I've read different stories in different places. Does anyone have definitive information on whether clear taillights are legit or not? I've seen direction that they need to "reflect" red and others that say they need to have red bulbs. What would the difference be, how do you get a red reflection w/o a red lens, etc.........

 

Check out the FMVSS lighting requirements.
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/taillamps_altezza.htm
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/taillamps_all_clear.htm

 

Good info, seems pretty clear (excuse the pun) that you're tempting fate w/ clears. So I guess the next question is, has anyone been ticketed solely for having clear tails?

Suppose I'm an old guy (I am) who's not driving in a style which draws attention (okay, I usually don't) but I like clear taillights. What's the odds I'll get pulled over just for that?

 

It probably depends on the cops in your area. Some states use the FMVSS for lighting but probably not all do. It would probably be a fix-it ticket for equipment violation.

 

it's almost guaranteed that they're illegal everywhere because they don't have red reflectors...

now, if you wanna use the clears and tape some red reflectors on....

 

must be red in the rear and amber in the front. Unsure of how the law is as it varies from state to state

 

Someone please delete/lock this thread!

 

To be legal, all you need is red reflectors on the rear of the car somwhere. And of course the correct color illuminations in the tails. The tail lamp assembly itself is simply not street legal for the fact it contains no red reflectors. You put the correct color illuminations in there. Then you are legal.

For further information, there is a hundred threads on this, and if in doubt, contact your state dept.