Lights configuration and conspicuity

[Klunkshift]

For your information and confirmation of some of the information that is discussed at length on motorcycle forums.

https://trl.co.uk/umbraco/custom/report_files/PPR682.pdf

 

[Top_Speed1]

Being seen/noticed is very important in our sport!.

You just got to watch the over-usage (in a lot of States, pls check yours!). Texas and others I know of have a 4 light (including your headlights) maximum allowance/usage. Also, some do not allow mounting above your normal headlight(s) etc. Check into your State laws, you may be amazed.

 

[Justin]

Being seen/noticed is very important in our sport!.
You just got to watch the over-usage (in a lot of States, pls check yours!). Texas and others I know of have a 4 light (including your headlights) maximum allowance/usage. Also, some do not allow mounting above your normal headlight(s) etc. Check into your State laws, you may be amazed.

From the Texas statute:

(d) Not more than four of the following may be lighted at one time on the front of a motor vehicle:

(1) a headlamp required by this chapter; or

(2) a lamp, including an auxiliary lamp or spotlamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower.

You can add lights for visibility that do not exceed the amount specified (Skene Photon Blaster etc).

 

[Top_Speed1]

Auxiliary Passing and Driving Light Mounting Height Regulations (inches)

Stat. Driving Passing

Alabama 1 6-42 24-42 Alaska 1 6-42 24-42 Arizona 1 6-42 24-42 Arkansas 1 6-42 24-42 California 1 6-42 24-42 Colorado 1 6-42 20-42 Connecticut 1 6-42 24-42 Delaware 16-42 24-42 D.C. 1 6-42 24-42 Florida .~ 12-42 24-42 Georgia 16-42 24-42 Hawaii 12-42 Idaho 16-42 24-42 Illinois •\ 12-42 Indiana 16-42 24-42 Iowa 12-42 Kansas 16-42 24-42 Kentucky Louisiana 16-42 24-42 Maine Maryland 16-42 Massachusetts Michigan 24 Mm. -. .. -1S-42 24-42 Mississippi 24 Mm. Missouri 12-42 Montana 16-42 24-42 Nebraska 24 Mm Nevada 16-42 New Hampshire 12-42 New Jersey 12-42 New Mexico 16-42 24-42 New York North Carolina North Dakota 16-42 24-42 Ohio 16-42 24-42 Oklahoma Oregon 12-42 Pennsylvania 12-42 Rhode Island South Carolina 16-42 24-42 South Dakota 12-42 Tennessee Texas 16" to 42" 24" to 42" Utah Vermont Virginia Washington 16-42 24-42 West Virginia 16-42 24-42 Wisconsin 12 Mm. Wyoming 16-42 24-42

 

[Top_Speed1]

Being seen/noticed is very important in our sport!.
You just got to watch the over-usage (in a lot of States, pls check yours!). Texas and others I know of have a 4 light (including your headlights) maximum allowance/usage. Also, some do not allow mounting above your normal headlight(s) etc. Check into your State laws, you may be amazed.

From the Texas statute:

(d) Not more than four of the following may be lighted at one time on the front of a motor vehicle:

(1) a headlamp required by this chapter; or

(2) a lamp, including an auxiliary lamp or spotlamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower.

You can add lights for visibility that do not exceed the amount specified (Skene Photon Blaster etc).

The Texas full monte

Sec. 547.801. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT. (a) A motorcycle, including a motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with:

(1) not more than two headlamps mounted at a height from 24 to 54 inches;

(2) at least one taillamp mounted at a height from 20 to 72 inches;

(3) a taillamp or separate lamp to illuminate the rear license plate that complies with the requirements of Sections 547.322(f) and (g);

(4) at least one stoplamp that complies with the requirements of Section 547.323(d); and

(5) at least one rear red reflector that complies with the requirements of Section 547.325( B) and may be included as a part of the taillamp.

( B) A motorcycle, other than a motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with multiple-beam lighting equipment that produces:

(1) an uppermost distribution of light that reveals a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 300 feet ahead; and

(2) a lowermost distribution of light that:

(A) reveals a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and

( B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on the motorcycle that is on a straight and level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator.

© A motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with:

(1) multiple-beam lighting equipment that complies with the requirements of Subsection ( B) ; or

(2) single-beam lighting equipment that:

(A) emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle:

(i) at a distance of at least 100 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed less than 25 miles per hour;

(ii) at a distance of at least 200 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed of 25 miles per hour or more; and

(iii) at a distance of at least 300 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more; and

( B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from the lamp on a loaded cycle projects a beam higher than the level center of the lamp for a distance of 25 feet ahead.

(d) A motorcycle may not be operated at any time unless at least one headlamp on the motorcycle is illuminated. This subsection does not apply to a motorcycle manufactured before the model year 1975.

 

[erixun]

Very interesting read. I put my lights in a 'X' formation, and have noticed that drivers seem to not pull in front of me as 'much' anymore. And while I agree with following the laws of your states, there has not been a comprehensive study on motorcycle crashes and conspicuity done in the US for quite some time. So I think there is some catching up to do on the allowable safety enhancing equipment. In my opinion some of these laws are outdated and unsafe in limiting some of these additional items. In the same realm of being seen, is the flashing brake lights, to help avoid rear end collisions, some states allow, others do not.

Edit** Some states have some separate laws concerning motorcycles, and they conflict with the normal 'motor vehicle' laws- and unfortunately some LEO's are not up to speed on all of them.... do your research for your respective state, you may find a not so commonly known law that is to your benefit.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I guess you go until you get stopped for it. I think your visibility is awesome!, some Cops/States may differ in my opinion. Hey, J-Walking is illegal too and we all still do it.

JS'NS

 

[SacramentoMike]

In the world of carrying illegal concealed weapons, there's a good argument that it's better to be "judged by twelve rather than be carried by six." I'll take my chances on a ticket and keep my nice bright "Glendas" and my even-more-bright big "Krista" LEDs to catch the eye of sleeping drivers.

I know California has that four forward-facing lights law on the books too (the dual headlights count as one), but I've never had a comment or other negative attention from a LEO about it. Like TS said, go until you get stopped for it. Then I'll take the ticket and keep going.