Legal Lighting Equipment
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: livermore,ca
Legal Lighting Equipment
Hello everyone, I talked about the lighting issues before, but it has been a while, and since someone asked I'll go over it again because I know people hate to pulled over, and they want to hang on to there hard earned money.
First, there are no LEGAL AFTERMARKET rear taillight lense covers, front side marker lense covers, or red replacement bulbs for red rear taillight brakes.
Lets start at the rear: Changing your rear tail lamp lens covers to ANYTHING other than stock comes under vc 23003. All original manufacturer lights, bulbs and lense covers meet all the federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss). You will also DOT stamps on the lenses too. National Highway Safety Traffic Safety (NHTSA) tests the lights, bulbs, and lenses to make sure they are pass all the above standards.
Now companies like APC and ALTEZZA make aftermarket lenses to replace your rear lenses, bulbs and front side markers. The problem with APC who claims their lenses are %100 street legal, is they are not. I have not visited APC's website lately, but as of 11/00, they still listed their lights as street legal. NHTSA has made APC recall over 50,000 of their lenses, because they did not pass all their tests.
You ask why NHTSA, and police agency's care about what your tail lights, side markers and other lighting equipment look like? Here are some reasons:
The rear tail lights are to be red, and must have a side reflector to reflect light from vehicles coming from the side. As of now, I have not seen any aftermarket rear lenses that have the side reflector. No big deal right, well go outside at night and shine a light on your truck/car from the side. You can see your vehicle better. Without the reflector you may not. If your vehicle is hit at night, and you have aftermarket lenses, you can be found as a contributing factor to the crash because you have illegal lenses.
The insurance company wont be happy because you have illegal lights on your vehicle. Now we all know about civil liability. You now can be sued by the person who ran into you for not having proper lighting equipment, and civil suits is where the big money is. Now most people will say, "it's not going to happen to me" Do you want to find out if it does happen to you?
There is always a reason for a law. It usually means protecting the public from one thing or another. In this case it is motor vehicle lighting.
I will add more to this post in the near future, with more info on lighting equipment. I hope this answers some questions.
az
First, there are no LEGAL AFTERMARKET rear taillight lense covers, front side marker lense covers, or red replacement bulbs for red rear taillight brakes.
Lets start at the rear: Changing your rear tail lamp lens covers to ANYTHING other than stock comes under vc 23003. All original manufacturer lights, bulbs and lense covers meet all the federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss). You will also DOT stamps on the lenses too. National Highway Safety Traffic Safety (NHTSA) tests the lights, bulbs, and lenses to make sure they are pass all the above standards.
Now companies like APC and ALTEZZA make aftermarket lenses to replace your rear lenses, bulbs and front side markers. The problem with APC who claims their lenses are %100 street legal, is they are not. I have not visited APC's website lately, but as of 11/00, they still listed their lights as street legal. NHTSA has made APC recall over 50,000 of their lenses, because they did not pass all their tests.
You ask why NHTSA, and police agency's care about what your tail lights, side markers and other lighting equipment look like? Here are some reasons:
The rear tail lights are to be red, and must have a side reflector to reflect light from vehicles coming from the side. As of now, I have not seen any aftermarket rear lenses that have the side reflector. No big deal right, well go outside at night and shine a light on your truck/car from the side. You can see your vehicle better. Without the reflector you may not. If your vehicle is hit at night, and you have aftermarket lenses, you can be found as a contributing factor to the crash because you have illegal lenses.
The insurance company wont be happy because you have illegal lights on your vehicle. Now we all know about civil liability. You now can be sued by the person who ran into you for not having proper lighting equipment, and civil suits is where the big money is. Now most people will say, "it's not going to happen to me" Do you want to find out if it does happen to you?
There is always a reason for a law. It usually means protecting the public from one thing or another. In this case it is motor vehicle lighting.
I will add more to this post in the near future, with more info on lighting equipment. I hope this answers some questions.
az
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: livermore,ca
I'm back, and apologize for the missing words and poor grammar. I was in a hurry because my wife was yelling at me. I'm sure that doens't happen to anyone else out there.
Here's some more info on aftermarket lighting. I checked APC's web site and they still have the claim as %100 street legal.
The "online store" for F150online sells clear lenses with red bulb replacements. There are no red bulb replacements that are legal. NHTSA has done some research and found for a legal red bulb to be made, it would take a 24 carat gold base to make the bulb burn a true red color. If you have noticed trucks/cars with a clear lense and a red bulb, the light comes out pink.
All the information can be found on the internet, and I will try to find the NHTSA letter I have and give the website listed on the bottom for anyone who wants to read it. Anyone really interested about what the California Vehicle Code says can look it up at leginfo.ca.gov. Click on california law, then vehicle code. This will allow you into a sight where you can check the box for "vehicle code". Then look up 24003, 26101, 24600(e). These sections will help you make some important decisions, especially if you live in California.
If you live elsewhere and are wondering if your state and local laws allow you to modify your lights, they dont. It is illegal in all states since it falls under the FMVSS.
I hope this info helps. I don't want anyone to think I'm preaching to them about what they can and can't do to there trucks. I'm not. I just want you to know what can and might happen to you if you do change your stock lighting.
Have fun out there, and yes the Superchip does work. Pesos, send an email to Mike Troyer about prices on the Superchip you might want for your rig. He's very helpful.
Take care,
Az
[This message has been edited by az2528 (edited 02-03-2001).]
[This message has been edited by az2528 (edited 02-03-2001).]
Here's some more info on aftermarket lighting. I checked APC's web site and they still have the claim as %100 street legal.
The "online store" for F150online sells clear lenses with red bulb replacements. There are no red bulb replacements that are legal. NHTSA has done some research and found for a legal red bulb to be made, it would take a 24 carat gold base to make the bulb burn a true red color. If you have noticed trucks/cars with a clear lense and a red bulb, the light comes out pink.
All the information can be found on the internet, and I will try to find the NHTSA letter I have and give the website listed on the bottom for anyone who wants to read it. Anyone really interested about what the California Vehicle Code says can look it up at leginfo.ca.gov. Click on california law, then vehicle code. This will allow you into a sight where you can check the box for "vehicle code". Then look up 24003, 26101, 24600(e). These sections will help you make some important decisions, especially if you live in California.
If you live elsewhere and are wondering if your state and local laws allow you to modify your lights, they dont. It is illegal in all states since it falls under the FMVSS.
I hope this info helps. I don't want anyone to think I'm preaching to them about what they can and can't do to there trucks. I'm not. I just want you to know what can and might happen to you if you do change your stock lighting.
Have fun out there, and yes the Superchip does work. Pesos, send an email to Mike Troyer about prices on the Superchip you might want for your rig. He's very helpful.
Take care,
Az
[This message has been edited by az2528 (edited 02-03-2001).]
[This message has been edited by az2528 (edited 02-03-2001).]
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: livermore,ca
Hello everyone. I have found the best website out there for lighting questions and answers. The website is www.fmvss108.tripod.com. It is called the Motor Vehicle Lighting Standard, and it is supported by FMVSS, and NHTSA.
The website covers all the info on APC lights, and the "Altezza" style light that so many people like. Please check this sight out, you will be happy you did because it can answer every question you have about headlights, taillights, blue bulbs, and every other lighting question you have. Plus, it has contact emails to NHTSA reps, so if you have question not answered on the sight, you can write to them.
Good luck, and drive safely
Az.
The website covers all the info on APC lights, and the "Altezza" style light that so many people like. Please check this sight out, you will be happy you did because it can answer every question you have about headlights, taillights, blue bulbs, and every other lighting question you have. Plus, it has contact emails to NHTSA reps, so if you have question not answered on the sight, you can write to them.
Good luck, and drive safely
Az.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 295
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From: Berkeley, CA
thanks Az =)
still looking into the 2k1 lightning tails... my friend just got his L so maybe he wouldn't mind ordering them for me if they do end up restricting the parts orders... the superchip is sounding more and more like it's worth the $225 or so. did i read you saying that k&n doesn't have a screw part out yet? what can you recommend as far as exhaust?
thanks,
Wes
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Supercrew Lariat 4x4, 5.4L, Limited Slip, Black Ext./Graphite Int., Towing Package, 60/40 Front Bench, Moonroof, Bed Extender, Cab Steps, Rear Window
MSRP: $35,025
INVOICE: $30,952.15
PAID: $31,452.15
Ordered: 1/12/01
Est. Build Week: 2/19/01
still looking into the 2k1 lightning tails... my friend just got his L so maybe he wouldn't mind ordering them for me if they do end up restricting the parts orders... the superchip is sounding more and more like it's worth the $225 or so. did i read you saying that k&n doesn't have a screw part out yet? what can you recommend as far as exhaust?
thanks,
Wes
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Supercrew Lariat 4x4, 5.4L, Limited Slip, Black Ext./Graphite Int., Towing Package, 60/40 Front Bench, Moonroof, Bed Extender, Cab Steps, Rear Window
MSRP: $35,025
INVOICE: $30,952.15
PAID: $31,452.15
Ordered: 1/12/01
Est. Build Week: 2/19/01
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 295
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From: Berkeley, CA
p.s. - was that some crazy wind today or what? i had to head east over the san mateo bridge around 3:45 and it was nuts... all the bigger vehicles were doing some strange jittery dance the whole way... scary at some points
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: livermore,ca
Hey Pesos, the weather sucked yesterday, thank goodness I was on desk duty all day. I guess we shouldnt complain to much since we have no snow and minus degree weather.
K&N was supposed to have a CARB number by now. Check out knfilters.com, they might have something by now. Airforce One has a FIPK that has CARB numbers. When I emailed them they sent a message back saying they are going to be sending the sticker out to customers who have purchased the product as soon as possible.
I have the Magnaflow pipes, sinle in/dual out. The sound is mellow at idle, but come to life when on the gas. I had them installed in San Jose at Kwikway Mufflers on Kiely, near Stevens Creek blvd. They did a great job, and it was around $370.00.
Were you able to check out the fmvss108 website? If so what did you think of it?
Drive safely
Az
K&N was supposed to have a CARB number by now. Check out knfilters.com, they might have something by now. Airforce One has a FIPK that has CARB numbers. When I emailed them they sent a message back saying they are going to be sending the sticker out to customers who have purchased the product as soon as possible.
I have the Magnaflow pipes, sinle in/dual out. The sound is mellow at idle, but come to life when on the gas. I had them installed in San Jose at Kwikway Mufflers on Kiely, near Stevens Creek blvd. They did a great job, and it was around $370.00.
Were you able to check out the fmvss108 website? If so what did you think of it?
Drive safely
Az
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 295
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From: Berkeley, CA
hi az,
very informative site! your link doesn't work though, has a period in it; try http://fmvss108.tripod.com and that should do the trick...
your exhaust system was $370 installed? how loud is it when you are just cruising? very noticeable? i like what people are saying about the throaty but unobtrusive sound of the sweptside, sounds what i am looking for. so the current fipk kits in the online store aren't for use on the screw?
thanks,
Wes
------------------
Supercrew Lariat 4x4, 5.4L, Limited Slip, Black Ext./Graphite Int., Towing Package, 60/40 Front Bench, Moonroof, Bed Extender, Cab Steps, Rear Window
MSRP: $35,025
INVOICE: $30,952.15
PAID: $31,452.15
Ordered: 1/12/01
Est. Build Week: 2/19/01
very informative site! your link doesn't work though, has a period in it; try http://fmvss108.tripod.com and that should do the trick...
your exhaust system was $370 installed? how loud is it when you are just cruising? very noticeable? i like what people are saying about the throaty but unobtrusive sound of the sweptside, sounds what i am looking for. so the current fipk kits in the online store aren't for use on the screw?
thanks,
Wes
------------------
Supercrew Lariat 4x4, 5.4L, Limited Slip, Black Ext./Graphite Int., Towing Package, 60/40 Front Bench, Moonroof, Bed Extender, Cab Steps, Rear Window
MSRP: $35,025
INVOICE: $30,952.15
PAID: $31,452.15
Ordered: 1/12/01
Est. Build Week: 2/19/01
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Thread Starter
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From: livermore,ca
Hey Pesos, yep exhaust was $370 installed. It's not too loud at cruising speed on the freeway, but more noticable than stock..it sounds like a V8.
The system that is for sale online here is not for the 01' 5.4, unless they have updated it to the 01. If so, then it should be CARB legal.
Az
The system that is for sale online here is not for the 01' 5.4, unless they have updated it to the 01. If so, then it should be CARB legal.
Az
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 66
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From: Mississauga, Ontario - CANADA
Hey AZ;
Thank you for the very informative topic. I have been attempting to inform customers, clients and friends both here and other places for years as to why these lights are not street legal. I have printed your letter and will be using it for examples now
.
Just a note for you. APC is comming out with a revision to their Euro Tail design in the next month (also available for the F150). Apparently these lights are supposed to meet all standards. If you get a chance to see them please let us know the truth.
Paul Lefebvre
Autonet Performance
http://www.autoperformance.net
Thank you for the very informative topic. I have been attempting to inform customers, clients and friends both here and other places for years as to why these lights are not street legal. I have printed your letter and will be using it for examples now
.Just a note for you. APC is comming out with a revision to their Euro Tail design in the next month (also available for the F150). Apparently these lights are supposed to meet all standards. If you get a chance to see them please let us know the truth
.Paul Lefebvre
Autonet Performance
http://www.autoperformance.net
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From: livermore,ca
Autonet, thanks for the compliment. Are the Canadian laws as strict? I would think they are.
I have seen the APC link for the "street legal" lights, but nothing is there so far. Once they are on the market I'm sure the people at NHTSA will be waiting to test them.
Stay warm in the "Great White North".
Az
I have seen the APC link for the "street legal" lights, but nothing is there so far. Once they are on the market I'm sure the people at NHTSA will be waiting to test them.
Stay warm in the "Great White North".
Az
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 30
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From: Northern California
Just thought I would bring this topic back up. I was just pulled over for clear corners by an Officer of the Fremont Ca. PD. I wasn't speeding he just passed me and looked over and saw the clear corners. He said there is no fix-it ticket for this any more. The fine is, $100.00 for the clears and $75.00 for no front license plate. I realize he has a legal right to do this but it seems very trivial to be pulled over for just that. AZ2528 how about telling your fellow officer to back off of us Screw owners. 
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Built 9/18/2000 Super Crew Lariat, Bright Red, No two-tone or pin stripes,Pioneer HU, Polk speakers, Powered Bazooka Tube, 560 Watt MTX amp, Viper Alarm, 18 inch A.R. Chrome "Slider" Rims. Pirelli Scorpion Tires, 70 series Flow Master Dual Exhaust, Painted Bumpers (red), Lowered 2 inches front - 4 inches back, All windows tinted, Ford/Duraliner, Stull Grill, Clear Corners, Storm front air dam.
N.A.T.C.A. Union Yes!
[This message has been edited by chistoso35 (edited 06-27-2001).]
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Built 9/18/2000 Super Crew Lariat, Bright Red, No two-tone or pin stripes,Pioneer HU, Polk speakers, Powered Bazooka Tube, 560 Watt MTX amp, Viper Alarm, 18 inch A.R. Chrome "Slider" Rims. Pirelli Scorpion Tires, 70 series Flow Master Dual Exhaust, Painted Bumpers (red), Lowered 2 inches front - 4 inches back, All windows tinted, Ford/Duraliner, Stull Grill, Clear Corners, Storm front air dam.
N.A.T.C.A. Union Yes!
[This message has been edited by chistoso35 (edited 06-27-2001).]
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From: livermore,ca
Christoso35'
Now if he did that he would be a hipocrit for pulling over just one type of vehicle for the violation. If you don't want to get pulled over, put the stock lights back on. FPD has "no tolerance" for modified equipment. If you want someone to blame for that, blame all the street racers who come into town and illegally race. Not to mention kill innocent motorists.
I'm sure you read in the paper or saw in the news the two street racers who decided to use Mission Bl / Decoto Rd in Union City as a drag strip. Two dead, one being the racer, and an innocent driver who never saw the race. All she did wrong was make a turn onto Mission Bl. The other racer is still outstanding, and will be wanted for MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.
Enough about that. I know Screw drivers are not racers, or maybe some are with their other cars, but if you change your LEGAL lighting you will be cited for it.
Stay safe.
AZ
Now if he did that he would be a hipocrit for pulling over just one type of vehicle for the violation. If you don't want to get pulled over, put the stock lights back on. FPD has "no tolerance" for modified equipment. If you want someone to blame for that, blame all the street racers who come into town and illegally race. Not to mention kill innocent motorists.
I'm sure you read in the paper or saw in the news the two street racers who decided to use Mission Bl / Decoto Rd in Union City as a drag strip. Two dead, one being the racer, and an innocent driver who never saw the race. All she did wrong was make a turn onto Mission Bl. The other racer is still outstanding, and will be wanted for MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.
Enough about that. I know Screw drivers are not racers, or maybe some are with their other cars, but if you change your LEGAL lighting you will be cited for it.
Stay safe.
AZ
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 30
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From: Northern California
I'm changing them. It still seems trivial. A small white reflector instead of yellow. Only seen at night from a certain angle. Pull me over sometime,(only to talk trucks!) Keep up the good work.
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Built 9/18/2000 Super Crew Lariat, Bright Red, No two-tone or pin stripes,Pioneer HU, Polk speakers, Powered Bazooka Tube, 560 Watt MTX amp, Viper Alarm, 18 inch A.R. Chrome "Slider" Rims. Pirelli Scorpion Tires, 70 series Flow Master Dual Exhaust, Painted Bumpers (red), Lowered 2 inches front - 4 inches back, Ford/Duraliner, Stull Grill, Storm front air dam.
N.A.T.C.A. Union Yes!
[This message has been edited by chistoso35 (edited 06-27-2001).]
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Built 9/18/2000 Super Crew Lariat, Bright Red, No two-tone or pin stripes,Pioneer HU, Polk speakers, Powered Bazooka Tube, 560 Watt MTX amp, Viper Alarm, 18 inch A.R. Chrome "Slider" Rims. Pirelli Scorpion Tires, 70 series Flow Master Dual Exhaust, Painted Bumpers (red), Lowered 2 inches front - 4 inches back, Ford/Duraliner, Stull Grill, Storm front air dam.
N.A.T.C.A. Union Yes!
[This message has been edited by chistoso35 (edited 06-27-2001).]
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: livermore,ca
I'll keep an eye out for you truck. For info, starting in July, I go to Traffic Patrol, and hope to get my Harley sometime around September. I was supposed to go to motor school in August, but they only had two spots to go, so I got bumped.
The yellow reflector is a Federal Law for info, not a California Law. In fact, Federal law is what mandates the lighing on all vehicles.
Take care and be safe. And when you need your ticket signed off, send me an email at azambonin@ci.fremont.ca.us and we can set up a time to sign it off. Even though it is not a "fix it" ticket, it does have to be signed off for proof of fixing it.
Take care
AZ
The yellow reflector is a Federal Law for info, not a California Law. In fact, Federal law is what mandates the lighing on all vehicles.
Take care and be safe. And when you need your ticket signed off, send me an email at azambonin@ci.fremont.ca.us and we can set up a time to sign it off. Even though it is not a "fix it" ticket, it does have to be signed off for proof of fixing it.
Take care
AZ