Behind the grill light bar - VA state inspection compliant

[gdvan01]

I read through the state inspection manual and that didn't clarify anything. Called the state police to get a clarification and I've already passed out twice while holding my breath waiting for that return call...anywho -

It seems that in order to be compliant with the Virginia state inspection, the light bar (even though behind the grill) has to either 1) have a cover on it to be exempt from inspection....that's a bit inconvenient...or 2) be wired in such a way that it turns off when the high-beams are on.

When I talk to the service writers at my local stealership I always seem to get the same couple guys...one is the Debbie-Downer type "be careful not to void your warranty"...one of these days I'll print out the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and hand it to him...the other guy is like "yea, this is all you need to do."

That being said, how much of a PITA is wiring up the light bar so it will not function when the high-beams are on? Has anyone wired their light bar this way?

 

[MossJenks]

I read through the state inspection manual and that didn't clarify anything. Called the state police to get a clarification and I've already passed out twice while holding my breath waiting for that return call...anywho -

It seems that in order to be compliant with the Virginia state inspection, the light bar (even though behind the grill) has to either 1) have a cover on it to be exempt from inspection....that's a bit inconvenient...or 2) be wired in such a way that it turns off when the high-beams are on.

When I talk to the service writers at my local stealership I always seem to get the same couple guys...one is the Debbie-Downer type "be careful not to void your warranty"...one of these days I'll print out the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and hand it to him...the other guy is like "yea, this is all you need to do."

That being said, how much of a PITA is wiring up the light bar so it will not function when the high-beams are on? Has anyone wired their light bar this way?

That seems bass-ackwards as can be! A sensible rule would be to ONLY come on with the high beams!

What about disconnecting it for the inspection? Or just remove it completely for the inspection? Or a piece of masking tape over it and call it "decoration" - use blue painters stuff and tell them you're supporting the "thin blue line"?

 

[Jhalko]

I thought it was the other way around, but maybe look in these threads and study the diagrams for help

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/164966-led-light-bar-install-2014-toyota-4runner.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/189756-wiring-help-light-bar-come-brights.html

 

[raycie]

Can’t you just have it on with a switch, so it doesn’t come on at all (if you don’t want it to)?

Hawaii is similar with the need for a cover, but behind the grill, they don’t push as much.

 

[gdvan01]

That seems bass-ackwards as can be! A sensible rule would be to ONLY come on with the high beams!

Yea, I love Virginia but there are those times that make you go WTF...

 

[gdvan01]

Can’t you just have it on with a switch, so it doesn’t come on at all (if you don’t want it to)?
.

You would think so...

 

[matoolie]

I used to simply remove mine for inspection when I had one bar that was easily accessible. But now with two with one not so easy to remove......I put covers on mine for my last inspection, which was my first inspection with bars physically on truck during inspection, and had no issues. Both bars are wired to individual switches where they come on at anytime, even with truck off.

Also.....the high beams is not the entire problem as our trucks have fog lights .....you can’t have more than 4 lights on at a given time. This is why fog lights shut off when you turn high beams on as low beams are on with either of these. If the bar comes on when low beams and fogs are on then ......technically violates this. So the bar would also have to turn off with fog lights on also. But also the bar is not supposed to be used on public roads......But any light installed on vehicle must be functional.......not sure if applicable to off road only lights though. I know........confusion. Sucks.

so..... hate to say it.... covers on the bar or removing the bar cancels out all the mess for a pass at inspection. As would an inspection station that “is more understanding and forgiving” if you catch my drift.

 

[BchBum]

This is one of the main reasons why I haven't done a light bar. When I had my Jeep JK with ditch lights I forgot to put the covers in for inspection. Luckily they were in my glove box and the inspector was nice enough to ask if I had covers to put on them.

Thinking about doing a top grill 20-22" single row led install and just keeping cover on till I need it. Should be easy to pop it on and off that way.

 

[Agent_Outside]

First of all I don’t think you have any idea what the MM act actually is, it has nothing to do with modifications, it has to do with aftermarket maintenance and repair items. They can not void your warranty for having Jiffy Lube change the oil instead of bringing it to the dealer. They would have to prove Jiffy Lube used wrong or defective parts that resulted in damage that’s not a manufacturer defect. The MM Act offers zero protection when you you modify something, if it goes all the way to court it’s literally as simple as “it wasn’t designed for that”.

Second, the quickest easiest way to wire it how your asking is to tie into a fog light power wire and use that for the control side of a normally open relay that powers the light bar. By law fog lights aren’t allowed to be on with high beams so they are wired that way from the factory. Doing it this way your fog light switch would control dogs and the light bar together and both would turn off with the high beams on.

 

[phillyd2]

Its not just VA. Many states including mine (PA) have similar rules. That said, I've had them on and uncovered since about 2011 and have never ever been even questioned no matter what State I was in.

In accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303(f) (relating to general lighting requirements), roof or roll bar mounted off-road lights may be installed if they are not used on a highway or trafficway and are covered at all times while operating on the highway or trafficway. Vehicles equipped with roof or roll bar mounted off-road lights shall have a switch that indicates to the driver, through the use of a pilot light, that the lights are on when so switched.

 

[bittwiddler]

I just stick covers on mine and have never had a problem with that

The biggest problem I have is that I can't find any VA legal backup lights that actually allow me to see anything behind me when I'm out on the back roads. I have some Rigids mounted in the bumper that I usually remove before inspections ... would like to find a good way to cover them

 

[CF_Machete]

I just stick covers on mine and have never had a problem with that

The biggest problem I have is that I can't find any VA legal backup lights that actually allow me to see anything behind me when I'm out on the back roads. I have some Rigids mounted in the bumper that I usually remove before inspections ... would like to find a good way to cover them

Plastidip