Rear TURN Signals - Colors Allowed

[newbiker]

Hey guys,

I am considering installing aftermarket rear turn signals. These signals are Amber (Orange) at the bottom, but White on Top. Would that be allowed by law? OR does it HAVE TO BE Red/Orange combo?

Here's an example -
https://www.amazon.com/evomosa-Univ...ycle+signals,tools,213&sr=1-5#customerReviews

 

[295566]

24953.
(a) Any turn signal system used to give a signal of intention to turn right or left shall project a flashing white or amber light visible to the front and a flashing red or amber light visible to the rear.

25950.
This section applies to the color of lamps and to any reflector exhibiting or reflecting perceptible light of 0.05 candela or more per foot-candle of incident illumination. Unless provided otherwise, the color of lamps and reflectors upon a vehicle shall be as follows:
(b) The emitted light from all lamps and the reflected light from all reflectors, visible from the rear of a vehicle, shall be red except as follows:

(1) Stoplamps on vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1979, may show yellow to the rear.

(2) Turn signal lamps may show yellow to the rear.

(3) Front side marker lamps required by Section 25100 may show yellow to the rear.

(4) Backup lamps shall show white to the rear.

(5) The rearward facing portion of a front-mounted double-faced turn signal lamp may show amber to the rear while the headlamps or parking lamps are lighted, if the intensity of the light emitted is not greater than the parking lamps and the turn signal function is not impaired.

(6) A reflector meeting the requirements of, and installed in accordance with, Section 24611 shall be red or white, or both.

So no, you cannot project a white light backwards unless it is a backup light (which these are obviously not).

 

[mototireguy]

Hey guys,

I am considering installing aftermarket rear turn signals. These signals are Amber (Orange) at the bottom, but White on Top.

Don't forget the red or blue color halo headlights.

Red/blue lights forward are LEO only colors.

I know lots of hoopty vehicles are rocking these colors in the wrong directions but it's allegedly a legal no no.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

So no, you cannot project a white light backwards unless it is a backup light (which these are obviously not).

And the backup light can only be illuminated when in reverse - no white lights to the rear when moving forward.

 

[ScottRNelson]

And the backup light can only be illuminated when in reverse - no white lights to the rear when moving forward.

Except for the one illuminating your license plate...

 

[Entoptic]

You can always install them and find out. I know plenty of riders that do just that.... until they’re popped by the police.

 

[splat]

Don't connect the blue wire and you're fine.

Kinda---those aren't DOT approved, but unless you're being a turd nugget on the road, most LEOs won't care.

 

[ST Guy]

Hey guys,

I am considering installing aftermarket rear turn signals. These signals are Amber (Orange) at the bottom, but White on Top. Would that be allowed by law? OR does it HAVE TO BE Red/Orange combo?

Here's an example -
https://www.amazon.com/evomosa-Univ...ycle+signals,tools,213&sr=1-5#customerReviews

Don't. Keep the stock lights. For several reasons.

1. They're cheap crap.
2. They're not DOT approved so they're not legal.
3. They likely have very poor visibility off axis, like if someone is behind you but off to the side a bit.
4. The white is illegal in the rear.
5. I'd bet money they're less visible to the average cager than the stock lights.
6. It will attract undesired attention from law enforcement.
7. Etc......

Spend your hard earned money on something worth while instead of sketchy bling. Do you have a tank bag? Do you carry a proper tire repair kit AND pump with you on the bike? I could go on.

 

[Maddevill]

I got pulled over in my van because the back up lights had stuck on. Cop told me he could see me from WAY off because they were the only white lights among all the red.

Mad

 

[295566]

Except for the one illuminating your license plate...

Nope, your license plate light should not be illuminating rearward, it should be illuminating your license plate.

 

[fubar929]

I'm always baffled by people who want to make themselves less visible when riding a motorcycle on the street...

 

[clutchslip]

I'm always baffled by people who want to make themselves less visible when riding a motorcycle on the street...

I'm always baffled by people who want to show off their garbage to more people, whether stupid lights, loud pipes, sparking floorpans, or handlebar tassels.

If I could truly make myself invisible on the street, I would do it. I only worry about cops when I go over the very slow limits in particular areas. I don't worry about other drivers seeing me, because I know that they probably don't. And even if they do, they may make the wrong decision. I don't trust ANYONE when I ride on the street. Including other bikers.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Except for the one illuminating your license plate...

Which typically is not visible from the rear since it's designed to put light onto the plate...:teeth

 

[newbiker]

Thanks guys...


So, I'll just go Red (running), Amber (signal) light combo. Stock signals won't fit on the fender eliminator.

 

[splat]

Like I said, that one is fine if you don't use the blue wire which are for the running lights. Also, make sure that the signals are spaced far enough apart.

 

[/dev/null]

So no, you cannot project a white light backwards unless it is a backup light (which these are obviously not).

How would you cite for violating this?

FMVSS § 571.108

S5.1.1.25Each turn signal lamp on a motorcycle shall have an effective projected luminous lens area of not less than 2258 square mm. (31/2 square inches).

 

[295566]

How would you cite for violating this?

FMVSS § 571.108

S5.1.1.25Each turn signal lamp on a motorcycle shall have an effective projected luminous lens area of not less than 2258 square mm. (31/2 square inches).

See above... Turn signals can only be amber or red.

 

[/dev/null]

See above... Turn signals can only be amber or red.

I meant most after market turn signals don't meet the Federal surface area requirement as in they're too small.

 

[ST Guy]

Yep. Fail on a number of accounts. Area too small. Clear lens. (Doesn't matter if the lights aren't wired up.) Not DOT approved.

OP: With a little creativity, there are always ways to mount the stock lighting. Not a good idea to put substandard lighting on a bike just because you want to eliminate the fender. You're making your bike less safe/visible for a fashion statement.

 

[295566]

OP, another point to consider is that, depending on the fender eliminator, that will also likely attract attention from LEO's. Specifically if it's one that's tucked up under the tail, by the shock, or if it has such an extreme angle to make it difficult to read.