DOT lights

[99Gwing]

Anyone know how to verify if a light is actually DOT/SAE approved? Maybe where to file a complaint. I looked with little success.

I replaced some tombstone tail lights that have a DOT marking but no way are these things legit... very low light from any angle other than straight on. I feel like they are dangerous but the EBAY seller won't take them back.

Thanks.

 

[rhino 2]

Anyone know how to verify if a light is actually DOT/SAE approved? Maybe where to file a complaint. I looked with little success.

I replaced some tombstone tail lights that have a DOT marking but no way are these things legit... very low light from any angle other than straight on. I feel like they are dangerous but the EBAY seller won't take them back.

Thanks.

I'll bet if you would have bought them from a legitimate dealer 'They would taken them back Or at least given you some kind of credit!

 

[Rosy]

Any way to put LEDs in them. They do make replacement LED bulbs for some of those lights.
Rosy

 

[Future Triker]

IF they have the DOT approval, they're legit.. That being said, the regulations for motorcycle lighting is nothing like a car/other vehicle either.

If I'm not mistaken, the tail marker/brake lights on a motorcycle are only required to be visible from directly behind the vehicle. Also, side marker lamps aren't required by DOT regulations on a motorcycle either although most install them anways.

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https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2004-title49-vol5/xml/CFR-2004-title49-vol5-sec571-108.xml

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For reference.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Friend of mine had a led tombstone his chopper. It was angled up on the rear fender not much ya wouldn't think it would b a problem. Looked real bright straight on. If you were parked behind him you could hardly it was workin. Leds are very directional.

 

[99Gwing]

I'll bet if you would have bought them from a legitimate dealer 'They would taken them back Or at least given you some kind of credit!

I did actually, but I didn't want to blow up this company's reputation so I blamed the generic EBAY seller. ThumbUp

If I'm not mistaken, the tail marker/brake lights on a motorcycle are only required to be visible from directly behind the vehicle. Also, side marker lamps aren't required by DOT regulations on a motorcycle either although most install them anways.

I had already found this code, and gone through it to determine the lights are not complying although they are marked as such. Anybody can put the DOT code on any lamp, so I don't get your angle (pun intended).

1- Marker LAMPS are not required but reflectors are in their place.

2- This table is for all vehicles, cycles not excluded.

Figure 1c—Sum of the Percentages of Grouped Minimum Candlepower

Group and test points	Turn signal	Stop	Parking	Tail
110U-5L, 5U-20L, 5D-20L, 10D-5L	65	65	60	70
25U-10L, H-10L, 5D-10L	125	125	75	120
3H-5L, 5U-V, H-V, 5D-V, H-5R	475	475	420	480
45U-10R, H-10R, 5D-10R	125	125	75	120
510U-5R, 5U-20R, 5D-20R, 10D-5R	65	65	60	70

<tbody>
</tbody>

I think this tail light is illegally market as approved. Who do I contact?

 

[Future Triker]

I would start with contacting your local DOT compliance office if you believe a violation. They might not be able to fully assist you, but they should be able to provide you with the necessary contact information.

Down side to it will be likelihood of enforcement though.

 

[peteg59]

I would start with contacting your local DOT compliance office if you believe a violation. They might not be able to fully assist you, but they should be able to provide you with the necessary contact information.

Down side to it will be likelihood of enforcement though.

As a twist to this, take one off your trike and into the office for a face to face/show & tell session, maybe?...

 

[Marc H]

I bit of a different thought here but if they use an 1157 bulb you can replace with a 2357 bulb to get things brighter.Been years since I did it but I remember it was a noticeable difference on my vstar.

 

[99Gwing]

I bit of a different thought here but if they use an 1157 bulb you can replace with a 2357 bulb to get things brighter.Been years since I did it but I remember it was a noticeable difference on my vstar.

It's LED.

 

[Phu Cat]

Thanks for the heads-up on the 2357 being brighter Marc.

PC

 

[Marc H]

Sorry I didn't catch the led part.No problem on the info I don't have the numbers at home but the 2057 & 2357both have the same base as the 1157 but have more candlepower.1157 pretty much were replaced in the late 80s early 90s with 2057 but pop up in bikes and trailers and the used ride were the bulb got replaced by glance not read.