jimz02max

iTrader: (1)

O.K....I'm sure this has been talked about numerous times, but now it directly affects me! I got pulled over this week by the state police re: my clear side markers. Long story short I got a warning not to have clear bulbs and clear lenses due to D.O.T. rules. I changed them out after that. Today I was driving home and I saw a Lexus RX300 (I think that was the ) the S.U.V. that Lexus makes anyway. There rear tail lights are clear with colored bulbs and also the side markers are clear with colored bulbs. So why can't I just replace the bulbs and keep the clear lenses? If any of you guys have any understanding with this situation or better yet if there are any org. members out there who are policemen could you fill me in on what is and is not acceptable/legal.

Fezzik

iTrader: (2)

lol. I think you answered your own question. Keep the clears and get colored bulbs.

2k2kev

it has clears but it was designed to, so it also has reflectors... that's the issue... if you swap your colors for clears you no longer have the appropriate color but since they come from the factory that way the Lexus DOES.

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

you can have the clear sides as long as they have the color bulb

MaximaZero

That is a misconception depending on where you are from. I know for a fact that in CA, the front sidemarkers must reflect amber when unilluminated. Meaning it's gotta have amber reflector on the front side. Just like on the rear-side and rear you must have red reflectors. MOST cops won't hassle you about the clear sidemarkers, but they can as others and myself can both testify for.

Tony Fernandes

Sounds right.


I'm not sure what you're asking. Just put colored bulbs under the clears and you should be fine.

Tony

KiLLeR2002se

iTrader: (4)

i got a ticket for it as well. clears with clear leds. the cop said the front must illuminate amber and relect amber when not lit. Same thing for the rear.
Just put the clears on and put in amber and red bulbs. You should be fine. White lights are pretty much saying "please pull me over"

PHATMAN5050

Same thing here in AZ killer2002!

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

ive had white lights in for over a year, and no trouble soo far. (knock on wood)

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

I put amber bulbs in all around, no problems and it looks pretty cool when they're on IMO. I doubt any cops would bother you if you have amber bulbs in both fronts and rears, seeing as those bulbs are legal colors

KiLLeR2002se

iTrader: (4)

amber in the rear is illegal here in california, i dont know about new hampshire...

joebangaa

iTrader: (3)

stupid details

Mongo312

Anyone have a recommendation on what colored bulbs to use? Someone mentioned in another thread that their red bulbs looked kinda pink

03maximan

http://www.autodynamic.com/
Check out the LEDs from here, I have the red 4 bulb LEDs in the rear
and Polarg bulbs in front, looks real good.

ukeyman

iTrader: (1)

Mine look very pink, haven't found anything that looks red when lit yet.

KiLLeR2002se

iTrader: (4)

i havent found anything that will look good. i just put the red corners on the rear...clear in the front

Zero Deuce SE

How long have you been using them? I tried some and they lasted less than a year before one of the red ones burned out.

03maximan

I've only been using them for about 3 weeks now, hope they last a little longer than a year though.

jimz02max

iTrader: (1)

Yeah....I had mine in for about a year with no problems until I had to start driving down the Mass. Pike every day.

MannyNJ2k2max

iTrader: (3)

i just decided today to switch back to red reflector
in the rear......i think it'll look better too at night......keep the rear red as tails keep the front clear as my headlights

Prodigy

I don't understand why the law requires if you have side markers they have to have an amber reflector, but if you don't have side markers there's no need for reflectors. Obviously they aren't very concerned about reflectors on the side, just giving out tickets for not having them that color if the car is equipped with side markers to begin with. Am I wrong?

pruizgarcia

iTrader: (1)

I have the clears with ambers in the front and reds in the back. Don't need another ticket...

Pedro

MaximaZero

Cars that don't have sidemarkers have the reflectors integrated on the sides of the headlamps/ corner lamps and tail lamps.

Zero Deuce SE

Your state probably uses FMVSS No. 108 to enforce laws regarding reflective devices.
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/

Lefty_gunz187

Damn its good to have a PBA card here in NY. I whip that bad boy out and no ticket.

fhaze_max

iTrader: (1)

http://fmvss108.tripod.com/

That has all the info you need. I had clears with amber bulbs in front and red in the rear. I still got a ticket 35 for each. 70 fscking dollars. I'm in MA it sux. Bottom line. NO COMBINATION OF CLEAR LENSES OR COLORED BULBS IS LEGAL. Just because you haven't been pulled over doesn't make it right.

Zero Deuce SE

That's why they put a disclaimer on the box that the lights come in.
"Attention: (Disclaimer)
This auto lamp is produced for off-road or show purpose only. This item is not suitable for regular driving condition for it is without DOT or SAE approval. User must follow the direction given and any misuse of this product is at his own risk. The manufacturer, distributor and retailer will not be held responsible for using this item other than specified above. Made in Taiwan"

NYC TAR

iTrader: (2)

I have SBA 2003 card form my cusin but, (he left the force). I can still use the old card and did you get a new one yet 04 . I gotto amit it nice thing to have around.

gtbigup

I really don't understand why cops make a big deal about colors of front side markers when there are some cars this day and age that are not even manufactured with side markers

Zero Deuce SE

I would bet that they have wraparound lights on the front and rear with reflectors built into them. Otherwise, the vehicle would not meet the FMVSS and US specs. Can you name some of those cars you speak of?

Tony Fernandes

You wouldn't think it'd matter what color the lense is as long as the bulb was putting out the correct colored light.

And what about all these cars that have the VERY bright white lights that activate when you turn on the turn signal? It helps you see while turning. A lot of Buicks have these, as well as many others. I think those are more obnoxious than white side marker lights.

Tony

Zero Deuce SE

Those cornering lights are only on for a short period of time compared to side markers. That's why they are legal. My 89 and 92 Maxes had them.

Tony Fernandes

I realize that. That's why I said they activate when you turn on the turn signals. How do you know that's why they are legal? They are also much brighter than side markers. IMO, much more annoying than clear side markers even with white bulbs.

Tony

Zero Deuce SE

I said that they're legal because they have been on certain cars for over 10 years. A cop will not likely give you a ticket for a factory installed item. Of course they're brighter. They have to privide light for the area you are turning into. It's more of a safety item for the driver. Just like some of the older Vettes have white lights in the rear sides that come on with the rear reverse lights. At any rate, it's all good.