I can't seem to find where it says in the virginia law or w/e what color the front turn signals have to be, I just got clear indicators for the front and I'm wondering if they are legal or not.


Thanks

sunnyD

sunnyde Wrote:
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> I just got clear indicators for the front



Why?

Because I just got them from a friend and wondering if it'll be legal or illegal.

They are not amber they are *white* just to let eveyone know!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2008 08:50PM by sunnyde.

sunnyde Wrote:
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> Because I just got them from a friend and
> wondering if it'll be legal or illegal.

But, what do they do your other one's didn't?

Are you using the original bulb with them?

A lot of cars have clear turn signal lenses on the front....but they got amber bulbs in them.

I would think that clear bulbs and lenses would be illegal in any State....the Feds (FMVSS) set the standards on stuff like that.

I see, thanks for the info, cornfused your no help but thanks anyways.

I'm pretty sure the signal has to emit a yellow light when flashing. It's only logical -- how else would anyone know what it meant unless it was a flashing yellow light?

There are certain standards that need to exist in order for everyone to understand and agree on their meaning/purpose.

What would you think if the car in front of you had their brake lights changed to green or white? Would you know that they were stopping? Could it cause you to hesitate while trying to determine the meaning, and leave you little time to stop safely?

I don't think it matters what color the lense is, as long as when you use your turn signals, it's a yellow light that is visible to other drivers.

Have no fear, Lawman is here!

§ 46.2-1039. Requirements of turn signals; regulations.
[leg1.state.va.us]
-"The Superintendent may promulgate regulations not inconsistent with this section and § 46.2-1038 governing the construction, location, and operation of turn signals and the color of lights which may be used in any such signal device. "
-"Every turn signal used to give a signal of intention to turn a vehicle shall be so constructed and so installed as to give a signal plainly visible in clear weather and under normal traffic conditions from a distance of at least 100 feet to the rear and 100 feet to the front of the vehicle. No front turn signal, however, shall be required on vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1943."

§ 46.2-1038. When turn signals required; exceptions.
[leg1.state.va.us]

There is no provision requiring signals to be a certain color, just that it needs to be visible from up to 100 Feet. So, if you can tell it's a flashing turn signal, it should be allowed.

But, there is also this code: [leg1.state.va.us] that says having flashing red / blue / white lights is Law Enforcement / military / Public Service vehicle only...

So use some common sense. I'd use an amber bulb either way, it's much more visible..and some cops don't take the time to research the code like we do.

If you can't find anything in the code section, my advise is to call up your local State Police Precinct or Local Precinct and inquire.

You can have them on the front just not the back. You cannot have on the rear because you cannot have any rear facing white lights. I don't have the code section handy for that though..

What about reverse lights, they are clear and in the back of the car???

A friend of mine replaced his amber colored reverse light bulbs with ones that give off a white color, in order to give his car a fresh, updated look. This was about a year ago. He has never encountered any problems with the police.

However, he has been warned that he is guaranteed to be rejected when he brings the car in for a state safety inspection. It may also be interesting to note, that newer luxury cars are equipped with reverse lights which give off a bright, white color.

Happy Tinkering! :)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2008 08:51AM by Janz.

As a former inspector the rule of thumb is amber to the front and red to the rear. Red being the color of "alarm" and also good for boundary iD. Such as rear running lights. Amber to the front because amber, when diffused by bad weather conditions is more easily seen without the blinding dispersal of white light. The yellowish wavelength penetrates better and can be directionalized versus white light which diffuses as a total whitewash. It SHOULD fail in the inspection lane , but, some inspectors simply won't. Anyways, take it for what its worth

Janz Wrote:
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> A friend of mine replaced his amber colored
> reverse light bulbs with ones that give off a
> white color, in order to give his car a fresh,
> updated look. This was about a year ago. He has
> never encountered any problems with the police.
>
> However, he has been warned that he is guaranteed
> to be rejected when he brings the car in for a
> state safety inspection. It may also be
> interesting to note, that newer luxury cars are
> equipped with reverse lights which give off a
> bright, white color.
>
> Happy Tinkering! :)

What are you talking about? Cars have had white reverse lights since like forever. Do you mean the rear turn signal lights?

"Re: Turn signals aka blinkers,flashers etc....
Posted by: SBS ()
Date: December 12, 2008 10:59AM

What are you talking about? Cars have had white reverse lights since like forever. Do you mean the rear turn signal lights?"

Yes indeed, this is for illumination of what is behind you for your ease of driving. They can be as bright as you want them. However, for inspection purposes, you do not have to have them IF, you remove the bulb and sockets from the lens

I like the blue ones with the white strobes imbedded in them....

yeah i was actully talking about the front turn signals, im pretty sure you either have to have amber or red in the rear.

lawman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have no fear, Lawman is here!
>
> § 46.2-1039. Requirements of turn signals;
> regulations.
> [leg1.state.va.us]
> d+46.2-1039
> -"The Superintendent may promulgate
> regulations not inconsistent with this
> section and § 46.2-1038 governing the
> construction, location, and operation of turn
> signals and the color of lights which may be used
> in any such signal device. "
> -"Every turn signal used to give a signal of
> intention to turn a vehicle shall be so
> constructed and so installed as to give a signal
> plainly visible in clear weather and under normal
> traffic conditions from a distance of at least 100
> feet to the rear and 100 feet to the front of the
> vehicle. No front turn signal, however, shall be
> required on vehicles manufactured before January
> 1, 1943."
>
> § 46.2-1038. When turn signals required;
> exceptions.
> [leg1.state.va.us]
> d+46.2-1038
>
> There is no provision requiring signals to be a
> certain color, just that it needs to be visible
> from up to 100 Feet. So, if you can tell it's a
> flashing turn signal, it should be allowed.
>
> But, there is also this code:
> [leg1.state.va.us]
> d+46.2-1022 that says having flashing red / blue /
> white lights is Law Enforcement / military /
> Public Service vehicle only...
>
> So use some common sense. I'd use an amber bulb
> either way, it's much more visible..and some cops
> don't take the time to research the code like we
> do.
>
> If you can't find anything in the code section, my
> advise is to call up your local State Police
> Precinct or Local Precinct and inquire.


Sorry to revive this thread (guess it's not too old though), but in case someone is researching this issue (like I recently did), the advice given by "lawman" is not very good indeed. The "statute" says that the super may promulgate regulations consistent with the cited statute...so you need to look for the applicable state regs. Accordingly, with regard to turn signals, the VA Admin Code states specifically that your car will be rejected (during inspection) if:

"8. Turn signal lens is not clear or amber to the front, or red or amber to the rear. Lens or bulb color has been altered or modified. If the turn signal lens is clear, then the bulb shall be amber."

19VAC30-70-190(D)(8). In other words, the front turn signals must emit an amber color (either by the lens color or the bulb itself).