Green lights

[Fowler]

I have a number of lighted skulls on my trike/ Like this one on my fender

I have been riding for several years like this.
This morning I got stopped and was tole I could not have the green eyes.
The officer took my license and went back to write me up. He said he had to give me a written warning.
When he came back he said he could not find the code that dealt with this so he was just going to give me a verbal warning.


I have looked over the Code of Virginia and cannot find anything about this. Maybe I am just not seeing it
Anyone in Virginia know anything about this code? http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode

 

[rhino 2]

If they're forward projecting [colored] lights i would think the cop is right...:Shrug:

 

[cavie]

There is no such code. RED or Blue maybe depending on your state.

 

[Keystone]

Under DOT rules/laws there are only three colors of light that are allowed on the front of a vehicle.


Any light visible from the front of the vehicle shall be white, yellow or amber.

 

[Ayatolla of Rockin' Rolla]

Could be the cop was out looking for something else,& needed a "probable cause" to pull you over & run your license.having found nothing,he came up with that explanation.

 

[Fowler]

thanks all

I hope its legal but if its not im looking for the VA code that tells me its not. I have looked over the VA code and do not see it.

 

[hogcowboy]

There's a law against the use of blue lights. Maybe he saw the greens as blue until he got close and could see the difference. Then just HAD to find a reason to write a ticket and couldn't. The Sheriff's department here has bullies like that.

 

[BillR]

VA code

A little deeper into your link I found this.

http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/

Looks like changing to amber lights would eliminate any future problems.

 

[cavie]

this is most likely what he was looking for

D. Vehicles used by police, firefighting, or emergency medical services personnel as command centers at the scene of incidents may be equipped with and use green warning lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. Such lights shall not be activated while the vehicle is operating upon the highway.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Green indicates an EMT(Emercency Medical Technician), in route to a call.
The law is contained within FMVSS(FederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandards paragraph 108. Applies in all states.
Federal regulation "trump" any state req's or the lack there of.
Also, usually, the reg's will call out the colors that are allowed and not mention colors that are illegal to show on a moving vehicle while on a public road.

 

[Illini_Triker]

Most if not all the states you cannot run any color but white, yellow or amber on the front and red on the back. have talked to truckers that have color lights on the back of there sleeper and have been ticketed for them

 

[BOXX3R]

Lots of people have various colored 'accent' LED lights on their motorcycles or cars, under the frame, in the wheel wells, around the engine, or in your case lighted skulls. And they are fine to operate on private property, like a motorcycle show, car meet or even in a parking lot gathering. But in most if not all states if they are not white, yellow or amber in the front and sides, and red in the rear, they are NOT legal to have turned <b>ON</b>​ while operating the vehicle on public roads.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Most if not all the states you cannot run any color but white, yellow or amber on the front and red on the back. have talked to truckers that have color lights on the back of there sleeper and have been ticketed for them

Lots of people have various colored 'accent' LED lights on their motorcycles or cars, under the frame, in the wheel wells, around the engine, or in your case lighted skulls. And they are fine to operate on private property, like a motorcycle show, car meet or even in a parking lot gathering. But in most if not all states if they are not white, yellow or amber in the front and sides, and red in the rear, they are NOT legal to have turned ON​ while operating the vehicle on public roads.

You are also allowed amber (turn indicator) and white (back-up) on the rear of the vehicle.

 

[bikerbillone]

Yikes, this is not good news, I have green, not forward, but I have them.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Yikes, this is not good news, I have green, not forward, but I have them.

No, not good news for many.

I worked for an exterior vehicle lighting supplier for nearly 40yr and was also a Reserve Deputy for many years.

Other than having the wrong color of forward lighting that could confuse motorists, thinking the on coming vehicle might be an emergency vehicle or a volunteer on a run, I never stopped anyone for having improper lighting, such as neon or LED's pointing down or lighting a motor or lighting wheels.

I figured most intelligent citizens could tell the difference between emergency and decorative lighting

 

[rhino 2]

Just wondering, What is the reason to be ''running'' around with colored lights on any non emergency vehicle.
Is it to gain attention so as to give the Police a reason to stop you , Or is it to confuse other drivers......:Shrug:

 

[bikerbillone]

In my situation, it was "on sale" item by BikeMP3 and assured it was 'legal'. So much for that. Another lesson learned.

 

[Ed Hobgood]

I have LED's under my trike and on the front and rear of the trike. I run these all the time and granted I don't ride a lot after dark but I have never been stopped. I think it's a little strange when you can add bright white flashing lights and they are <u>legal in all states.</u> I have red and blue lights under the front fender but they do not show from the front. I guess the ring of fire lights are not legal? I like LED's and they are just a add on that most of us like.

 

[bikerbillone]

I've had mine on for a couple years with no stops, always the first time I suppose. I don't want to dump them, I might just wait for whatever happens.

 

[rhino 2]

I have LED's under my trike and on the front and rear of the trike. I run these all the time and granted I don't ride a lot after dark but I have never been stopped. I think it's a little strange when you can add bright white flashing lights and they are legal in all states. I have red and blue lights under the front fender but they do not show from the front. I guess the ring of fire lights are not legal? I like LED's and they are just a add on that most of us like.

I think the key words are; Forward Projecting Lights....:Shrug:

 

[cavie]

Changing led lights are not and never were designed to be used while driving. Sooner or later you are gonna get stopped. "I have never been stopped" or I've been stopped and lights never mentioned. Just a matter of time. They are designed to be used while parked. Period. If they light up the road, you can see the from the front. Period. I just hope you didn't just leave the bar when you do get stopped.

 

[bikerbillone]

Comforting words, rather than tear them all out, I'll burn them when parked.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I think it's a little strange when you can add bright white flashing lights and they are legal in all states.

You can't:AGGHH:
1. You can't add light to "flash". It's the headlamps and it's either the upper or lower beams, not both
2. And they can modulate from full lumins to a lower amount and back up again.

http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq/modulatorlaw.html