Before I start, I should mention that I performed searches for "fog lights" (10 pages), then "fog lights watts" and was able to pull up some information (4 threads). But after reading those posts, I still have a few other questions.

I recently purchased some "Plasma Glow" blue xenon headlights. I am very happy with them. I then purchased the matching fog lights. I noticed that it is recommended not to go over the stock 55W bulbs. These are 85W according to the box. They were sold as working for the 95-01 Maxima.

What I am wondering is what exactly do you think would happen if I were to use this higher wattage? I have read in other posts there is a possibility of "frying the wiring harness" with 100W. I know anything can happen. I am just wondering if anyone has tried 85W before. And if so, what was the outcome.

Lastly, does anyone know the legality of xenon (blue) in Texas? Or, has anyone in TX ever been pulled over for them? Thanks all!

 

for the legality, look for the webpage for the DMV, there is usually a document that has all the motor vehicle laws, which say what color lights you can have where.

just search DMV texas or DOT texas.

hope that helps.

 

enjoy the reading and search for "blue" or scroll down to this section... "§ 547.305. Restrictions on Use of Lights"

but to sum it up... just as it is everywhere, blue lights are illegal on a non-emergency vehicle.

not sure how strictly it's enforced, though, as I live across the country.

 

Thanks for the reply. I ran a search for "blue" and here is what I found:

"§ 547.305. Restrictions on Use of Lights

(a) A motor vehicle lamp or illuminating device, other than a headlamp, spotlamp, auxiliary lamp, turn signal lamp, or emergency vehicle or school bus warning lamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower shall be directed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the roadway at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.

(b) Except as expressly authorized by law, a person may not operate or move equipment or a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, with a lamp or device that displays a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the equipment or vehicle.

(c) A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a red, white, or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating light unless the equipment is:"

And it goes on to list the types of vehicles that can have these flashing lights. I think I am clear as far as the above description. I also found the below in the same document before reading your post:

"§ 547.328. Fog Lamps Permitted

(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps.

(b) A fog lamp shall be:

(1) mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 12 to 30 inches; and

(2) aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from a lamp mounted to the left of center on a vehicle projects a beam of light at a distance of 25 feet that is higher than four inches below the level of the center of the lamp.

(c) Lighted fog lamps may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified by Section 547.333.

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


Noting specific there about Xenon or blue. I do see mention of red. After reading this, and since I will only use them when there is actually fog, I am less worried about the legality than I am the technical ability. Thank you both for your posts!