Matt06

I've got the smoked Recon taillights. Texas inspection is due. Was worried about my muffler delete pipe but didn't even get that far. Truck didn't pass inspection because of smoked taillight lenses. I'm gonna try another place this afternoon and if it fails again, I guess I'll have to get rid of them.

RowJ

What's the law say?

RJ

Matt06

Lens Covers (Blackouts)

State law Sec. 547.3215 incorporates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Subpart B, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Section 571.108, Standard No. 108; Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. This standard contains the following:

S5.1.3 No additional lamp, reflective device or other motor vehicle equipment shall be installed that impairs the effectiveness of lighting equipment required by this standard.
As a general comment, any device that impairs the required effectiveness of headlamps, taillamps, reflectors, etc is prohibited. The lights, both front and rear, are made by the manufacturer to meet this safety standard. An alternate or additional material, particularly something dark, would impair its effectiveness.



The inspection manual used by state certified inspection stations states the following inspection criteria:

"Tail lamp. Inspect and reject if: lamp is obstructed by any part of the body."

Matt06

2. Inspect for and reject if:


a. Required lamp or lamps are not present.


b. Lamp is not securely mounted to the vehicle.


c. Lamp does not emit a red or amber light which is actuated on application of the service (foot) brake.


d. Lamp is not visible from a minimum distance of 300 feet to the rear of the vehicle to which it is attached.


e. Lamp lens is painted, missing, discolored, or does not fit properly.


f. Wiring is shoddy or electrical connections are poor.


g. Lamp projects a glaring or a dazzling light.


h. Lamp is not mounted on rear of vehicle.

i. Lens is cracked or broken to the extent that a portion of the lens is missing and/or separated, permitting light from the bulb to emit through the crack or break.


NOTE: Lamp lenses cannot be repaired with repair tape or repair kit.

RowJ

Too Bad....they look sharp! Especially on a gray CTD.
They are LED...no?
Are they dimmer at 300'? Maybe not RED enough?
Does Recon say they are legal?

What city in TX?

Good Luck!

RJ

TexasCTD

If they are Recon's, I would assume they are DOT approved. If they are DOT approved they should be legal if not otherwise modified. No?

..

Matt06

Update: Went to another inspection shop this afternoon and my truck passed. They didn't say anything about the taillights or muffler delete. The Recon taillights are DOT approved but I guess it all depends on where you go.

rich

inspection guys go by what they feel is correct under their interpitation of the rules. went thru this when i got my gn inspected dot trooper said i didnt need safety chains, inspetor said i needed them hooked up

rip 112

If they are DOT approved they should be 49 state legal (don't know about Cali). I haven't had an issue with mine and I've done some traveling, alot actually.

whiteeye42

so take them off and get the truck inspected and then put them back on

TAS05CTD610

Yes be carefull with what/when/how you say things, some shops are 100% by the rules in the book, some arn't. I went to shop once and he said I'm sorry I can't do your truck were to busy, come back next week. Went home ******, come back and the guy said the state was there, he would have failed the truck, since then he's earned a lot of respect. Some of the things are stupid (and to each his own) I have tinted windows, they are illegal, I know I"ll pay if I get pulled over, but I'll have them put back on, have had them for 4 years, cost me 60 bucks, nothing yet

rock crawler

I have the Recons on my truck and when I went to get an inspection they said they would not pass. When I pointed out that they were LEDs and that the lens was not really dark but the insides were all blacked out they said they were fine and passed. The box also says DOT approved.

Dodgefan01

Sounds like good "insurance" to keep stockers around