Blackout by state
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
I would assume it is illegal in every state. I don't think you're allowed to alter stock housings or impede the vision of them. I know they are illegal here in FL but in a year I haave never had a problem. My neighbor is a cop and told me both the black outs and my illegal tint shouldn't be a problem on a C5 though.
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oklahoma City
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They're probably illegal in all states as mentioned above. Some just don't enforce it that much.
Last edited by JW Motorsports; Sep 6, 2009 at 07:32 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
I agree that its illegal in the state. I got my vette inspected last month. I left the blackouts (plexy covers) in, but I had to slap on the front plate... I passed and the tech didn't say anything about them.. Next year, I'll have the lens smoked and see how I fair with that.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94
Likes: 2
From: Oak harbor Wa
Thanks for the replies, Yea the front plate thing is a pain in the A**. But they need there reflective target on your car for there radar and lazar guns. that is why we have to get new plates every 7th year( here in Wa.). They loose some of the reflecting property's.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
yeah, its a gray area. I called the state police in VA before trying to do that to one car and the guy acted as if I was asking if it were legal to shoot people I don't like or something. it actually threatened me...I was just asking the question!
but a couple years later I did it anyway and haven't had any issues. so glad I don't live there anymoer! the state code doesn't say anything about it. there are rules about what color your lights must be, when they must work, how many there must be, and how far away they need to be visible. if you stay within those guidelines you should be fine. however since that is not "approved" its technically illegal anyway. its really stupid really, there are several cars out there that have factory tinted tail lights. the only difference is they were approved by DOT that way, and custom tints aren't.
but a couple years later I did it anyway and haven't had any issues. so glad I don't live there anymoer! the state code doesn't say anything about it. there are rules about what color your lights must be, when they must work, how many there must be, and how far away they need to be visible. if you stay within those guidelines you should be fine. however since that is not "approved" its technically illegal anyway. its really stupid really, there are several cars out there that have factory tinted tail lights. the only difference is they were approved by DOT that way, and custom tints aren't.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Hurricane Alley
I would assume it is illegal in every state. I don't think you're allowed to alter stock housings or impede the vision of them. I know they are illegal here in FL but in a year I haave never had a problem. My neighbor is a cop and told me both the black outs and my illegal tint shouldn't be a problem on a C5 though.
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
They are illegal in all states. Ive been pulled over once in six years that Ive had the blackouts on, which was about 5 months ago, and all he did was make me take them off. Of course I put them back on when I got home. 
My car has been near numerous cops and they never seemed to have a problem with them though. I think I got a rookie cop that day or he was just bored and wanted to pull someone over.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: St. Peters MO
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I would assume it is illegal in every state. I don't think you're allowed to alter stock housings or impede the vision of them. I know they are illegal here in FL but in a year I haave never had a problem. My neighbor is a cop and told me both the black outs and my illegal tint shouldn't be a problem on a C5 though.
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
I've been pulled over once in the vette. It was at night and the cop didn't mention them... and let me off with a verbal warning :-)
They are illegal in every state. Getting a ticket just depends on who pulls you over. The one exception I am aware of may be the tinted Halo LED's because they still put out equal or more light being tinted as the stock lights. Tinted lights aren't necessarily illegal if the federally mandated reflector is functional and they put out at least as much light as the stock lights. It's the reduced light output that is the problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
They are illegal in every state. Getting a ticket just depends on who pulls you over. The one exception I am aware of may be the tinted Halo LED's because they still put out equal or more light being tinted as the stock lights. Tinted lights aren't necessarily illegal if the federally mandated reflector is functional and they put out at least as much light as the stock lights. It's the reduced light output that is the problem.
I think that pretty well sums it up! Would depend on how dark you go IMO. A few years back some Firebirds had pretty dark lenses stock!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 843
Likes: 1
From: Carlisle PA
As you can see I have blackouts on mine. They were on when we bought it from the original owner in FL.
I asked a state police officer here in PA and he said the same thing...most police don't enforce it unless you come across someone with a bug up their butt.
Have had them on for 5 years and no problems yet. Same with travelling to adjacent states (MD, NJ, DE, VA, Ken, TN)
I asked a state police officer here in PA and he said the same thing...most police don't enforce it unless you come across someone with a bug up their butt.
Have had them on for 5 years and no problems yet. Same with travelling to adjacent states (MD, NJ, DE, VA, Ken, TN)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,910
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From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
Here in Louisiana...
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?folder=106
Scroll down to RS 32:319 regarding "Signal Lamps and signal devices".
Also, RS 32:53 "Proper equipment required on vehicles".
And RS 32:304 "Tail lamps".
And RS 32:309 and RS 32:311 would also apply.
Look at any state statute and I can guarantee it'll be worded almost verbatim...
So, in a court of law, if you are rear ended and you have these devices on your car, you open yourself up for a challenge....
Why do people "customize" their car to a point to where safety is compromised?????
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?folder=106
Scroll down to RS 32:319 regarding "Signal Lamps and signal devices".
Also, RS 32:53 "Proper equipment required on vehicles".
And RS 32:304 "Tail lamps".
And RS 32:309 and RS 32:311 would also apply.
Look at any state statute and I can guarantee it'll be worded almost verbatim...
So, in a court of law, if you are rear ended and you have these devices on your car, you open yourself up for a challenge....
Why do people "customize" their car to a point to where safety is compromised?????
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From: The Sunshine State
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They are illegal in all states. It's not based on how much light is emitted through the lens, rather the lack of reflectivity off the lens. All manufactured vehicles need to have reflective red lighting or reflectors on the rear of the vehicle. That's why some of the Nissan's get away with the clear rear lens because they have red reflectors.
The OEM C5 rear lenses reflect light at night.
The OEM C5 rear lenses reflect light at night.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 1
From: Sartell Minnesota
Cops love to eyeball my Vette and i never get bugged about the tails
they aren't that dark but they are definatly tinted. I think it's just one of those things that if they are looking for something to pull you over for they'll use it. If you didn't have a couple beers and driving home it's no big deal. I don't drink so no worries for me
they aren't that dark but they are definatly tinted. I think it's just one of those things that if they are looking for something to pull you over for they'll use it. If you didn't have a couple beers and driving home it's no big deal. I don't drink so no worries for me
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I've been pulled over three times in the past year. My blacked-out tail lights are the least of their concerns for me! They have never mentioned them! They either are complaining about my speed, or my nice Corsa Pace Car exhaust!
Last edited by clif; Sep 4, 2009 at 05:20 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Vancouver WA
