The operational instructions left in my XB after the under console lights and cup illuminator were installed, said not to operate them when the car is moving.

Why?

Is it an "operational" issue or a legal (hazardous distraction) issue?

It's no more distracting than someone using a cell phone in the car.

 

Way LESS distracting than a cell phone! And less distracting than fumbling around in the dark trying to find your coffee mug on the way into work in the morning. No, I think it's a CYA thing; they don't want to get sued in case someone does something st00pid and crashes and is looking for someone else to blame. That's what *I* think . . . .

 

yeah, it is more of a liability thing
i have mine on when i drive, and i don get distracted, but some people are easily distracted, ie: new drivers and soccer moms

 

They aren't really distracting at all IMO. I drive with them on about 50% of the time. Sometimes I like the interior lit up and sometimes I don't.

 

Actually, it's illegal in a lot of states to drive with any interior lights on. The reason being that you can't see as well. Your eyes adjust to the lights inside the car and the dark areas outside the car that you would nomally see a bit, become black emptiness that you can't see into. using a red light on the interior reduces this problem(learned from pilot training), but it doesn't eliminate it entirely. That's probably why they have the warning.

this only applies at night. during the day, obviously, it doesn't matter.

 

I kind of figured that was the "harm"that might occur that the instructions referred to. I did just try the Scion chat client. Got this response followed by instructions to contact my dealer:

Thank you for your interest in Scion. I apologize we would not have that information to provide to you at this time.

 

unless the lights are right in your face i dont think its much of a distraction. my friend has some in the footwells in his truck and they pulse to the music. when he 1st put them in they were distracting but after a few days i didnt see them anymore.

 

i just installed some leds in my scion, have them in the air vents, speaker grills, and door grabs, i dont think there distracting at all.

 

Well here in WA even the aftermarket ones say that but I ckecked on my old car and you can't have any exterior o but interior is ok

 

yeah, i've gotten used to driving a car with a lit-up interior. EL-glo gauges, LEDs everywhere, yeah. every time i install something new, it distracts me for a few days somewhat, then i don't pay much attention to it after that.

 

It's a legality issue too. You can actually get a ticket for driving around with a stock dome light on even. I've got my lights all wired into a 3way toggle under my dash. In one position they all work off of the door switch--They light up and dim out with the door locks and dome light. Off in the middle, and third is to turn them all on. I think this is a better way to go. So far I've kept it in position one all the time. When you unlock your doors in a crowded parking lot, and the underbody and interior all light up, you'll never have trouble finding your car.
I di have a cop pull up on my in a parking lot before because of the underbody lights, but I was able to show him that they go off as soon as the ignition is on. Contrary to what some may say to you--You can light up your car like a freakin' christmas tree, if you want. You just can't use the lights when on a public roadway, or when your car is visibly in motion. (The law doesn't state anything about being visible when in motion, but if your car is not moving and your engine is not on--you could beat a parking lot ticket in court easy, just be able to show that the lights don't light up when the ignition is on).

 

well, none of mine are even eye level. all mine are either under the dash, seats, or right there on the lower parts of the dash, some in the trunk, but none in my or other drivers' line of sight.

 

I forgot my Uncle is a cop and I am on an Air Force base you can have them on as long as the GLARE not the BULB is visible

 

the ones that the dealers install are under the dash and unless your driving looking at your feet it's not a distraction. I have them and never turn them off. I really did'nt no you could turn them off until the first time i cleaned my car and found the switch.