Texas Automotive Lighting Laws: Colored Bulbs and More
Texas Automotive Lighting Laws: Colored Bulbs and More
Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial when making lighting customizations for your car in order to prevent problems during inspections. We'll go over Texas's lighting regulations in this blog, including those pertaining to colored bulbs, clear tail light lenses, and more. Come on, let's get started!
Colored Bulbs
In Texas, colored bulbs must bear a "D.O.T." or the proper S.A.E. mark. No red bulbs have been approved by the DOT yet. State inspections will be passed by cars with red LED lights and clear lenses that have been certified by the manufacturer. On the other hand, cars with red lamps and aftermarket clear lenses will not be accepted.
Lighting Regulations
Chapter 547 of the Texas Transportation Code, Subchapter D, regulates vehicle lighting equipment in Texas. 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108, which specifies current federal standards for lighting, or the standards in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured, must be followed. Make sure the equipment has a DOT or the proper S.A.E. stamp and that the merchant is trustworthy. Take care not to use equipment designed for "off-road or show only."
Clear Tail Light Lenses
Texas requires that legal clear taillight lenses have a turn signal, rear reflector, stop lamp, and tail lamp. The tail lamp should generate a red light that can be seen from a distance of 1,000 feet, while the stop lamp must emit an amber or red light. Turn signals should display white or amber in front and red or amber in back, and the rear reflectors must be red.
Blackout
Devices that reduce the efficiency of headlamps, taillamps, or reflectors are illegal in Texas. The maker created these lights to adhere to safety regulations. However, their usefulness could be hampered by the use of additional or different materials, particularly dark ones.
License Plate Regulations
It is illegal to attach or display any number plate or registration emblem on a car that contains letters, numbers, or other identifying marks that are not easily visible in the daylight, according to Texas Transportation Code §502.409. Stickers, decals, emblems, or other insignias that obstruct the plate's legibility are also prohibited, as are lighting gadgets. According to law enforcement, this implies that any lit license plate frames—especially neon ones—are illegal.
If you are aware of and abide by Texas's automotive lighting regulations, your car will pass inspections and remain legal.
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