does anybody know legal fine print about signals?

[BadBatzMaru]

the guy at the shop told me the LP short stalk IIs I bought are street legal, they are clear w/ amber bulb.. he said as long as they're amber when flashing then its cool... but did he just mean i'd pass inspection at his shop since I bought em there? I wonder if anybody knows where I can find out the law on where signals can be mounted, how long/wide they need to be etc... (I'm in NYC)

also, do you need those reflectors on the rear sides to be street legal? does anyone have info on using those reflector mounts as signal mounts instead??

thank you.
-b

[pantablo]

Can't help you..Does NY have bike/tech inspections? In CA we don't so the aftermarket signals are legal. I haven't come across any specifics as to placement or size in the vehicle code for CA but I could be wrong. Check with your HIghway Patrol for specifics and ask other motorcyclists in your area.

Refelctors were tossed early on my bike too.

[BadBatzMaru]

yeah those reflectors really bother me... i cant understand why they are there in the first place... well it makes sense given the fender thinggy...

legally I do need to pass an inspection and get a 'lil sticker on my bike so the cops wont bother me..... but.... cant get that until I fix my leaky fork seals and change my F/R pads.. they also check all lights but I think its simply for operation... not location....

[gitarman]

in PA the law simply states a bike must have 2 turnsignals/mirrors, headlight, taillight, and speedo. nothing about the reflectors or color of turnsignals. Have you seen any of these ricers in their civics lately? they all have clear taillights and i've never heard any complaining about being pulled over for them.

[glenn9171]

The ricers (the ones I have seen) are clear, but light up in the proper colors.  Plus, just because they are on the street doesn't make them street legal.  The same goes for window tint, headlight covers and a lot of other accessories.  For the most part they say on the packaging "for off-road or show use only".  This means that if you get caught with these, don't come crying to us.  Theturn signals fall under this a lot of the times.  I know that the LP signals that I have seen on shelves around here say they are not DOT legal right on the front of the packaging.  Each state has different laws regulating the size, placement and color of signals and reflectors.  I have not heard of any places where it is legal to not have reflectors.  That should be Federally regulated.  Like seat belts in cars.

[Blueknyt]

the lights and lighting are part of Uniformed trafic codes across the state,  

red only in rear,

white in rear for TAG/PLATE ONLY but NOT to shine anywhere other then Tag/Plate

Amber for signals is allowed front or rear,  Flashing red signals allowed ONLY in rear  (its a choice thing)

White in Front ONLY for headlights

Marker Lights are to be Amber except when on rear then they must be red


No lights must flash or strobe with exception to signals  and beacon lights on official vehicles.

clear lenses are fine, but the operational colors must fall within the above

[BadBatzMaru]

the lights and lighting are part of Uniformed trafic codes across the state

what state? the DOT is a federal thing... but I guess the laws are state to state right? So DOT approval doesnt really have anything to do with street legal or not, since it really just depends on what state you happen to be riding through.....  

[ScottWV]

I believe the LP turn signals are not DOT certified, and without that I do not believe they can be street legal.  A lot of cars are coming with clear signals and amber bulbs, so I would think that means they're legal if they're certified.  As far as I know, clear taillights are still off limits (I have one anyways!)  Plus, it varies based on where you are...

[pantablo]

As far as I know, clear taillights are still off limits (I have one anyways!)  quote]

Clear taillights with white lights aren't legal anywhere. The clear taillight lens works (and can be consdered legal) if you use red bulbs (or amber in case of turn signals). But 99% of aftermarket stuff does not meet DOT and is not technically street legal BUT that doesn't mean they wont pass a state inspection that simply requires you HAVE them and they be VISIBLE in the appropriate colors.

[BadBatzMaru]

well I'm not so concerned with whether they are legal or not... I just want to pass inspection.   I think most aftermarket stuff is not DOT approved just so that the companies can save themselves from all the legal problems and whatnot... so as long as they work, are visible and the right color when illuminated, i think i'll pass....

[Kerry]

BadBatzMaru, if the signals you bought have a white housing, this may not apply.  But if anyone is interested, the following page tells how I took an idea from Srinath and "brightened up" my aftermarket turn signals.

Lockhart Phillips Short Stalk II Marker Lights

(I bought these from Chaparral -- part number L122-9810 -- for $12.99 + s/h)

EDIT: Changed link from sisna.com to bbburma.net

[werase643]

In North Carolina....if they are installed on the bike they must work....if one is broke...remove all four and it will pass NCDMV inspection

NOT DOT LEGAL  is legal stuff that is for covering the butt of MFR

[cycleman]

what are you doing a inspection for did you buy the bike out of state or salvage

and dot is diffrent in many states but if your going to for a inspection buy some cheap oem turns and pass then go buy cool clear ones the police dont bother poeple with them much inless you get pulled over for speeding and wreckless driving then they will slap you around for small stuff to

[Rich500]

f%$k legality. The police can kiss my ass. Bastards should catch criminals instead of giving me a ticket in a donut shop parking lot for too short of signal stalks.  all 4 of my signals are flushmount.
Honestly, Im not trying to be an ass, but do you guys and gals honestly care about being legal? I know i dont. give me your opinion. Maybe Ill make a poll!

[Kerry]

If you're asking whether I put aluminum foil in my Short Stalk IIs to be more "legal", the answer is "not really."

I only bought the smaller signals in the first place because I got tired of impaling myself on the OEM signals while maneuvering around in my crowded shed.  And I only added the foil for an increased safety margin.  

I've still got the stock signals in the front -- does that tell you how lazy I am?  They're not in the way, so why bother?

[BadBatzMaru]

Yes in NY they have motorcycle inspection just like w/ cars... and i bought my bike out of state...  Basically, I asked because I wanted to know if I should hold off on installing my new signals until after I get the sticker (it will be a couple weeks because I need to fix other stuff...) but its too late anyway... I couldnt help myself (bored with waiting for parts) so I installed them already... we'll see if they give me a hard time when inspection rolls around.. i doubt it.. oh and i think they are short stalk IV not II....oops.

[Blueknyt]

316.231  Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.--Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in s. 316.215(3), not specifically required by the provisions of this section to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices shall at all times specified in s. 316.217 be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of said vehicle, and shall also be equipped with two lamps displaying red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle, or, as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

this is fla SS, but 90% of traffic laws are across the board

[cycleman]

when ever out of state title they do a level 3 not sure what called there is here in az its level 3 they make sure that the vin# is good and is on the right bike everything works and operates like it should turns lights brakes even the emergancy shut off the fuel shut off etc if it was instate its not that big of a deal i have my own shop and i get salvage bikes all the time and i have to do inspections all the time just find some cheaps one and throw on youll be fine

[BadBatzMaru]

OK. I got some confirmation from a few people working at shops that do NY inspections... basically, for signals, if they work, they'll pass.... and, no reflectors are not required by NY state... so that does it.  take those ugly reflectors off! and once my rear is done, i'll try to post some pics of how it all turned out...
thanks everyone.
-b