I don't know the particular reference (or the number), but I know the rule. I pretty much have the whole thing memorized.

To make your setup legal (and keep your headlights), you could add a reflector in an indiscreet (but legal) locations. Notice that Porsche's hide their side reflectors in the wheel arches, Lexuses with their clear tails hide the red reflectors on the lower bumper. . .

They sell amber reflective tape (thin and easy to apply in small sections) at most automotive stores, as well reflective stick on panels (usually used for trailers and trucks).

 

^ And that's assuming that the headlights ARE in fact DOT approved (for cut off, beam pattern, brightness, etc)

 

There are many details NOT in the quick reference tables that are buried in the detailed descriptions on the other pages, including that the mid-point side reflectors are only required if the vehicle is 30 feet or more long. (That's why I also give a link to the whole thing so if there is a more detailed question the answer can be looked for.)

MOST important, though, is every bit of this has already been covered, in detail, here on ScionLife - including the midpoint reflector. :D

In fact, previous discussions have even broken it down by state for CA, TX, NY, OR, and WA, and shown that every one of those states's MV regs refer back to the federal regs.

Tom
________________

 

I apologize for asking a question that seemed to me to be related to a discussion that was already going on.

I'm aware that the front and rear reflectors have been discussed, and the federal regs basically always apply, but I don't see anything in that section of the table that says "as required," or referring to another section so I thought I would ask.

 

No problem, dudehitt - that wasn't really aimed in your direction, anyway, but was a general suggestion for all the folks who either ask about something that has been discussed to death, or complain about getting some sort of ticket either for something that they know is legit or something they have no idea about, doesn't seem "right" to them no matter what the LEO says, even though it has been covered a lot on ScionLife.

Maybe when I get through fixing dinner I can do the search and put up links.

Tom

 

Whoops! I forgot to do the search and update things here. *sigh*

Here are a few of the existing threads on lighting laws that I have responded to. Each of these is is a different topic - no repeats.

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...242287#2242287
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...045908#2045908
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...997891#1997891
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...853131#1853131
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...806515#1806515
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...638590#1638590
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...598214#1598214
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...582259#1582259
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...907383#1907383
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...697899#1697899
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...649228#1649228

They make interesting reading, especially all the folks arguing that the rules, regulations, or laws don't apply to them 'cause they haven't been stopped yet, or their state doesn't have a law like that, or the local cops don't care, or, the one I really like "I don't care, I'm gonna do it anyway."

By about halfway through the list, though, it gets pretty boring because it really boils down to the same thing stated a dozen different ways so it will get through - but it never seems to.

Enjoy, everyone!
Tom

 

I've read a lot of those, I just never saw the mid=side reflector discussed. I know how frustrating it is for you (and a few others) that genuinely want to help, but keep getting people with the same issue complaining and arguing when they are clearly wrong and have been proven so many, many times.