Hey guys, I was wondering is it illegal for me to smoke my taillights? I know that some companies make those smoked covers for cars that make their entire tails black. Are those illegal?

 

I would tentatively say that they are illegal. Most states require that you emit red light from the rear of the car and have a red reflector back there. If you can't see a red reflection then you'd have failed the second criterion.

 

Yes. There is a minimum light output requirement that you must meet. If you smoke the lights chances are that you will drop the light below that minimum level. As far as those aftermarket shades or stripes (like you see on trucks) they are illegal. There is a minimum lighted area that all tail lamps must meet (I believe its 35^2 cm). One other thing you might want to consider when thinking about smoking your tail lamps. If you get hit from behind you are at a much greater risk of being held liable because of the smoke.

 

But I see cars and trucks with those back taillight covers everyday. Just today I saw an eclipse with them and i always see pickup trucks and suv's with them. Are those illegal?

 

I definately wouldn't "smoke your tails"

Be sure to post pics if you decide to do it.

 

I don't think they are illegal, per se... but if someone rear ends you and your insurance company finds out u had em -- FORGET ABOUT A CLAIM.........

 

Yeah. And from a safety standpoint they reduce your car's visibility by cutting light output from your taillamps.

There are specific guidelines for light output and minimum reflective areas, etc. for each state. Depending on your car you may or may not be violating these requirements when you "smoke your tail". I wouldn't do it for safety (and insurance) reasons alone.

 

just a lil bit is very classy .. but if its blacked out..it gives me an idea of cheap moded up mustangs...

they are also b!tch to go through trafic jams when other ppl canot see ur signals and dont let u change ur lanes... so its no good
heres a pic tho

 

actually the pic i posted is not too bad, but a lil bit lighter would be cool... i want this done to my white tl...it'll look tite, but i dont kno where to get this done.. anyone kno where i could do this?

 

damn dude are those exhausts pipes photoshopped?!?!?

 

no its from the gallery, i dont kno who the owner is but dont flame him since i didnt even ask for the permission to use his pics...

 

Im not they just dont look real

 

The ride belongs to DO11AR... and didn't he say the tips are photoshopped??

 

i got tips like that...the Tanabe hyper medallion are that big!!!

 

YES they are illegal. If you look at the boxes for those things they specify for Off Road Use (Car Show Use) only.

 

I know in South Carolina. Blacking out tail lights is a non issue as far as legality. But it is viewed essentially the same as clearing out the headlights. Cops aren't going to make a noise about it, but you can't argue if they give you a ticket....

 

If you just have to smoke your taillight, I suggest you go buy those small bottle, Japanese imported ones(there are usually 2 types. Normal and Metallic. If you want a glossy, stock look, go with Normal). They are much more transparent(light goes through the tint much better). But they are fairly expensive.... the bottle is only half the size of domestic one, but the price is almost double...

P.S. The one I used was less than 100ml(roughly 75ml - 80ml), for about $22 CDN... and one can is usually good for a pair of taillight if you planned to cover the entire taillight lenses...

Andy Kuo

 

I can say for certain that in MA tinted taillights are illegal. You cannot reduce the visibility of the light emitting from them, period. Those kits you see for cars and trucks that leave visible stripes of light are also illegal. You cannot obstruct any portion of the lens in any way. As Mr. Hyde pointed out, many aftermarket kits say in small print "For show or off-road use only." Like a lot of things, it is relatively minor and most cops in MA don't know or don't care. But if they do and they want to stop you, it's a valid reason and a $35 fine.

 

now why would you want to do that? get it?

 

I have a set of 2000 tails for sale with wiring harness if anyone is interested to try it! I'll sell them for $100 bucks plus shipping. PM if your interested!

 

You might wanna post it in our For Sale/Wanted section of our site, you'll get more feedback there.
Ed