MagRedSkull

Does anybody know if the light blackout kits are illegal in CA? I'm thinking about the ones at http://www.exoticvette.com/Exotic%20Vette/blackout.htm
My concern is providing another excuse to be pulled over by the LEOs if the blackouts are illegal in CA.

Pipes

Yes, blackouts are illegal in CA.

So, do you have non-factory tinted side-windows? Do you have a front license plate? How about stickers on the window? We got pulled over for having blue leds in the interior.

Basically, if they want to pull you over, they will. However, all of the above is a $10 fixit ticket. So, either go stock, or take your chances.

HummelS

Not to mention that I don't see a front plate in your sig photo...

MagRedSkull

Thanks for the responses. You are both right. I already have 2 strikes against me. No front plate & the side windows are tinted. The question is if I want to go for 3 strikes and add the blackouts.

DirteeDave

I have blackouts front and rear with no front plate and was not cited for either of those when I was recently cited for speeding. I'm still not convinced that the blackouts are illegal.

MagRedSkull

WTH, I have decided to go for the 3 strikes & get the blackout kit.

jimman

They are, I got pulled over just for that. Fixit ticket

jimman

they are, got pulled over just for that, fix it ticket

RDVT4ME

The blackouts look cool, especially on a black car......but they make your brake lights much less effective......and we all know how many people aren't paying attention when they drive. I'd hate for someone to rear end me because they did not see my brake lights.

Pipes

Since I'm also considering installing blackouts, I was curious if they made the brake lights much less effective. So, during yesterday's Hooter's cruise I spent some time following ...



When his tail-lamps weren't lit, you could hardly tell he had stop lights. Bbbbbut, when he steped on the brakes, they magically appeared and were readily visible. In a way, because of the dramatic contrast, I felt that the tail lights may actually be MORE effective with blackouts than just regular!

After following ANIT SVT, I decided to install the blackout kit.

FallenWhun

if someone did hit you in the rear they could very well likely use the fact that you had blk outs against you.

Thee Hwyman

I keep hearing people say that blackout kits are illegal but I don't see anything specific in the CA Vehicle Code. There are restrictions relating to the distance that lights must be seen. I would guess that the degree of the blackout kit, much like the degree of window tinting, is the key factor as to whether they are illegal.

Dirty Howie

They are illegal.
They look cool.
They are red when you hit the brakes.


DH

SharkPilot

Haven't you heard? Nothing is legal in Kalifornia.

Pipes

Now, THAT'S a compelling argument. Especially since I was recently rear-ended!

bayarea

I have blackouts, no cats, no mufflers, and a huge cam..........I think I take my chances

Jetspeedz

the insurance companies will use this against you everytime in court... same thing for any of these cheap apc tail lights that are clear, anything violation of the VC they can use in a rear end accident they will use i have seen it happen in small claims..

Bakersfield

I hate to add more bad news, but tinted side windows are no longer a "fix it" ticket. One of our forum members, who is a cop , told me that as of January 1 2005, if you get a ticket for tinted windows, it now counts against you like a moving volation. So you have been warned.

Thee Hwyman

Would a cop or DMV employee please quote the specific section of the CA Vehicle Code that states the blackout kit and window tinting are illegal. I can't find it.
Maybe its because I'm looking through tinted windows and my lights aren't bright enough because of the blackout kit.

Dirty Howie

This can't possibly be true.........


DH