Exterior lighting -

[DebDav]

I seem to remember that DOT requires rear reflectors on vehicles.  This can be accomplished be the red brake light either on or off.

Is it legal to install red brake lights, red stop lights and amber turn signals with the new white (clear) LED fixtures that glow the correct color when lit?

Also, is it legal to use the same type of clear/red and clear/amber LED lights for marker lights?

[Slow Rider]

Bump

[Ray D]

Here is a link to Grote, when you get there just click on the vehicle you have.

http://grote.com/tech/fmvss/

Ray D

Sorry Slow Rider, there is nothing in there about bumps

[bevans6]

If the lights are DOT approved for use in the position you want to use them, the answer is yes, as far as I know.  It's definitely a neat idea, and could look pretty sharp if you integrated it into a nice colour scheme.


A little more digging brought up the question of what is DOT legal, with respect to rear tail lights.  DOT legal means compliant with FMVSS 108, which is a huge and lengthy tome of a regulation.  But I was able to find this with respect to clear lens tail lights -

http://fmvss108.tripod.com/interps/randy_burns_6_20_00.htm

I think that this is a little different than your question, which is white lens tail lights that turn red.  But you get the gist of it.  You need to ask if your replacement lights comply with FMVSS 108 and if you need an auxiliary reflector if you use them.  The full text of FMVSS 108 is on the web site I gave you above, along with a lot of other stuff that may be interesting.

Brian

[Len Silva]

I think you are going to need the appropriate front, side and rear reflectors in addition to the lights.  The idea is that they reflect the correct color when your lights are off.

[Jeremy]

Assuming I understand the question correctly, this photo might help with an answer - white / clear led lights (except the fog light), plus additional red reflectors:



Jeremy

[Jeremy]

Another example. Personally I don't think I like the look of the white lights - you see them quite a lot nowadays but to me they still come across as a gimmick or fashion trend somehow.

[Dreamscape]

I have seen the white/red rear lights on trucks all the time. They are not my cup of tea, but maybe yours!

Paul

[David Anderson]

Why is the left side white and the right side red? 

David

[Sean]

I seem to remember that DOT requires rear reflectors on vehicles.  This can be accomplished be the red brake light either on or off.

Only if the light is certified as also being a reflex reflector.  Most STT lamps are not; many tail-only lights are.  You need to look at the specific light in question; it will be properly marked and the manufacturer will list if it includes the reflector.  Otherwise, you need separate reflex reflectors.  This is true on the sides as well.

Is it legal to install red brake lights, red stop lights and amber turn signals with the new white (clear) LED fixtures that glow the correct color when lit?

Also, is it legal to use the same type of clear/red and clear/amber LED lights for marker lights?

As long as the lamps are certified to FMVSS 108 standards.  It is up to the manufacturer to self-certify compliance.  Bear in mind that lamps are certified for specific functions and angles.  Lamps that are certified for more than one function are called "combination" lamps.

Here are the actual rules:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/TBMpstr.html

We've discussed vehicle lighting here many times before.  Here is one such thread:
http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=17076.0

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com