.


Your Welcome!

[TX-LEO]

Okay, so this is yet another light question, but it is a little different.

So my car (a mazda rx 8 has turn signals in the headlights, taillights, and on the side of the car just above the wheel.

Currently they are yellow(or white which ever you call it) that shine through an orange plastic.

I am replacing that orange plastic and getting LED's to put in place of the bulb.
Now, I can get orange LED's which is fine. However, I really want green ones.

These lights come on with my headlights, and they blink with my blinkers at a brighter intensity.
Would it be legal in Texas to have green or white LED's (white like white, not like soft yellow) in place of them??

If you made it all the way through you are a trooper!
Ha, well thanks for any help you can offer.

Green? :rolleyes:I'd probably wonder why you want to make yourself stand out and not give it any thought. However, it's still not legal as it violates the light color restrictions. You can only emit white amber or a color in between, and red to the REAR only.

[TX-LEO]

In Texas, you cannot have any white light to the rear while the vehicle is in forward motion. Flashing white is never permissible.


Green? I don't see anything in the Texas Transportation Code that would prohibit green lights as you described.

Sec. 547.353. COLOR REQUIREMENTS. (a) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the front, on the side near the front, or in the center of the vehicle must be or reflect amber.

(b) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the rear or the side near the rear of the vehicle must be or reflect red.



The offense falls under this section.

[txinvestigator1]

Sec. 547.353. COLOR REQUIREMENTS. (a) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the front, on the side near the front, or in the center of the vehicle must be or reflect amber.

(b) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the rear or the side near the rear of the vehicle must be or reflect red.



The offense falls under this section.

Missed it.