illegal h.i.d. headlight conversions

[jjdeneen918]

So what is the legal consensus on citing people who install aftermarket high intensity discharge headlamps into their vehicles?

Would 24001 VC or 24003 VC be more applicable..? If either.

Both sections don't specifically state anything specific to HID's


V C Section 24011 Federal Safety Standard
Federal Safety Standard

24011. Whenever a federal motor vehicle safety standard is established under federal law (49 U.S.C. Sec. 30101 et seq.), no dealer shall sell or offer for sale a vehicle to which the standard is applicable, and no person shall sell or offer for sale for use upon a vehicle an item of equipment to which the standard is applicable, unless:

(a) The vehicle or equipment conforms to the applicable federal standard.

(b) The vehicle or equipment bears thereon a certification by the manufacturer or distributor that it complies with the applicable federal standards. The certification may be in the form of a symbol prescribed in the federal standards or, if there is no federal symbol, by a symbol acceptable to the department.


V C Section 24003 Vehicle With Unlawful Lamps
Vehicle With Unlawful Lamps

24003. No vehicle shall be equipped with any lamp or illuminating device not required or permitted in this code, nor shall any lamp or illuminating device be mounted inside a vehicle unless specifically permitted by this code. This section does not apply to:

(a) Interior lamps such as door, brake and instrument lamps, and map, dash, and dome lamps designed and used for the purpose of illuminating the interior of the vehicle.

(b) Lamps needed in the operation or utilization of those vehicles mentioned in Section 25801, or vehicles used by public utilities in the repair or maintenance of their service, or used only for the illumination of cargo space of a vehicle while loading or unloading.

(c) Warning lamps mounted inside an authorized emergency vehicle and meeting requirements established by the department.

[xr650r]

I just high beam those idiots. (Provided my beams wont affect other innocent drivers)

It's not like they can FLASH YOU BACK! Haha!

[Ron-Solo]

I'd use 24003 on the driver

[SoCalDep]

From our traffic investigator:

There is a third lighting section you may want to be familiar with. That would be 26101 CVC - and this section covers any MODIFICATION made to any of a vehicle's lights (changing lens colors; decorative covers over brake lamps; blue-tinted headlamp bulbs; etc...) All you need to do is recognize the lighting equipment has been modified from it's original factory configuration - and the violator immediately assumes the responsibility for burden of proof that the modification is in-fact legal. If they don't have documentation in their possession which indicates the modification is SAE or DOT approved (don't accept DOT or SAE markings on the item itself as proof - there must be paperwork documenting lab testing per 26104 CVC) - they are in violation of this section.

[jjdeneen918]

SoCalDep, that is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks!

[HassanChop!]

I second CVC 26101. Have used it many, many times without problems. Additionally, since the illegal modifications cause glare and are a hazard, I tag on CVC 40151(a) & (b). This requires that the illegal lighting be removed and corrected within 48 hrs. If they don't, they can get scratched for CVC 24004.

Be safe.

[Blownmotor]

I'm glad someone actually enforces that. Those lights are really annoying at night.

[pat038536]

Not to quibble.. but if the feds would update FMVSS 108 dealing with headlights this wouldn't be an issue. I prefer to use E-code lamps because the beam is flat, glare is reduced, and the light up-lift on the right lights up the signs on the edge of the roadway. Plus it doesn't blind on-coming traffic.

If I could only get a pair for my truck..

[bombadillo]

From our traffic investigator:

There is a third lighting section you may want to be familiar with. That would be 26101 CVC - and this section covers any MODIFICATION made to any of a vehicle's lights (changing lens colors; decorative covers over brake lamps; blue-tinted headlamp bulbs; etc...) All you need to do is recognize the lighting equipment has been modified from it's original factory configuration - and the violator immediately assumes the responsibility for burden of proof that the modification is in-fact legal. If they don't have documentation in their possession which indicates the modification is SAE or DOT approved (don't accept DOT or SAE markings on the item itself as proof - there must be paperwork documenting lab testing per 26104 CVC) - they are in violation of this section.

The only problem I am seeing with this and I'm looking at it from a "tuner's" perspective as well, is that most of the aftermarket HID headlights are plug and play lights for a couple hundred that plug straight into an H4 style plug, and the ballast is wire tied on behind the light now. Many of them used to require glass lens housings and all kinds of stuff because of the heat issues but new ones are just plugging straight into the back of the housings and you're set. The down side of making the burden of proof on them is that they'll slap in a cheap 4.99 Kragen special bulb, and go get it approved by CHP or whoever the agency may be and you're SOL if they're smart at all. Everything remains the same and they have the SAE approved housing but a bulb may be changed out. Its awful hard to pull over on a dark night and try to prove somebody has an illegal aftermarket bulb in a car or truck.

Just food for thought

[OldLincoln]

Didn't there used to be a code restricting the height of headlights on vehicles? Same for requiring mudflaps if the tire was fully exposed?

I see the modified pickups all over the place and have caught rocks from them also.

[Ron-Solo]

Didn't there used to be a code restricting the height of headlights on vehicles? Same for requiring mudflaps if the tire was fully exposed?

I see the modified pickups all over the place and have caught rocks from them also.

They're still in effect. It is a matter of putting things in priority. Sometimes there just isn't enough time to cite everyone.

As I drive around, I see a violation about every 90 seconds that could be cited. It all depends on what my assignment is for the day.