California lighting law?

[SilverBullet01]

so im looking at adding all my aux lighting coming up in a bit, and i am wondering what laws i have to be aware of for these lights.

im looking to add a few lights to my cargo basket on the front, and probably 2, maybe eventually 4 on the front bumper. where am i allowed to mount them, and when do i have to have them covered. this is for just mild fire road runs, and trips to my cabin and property.

like i said, i need the California law for the matter

 

[BlairB]

You can mount them anywhere you want, but if you have more than two and/or they are 42" or more above the ground they have to be covered. So, roof lights always need to be covered. Also, to be uncovered on your bumper the lights technically have to be legal for on road use, but police usually never look into/care about this.

My roof lights technically do not have legal covers on them since the light can shine through, but I have yet to get bothered for them. One cop mentioned it to me, but did not do anything.

 

[SilverBullet01]

now do they have to be fully covered, or can then have, say the piaa style mesh grill and be counted as a cover?

 

[proudrunner]

As far as I know they have to be cover, there should be no reflection from the lights. I would just cover them to avoid the hassle of being stopped. I am reffering to the lights on the roof.

 

[flyte74]

now do they have to be fully covered, or can then have, say the piaa style mesh grill and be counted as a cover?

proudrunner is correct, the mesh grill is not considered sufficient coverage on your roof lights. Also, while most will not cite you for uncovered non-approved lights on your bumper, there is the possibility someone may.

 

[Pikeman]

Also if you have them on while driving, the lenses/ lights must be stamped with D.O.T approved. No more then 4 forward facing lights may be on at anytime ( headlights and fog lights){head and driving}. As far as the covers go they are supposed be solid and able to block light if they were turned on by accident. Some officers feel that if it is not a D.O.T approved light then it needs to be covered at all times since it falls into the "off-road only" catagory. I know in So.Cal they hardly enforce it but if they pull you for something else then that is just one more thing they can add to the ticket.

 

[SilverBullet01]

well cops in my home town get bored very easily. we called in an accident we witnessed and 4 patrol cars and 8 cops showed up 3 minutes later.

just want to make sure that i get everything straight.

 

[Burt]

Hmmm... When I turn on the high beams, the lower fog lamps turn off.
Now I know why. Thanks.

 

[SilverBullet01]

ok so heres what i settled on. im going to get a set of hella black magics just to add to the top of the bumper in between the headlights. so unless they are dot approved i cant have them uncovered on the road. correct?

 

[MikesToy]

Just uncover them. If you get pulled over, tell the cops someone stole your covers or the covers fell off the freeway. imp:

 

[SilverBullet01]

Just uncover them. If you get pulled over, tell the cops someone stole your covers or the covers fell off the freeway. imp:

i like the way you think