what the hell is wrong with people?
02-17-2006, 03:47 AM
#1
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what the hell is wrong with people?
So tonight (after dark) I was driving up Aurora Ave and I merge in behind an Integra. This guy had done a clear taillight conversion, but had neglected to replace the bulbs with red ones. That's right - his tail lights/brake lights were bright white. WTF? The whole time I'm driving behind him (I couldn't change lanes) I felt like I was about to have a head-on collision with a car that has dim headlights. Then we get to a stop light and he sits there with his foot on the brake and now I was completely blinded - I had to look through the little holes in the sun visor just to be able to see! 
I felt like dragging this guy out of his car and beating him. What the hell was he thinking? I very nearly called the cops and reported him, and now I wish I had (I couldn't really get to my cell phone). I'm all for people doing whatever they feel like to their car (even if it looks dumb, I don't get angry about it like some people), but there's a reason why we have laws about **** like this. This is like those idiots that get blue-painted headlight bulbs that barely put out any light, only much worse. At least he didn't have a ridiculous fart-can muffler that deafened me in the process.
I felt like dragging this guy out of his car and beating him. What the hell was he thinking? I very nearly called the cops and reported him, and now I wish I had (I couldn't really get to my cell phone). I'm all for people doing whatever they feel like to their car (even if it looks dumb, I don't get angry about it like some people), but there's a reason why we have laws about **** like this. This is like those idiots that get blue-painted headlight bulbs that barely put out any light, only much worse. At least he didn't have a ridiculous fart-can muffler that deafened me in the process.
02-17-2006, 10:37 AM
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That is dangerous, get his tag# and report it. The other one that get's me is the guy driving without headlights on at dusk or in heavy rain and fog. I see it often.
02-18-2006, 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Saint_Spinner
man...I thought the age of ricers were coming to an end....I guess the F&F 3 will revive the trend. God help us.
http://www.veracom.com/veracommitsubishi/index.html
02-18-2006, 08:57 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by rotarygod
...20 inch chrome spinners...
02-18-2006, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by greasy8
I'm all for people doing whatever they feel like to their car (even if it looks dumb, I don't get angry about it like some people), but there's a reason why we have laws about **** like this.
That's one of the reasons I refuse to change change out the orange side marker lenses on my RX-8 for clear ones. The federally mandated standard is to have orange marker lamps on the front/side.
Here's a good source for more information on the standards:
American Association of Motor Vehilce Administrators >> Vehicle & Equipment Standards >> Lighting Issues
02-18-2006, 07:44 PM
#10
Rotary eXperimental-8
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Originally Posted by sharward
I agree 100%.
That's one of the reasons I refuse to change change out the orange side marker lenses on my RX-8 for clear ones. The federally mandated standard is to have orange marker lamps on the front/side.
Here's a good source for more information on the standards:
American Association of Motor Vehilce Administrators >> Vehicle & Equipment Standards >> Lighting Issues
That's one of the reasons I refuse to change change out the orange side marker lenses on my RX-8 for clear ones. The federally mandated standard is to have orange marker lamps on the front/side.
Here's a good source for more information on the standards:
American Association of Motor Vehilce Administrators >> Vehicle & Equipment Standards >> Lighting Issues
02-18-2006, 08:05 PM
#11
I don't buy Kool-Aid
Yea when I go to my local shop(s) that have a banner that reads "Some products may be for off road use only" It further state's that they are not responsible if you are a Jack A$$ and use them for everyday use.
I think this should be placed at the top of web sites (that sell these types of products) when you click to see more product info.
I think this should be placed at the top of web sites (that sell these types of products) when you click to see more product info.
02-18-2006, 10:29 PM
#12
mine's better
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a lot of websites DO have that posted under the description portion of those qualified (or unqualified, i should say) products...
RP mid pipe
check out the 'Important Note' for the mid pipe.
RP mid pipe
check out the 'Important Note' for the mid pipe.
Last edited by zaglo6204; 02-18-2006 at 10:31 PM.
02-19-2006, 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by moRotorMotor
You can have the clear side markers because you change out the clear bulbs for some amber coloured ones. The problem here is that the bulbs remained clear when he swapped for clear lens.
02-19-2006, 04:08 PM
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Here's an excerpt from a technical report from the Department of Transportation (DOT HS 809 833) (pages 58-59):
. . . Vehicles must have two combination lamp/reflectors on each side, an amber one as close as possible to the front and a red one close as possible to the rear. . . Since January 1, 1970, all cars and light trucks must have four lamp/reflectors. . . Side marker lamps make cars visible from the side, in the dark, and enable other drivers to avoid collisions. Moreover, the use of amber in the front and red in the back sends a visual cue: "You are approaching the side of a vehicle – here’s how big it is, and it’s not necessarily getting out of your way . . ."
The reason that Australian RX-8s have "clear corners" is because, yes, I suppose they may be more attractive (although I don't personally think so)... But the Aussie's have apparently not adopted USDOT's lighting standards.
02-19-2006, 04:16 PM
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I see you live in Canada -- I think Transport Canada's standards mirror USDOTs, but I can't say for sure.
Sorry for the multiple posts. I just learned that edits are only possible within 2 minutes of posting. So noted!
Sorry for the multiple posts. I just learned that edits are only possible within 2 minutes of posting. So noted!
02-19-2006, 04:53 PM
#16
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I think our car comes with the reflector on the inside or it will come with it when you order the clear corners. Rules in Canada vary from province to province, so I am not so sure myself if I were to do this modification.
02-21-2006, 12:23 PM
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It's interesting, because I'm actually going through some debate right now about my corner lens. I got a set of clear corners because I'm with the majority here that it looks much better, especially on a black car. I checked my state laws (WA state), and while the wording is a little confusing, I think it's perfectly legal to have my corners both reflect and project clear light. (A friend of mine has been driving around here for years with white corner lights and never got hassled). So I was gonna put some white LEDs in there, because I really like the way it looks when all the light coming out of the front of the car is the same color.
But now I'm second guessing myself. After all, first priority is to be safe and legal and to provide other cars on the road with accurate information. As I see it, corner lights are so that other cars can a) see how wide you are when looking at the front of the car, and b) make the car visible from the side. I think that white light in the front does both of these things just fine, as long as the bulb isn't so bright that it's blinding or distracting to other drivers. I do worry that the LEDs will be too bright.
Really, I wish changing bulbs/lenses in this car wasn't such a PITA, or else I would just try a couple configurations...
But now I'm second guessing myself. After all, first priority is to be safe and legal and to provide other cars on the road with accurate information. As I see it, corner lights are so that other cars can a) see how wide you are when looking at the front of the car, and b) make the car visible from the side. I think that white light in the front does both of these things just fine, as long as the bulb isn't so bright that it's blinding or distracting to other drivers. I do worry that the LEDs will be too bright.
Really, I wish changing bulbs/lenses in this car wasn't such a PITA, or else I would just try a couple configurations...
02-21-2006, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by sharward
Not true. The orange marker lenses have to purposes -- one is to illuminate an amber light at night, and the other is to produce an amber reflection when light is pointed at it. Using an amber bulb behind a clear or white lens produces the first result, but not the second, so unless you also stick on an ugly orange reflector on your fender, it's not legal.
In all the posts about clear corners, this is the first I've seen address the color of the reflection . The reflection is only an issue, of course, when the car is parked, ignition off.
I'm just now about to install my clear corners with amber stealth bulbs.
I will proceed as planned, but thank you for bringing up this point .
02-21-2006, 01:03 PM
#19
It doesn't matter if you think white corner lights make your car visable to other drivers, and it doesn't matter what state you are in (I'm in WA too). We are talking about USDOT regulations. Look at any stock car released in the US, they all have an amber reflective side marker in front of the front wheels. Some have it integrated into the headlamp, some have a separate piece like our 8's, but they all have it.
Other countries obviously have different regulations, I believe in Europe and Japan the side marker can be anywhere on the front half of the car and only has to emit amber light (not reflect). That's why many Euro spec and JDM cars will have no corner light at all and just the little clear side marker near the door (behind the front wheel) or even integrated into the mirror. It's also why some cars (Carrera GT comes to mind) end up with a tacked on amber light up front for US spec that aren't there at all in Europe.
Of course USDOT regs are for automobile manufacturers, and I doubt there are many police out there that would actually pull you over for having clear corners, especially if they are emitting amber light (The officer would basically have to shine light on your car while it is parked at night with the lights out to really even notice). So while technically illegal, the chances of getting a ticket are slim.
I just got my 8 (this is my first post here, actually) and although I plan on keeping it as stock as possible, I do plan on putting clear corners with amber bulbs on it. I think there's a much higher chance of me getting pulled over for not having a front plate, and I've done that for the past 7 years and it's technically illegal.
Other countries obviously have different regulations, I believe in Europe and Japan the side marker can be anywhere on the front half of the car and only has to emit amber light (not reflect). That's why many Euro spec and JDM cars will have no corner light at all and just the little clear side marker near the door (behind the front wheel) or even integrated into the mirror. It's also why some cars (Carrera GT comes to mind) end up with a tacked on amber light up front for US spec that aren't there at all in Europe.
Of course USDOT regs are for automobile manufacturers, and I doubt there are many police out there that would actually pull you over for having clear corners, especially if they are emitting amber light (The officer would basically have to shine light on your car while it is parked at night with the lights out to really even notice). So while technically illegal, the chances of getting a ticket are slim.
I just got my 8 (this is my first post here, actually) and although I plan on keeping it as stock as possible, I do plan on putting clear corners with amber bulbs on it. I think there's a much higher chance of me getting pulled over for not having a front plate, and I've done that for the past 7 years and it's technically illegal.
02-21-2006, 02:12 PM
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In CA, if you're pulled over for any type of "white" tailights or turn signal markers, it's an automatic moving violation and not just a fix it ticket.
02-21-2006, 03:52 PM
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I too put the clear corners on my car (red) in Florida and probably sit in traffic next to, in front of, or behind sheriff and trooper cars everyday, and I have not been hasseled about them being clear. I believe that it is legal, so long as the bulb is amber, which mine are, I even removed the reflector inside, so at night, you can not tell that they are clear, they look just like the factory amber ones. The clear ones fit the body better and have that little flair that makes the front look a little meaner, plus they are away from the body a little more and thus more visible.
I do agree, having clear tailights with clear bulbs is just plain stupid, I see it here all the time on Acuras and Hondas, but I never stay behind them long, whether they like it or not.
I do agree, having clear tailights with clear bulbs is just plain stupid, I see it here all the time on Acuras and Hondas, but I never stay behind them long, whether they like it or not.
02-21-2006, 04:39 PM
#22
I've been doing a little digging on this and here's what I've found for my location (I currently live in Portland, OR and work in Vancouver, WA. I'll be moving to Vancouver in 1 month though)
Oregon Law
Oregon state law is pretty specific then about the need for amber reflex reflectors at the front corners, which the JDM spec side markers do not provide.
Washington Law
The wording of the Washington state law is a little more ambiguous. It says the front corner must display OR reflect amber, so if you've got the JDM clear corners with an amber bulb are you OK? Well, maybe, but there is also a page that says that Washington state has adopted FMVSS 108 (like Oregon Washington Law #2) which would clear up the vague wording.
Bottom line is if you live in OR or WA, the JDM clear corners are technically illegal. Will you be pulled over for it? If you are using amber lighting bulbs I doubt it, if you are using white, blue or other color bulbs I would think it would be more likely.
Oregon Law
Oregon has adopted the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lighting equipment. The standard is very specific for tail/brake light lenses and front side marker light lenses. The standard requires red lenses (not red bulbs) for the tail/brake lights and red rear and side reflex reflectors and red side marker lights. A separate rear side marker light and reflex reflector may also be allowed for the rear lighting system to meet the standard. The front side marker lens lights can be either white or amber (yellow) and must also have an amber (yellow) reflex reflector incorporated into the lens or have a separate side marker light and reflex reflector to meet the standard.
So, the answer to the question is in most cases after-market (non-original equipment) "Altezza" or European tail/brake and front marker light lenses are NOT legal for street use in Oregon. They usually lack the required reflex reflectors and side marker lights. Here is a link to a Web site with more information. http://fmvss108.tripod.com Note the "Recalls" section. Most all of the after-market "Altezza" and European lenses have been recalled for not meeting FMVSS 108. (ORS 816.010).
So, the answer to the question is in most cases after-market (non-original equipment) "Altezza" or European tail/brake and front marker light lenses are NOT legal for street use in Oregon. They usually lack the required reflex reflectors and side marker lights. Here is a link to a Web site with more information. http://fmvss108.tripod.com Note the "Recalls" section. Most all of the after-market "Altezza" and European lenses have been recalled for not meeting FMVSS 108. (ORS 816.010).
Washington Law
(1) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.
(2) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop lamp or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that on any vehicle forty or more years old, or on any motorcycle regardless of age, the taillight may also contain a blue or purple insert of not more than one inch in diameter, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white or amber.
(2) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop lamp or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that on any vehicle forty or more years old, or on any motorcycle regardless of age, the taillight may also contain a blue or purple insert of not more than one inch in diameter, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white or amber.
Bottom line is if you live in OR or WA, the JDM clear corners are technically illegal. Will you be pulled over for it? If you are using amber lighting bulbs I doubt it, if you are using white, blue or other color bulbs I would think it would be more likely.
02-21-2006, 04:49 PM
#23
Originally Posted by ucfracerx8
I too put the clear corners on my car (red) in Florida and probably sit in traffic next to, in front of, or behind sheriff and trooper cars everyday, and I have not been hasseled about them being clear. I believe that it is legal, so long as the bulb is amber, which mine are, I even removed the reflector inside, so at night, you can not tell that they are clear, they look just like the factory amber ones. The clear ones fit the body better and have that little flair that makes the front look a little meaner, plus they are away from the body a little more and thus more visible.
I do agree, having clear tailights with clear bulbs is just plain stupid, I see it here all the time on Acuras and Hondas, but I never stay behind them long, whether they like it or not.
I do agree, having clear tailights with clear bulbs is just plain stupid, I see it here all the time on Acuras and Hondas, but I never stay behind them long, whether they like it or not.
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