I've been reading the various threads on different headlights for Pro/P5/323 but I'm still confussed about the laws involving what I could get (as applied to the U.S.)

(As applied to my ES)

Now, can I get clear corners? Or is it illegal to even drive a car without the orange side marker? Or if I really wanted clear corners, does that require orange reflecters installed in the bumper?

 

Not so fast!

I think (but I'm not SURE), that as long as you use amber bulbs in the clear corners, you are okay.

But - I wouldn't worry too much about the legality of what you're doing. IMO, as long as you don't use something like blue bulbs in the corners (which I think is ugly as sin anyway), you'll never get bothered by the cops.

I'm just unsure as to whether you need the corner lenses to LIGHT UP orange, or BE orange to be perfectly legal - either way, you should be fine though.

~HH

 

the only thing you really need in the front corner is an amber/orange reflector that can be seen when a light shines on your car from the side.

 

I've always wondered about this. If this is the case, why are they DOT approved?

 

that is one of the most famous misconceptions of the DOT. the DOT does not approve anything, they mearly right codes and standards that need to be followed. then, manufactures have to comply with those codes. there is no approval process with the DOT.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info.

Well to get more info, I did some more searching. I came across a website called crutchfield.com and did a search on clearcorners there. They have this listed:

Note: For street legality while driving, the turn signals, parking lights, and side markers in your vehicle must be amber. APC clear corner lenses include the amber bulbs you need in order to remain street legal.

 

True - and another inaccuracy is the part about turn signals - on the rear of a car, they can be amber OR red. I don't think white is legal back there, either - just amber or red.

~HH

 

Agreed. But they use them for a cleaner look to the rear of a car - and often, it works. I mean - how would you incorporate amber signals into the rear of a Vette? I'm sure it could be done tastefully, but somehow the red-only scheme looks nicer - even if it isn't as safe or easy to see.

BTW - "bass ackwards" is one of my favorite little sayings. Next time you're with your friends, try calling one of them a "sock cutter" and watch the reaction you get....

~HH

 

I'm not wrong the website is

I wonder if its the same for Canada?

 

Thanks for all the insite.

I was at my local pro shop today and asked them about this issue. They basicly said that yes you do need a yellow/orange reflector and driving around with just clear corners are illegal. However, the likelyhood of getting pulled over for having no yellow side reflector is very low. As long as the turn signal is amber the cops won't give you to much trouble.

I guess when I get around to doing this, I'll probably just get a press-on yellow reflector and attach it to the bumper until I can afford a new bumper with spaces for wired amber lights.

 

Turn signals can be white to amber in front and amber to red in the rear...

No red in front, and no white (except back-up lights, which can only be on while the car is in reverse) in the rear.

Everything else is pretty much on. Something else to remember, if there is a super **** cop driving around, s/he'll nail you for anything illegal, including clear corners or those stupid windshield washer lights.

However, most cops have better things to do than harass people with clear corners.


And as a personal note, I saw a car with blue front turn signals, at night I couldn't tell they were flashing until he was at the turn. I know he hit his signal before the corner because I saw the red on the back side flash on the fence. Terrible, just terrible.