damn i have two inspections i need to have done







in NC

 

you never could have tail light tint.

ever.


If its DOT/SAE approved it is legal for SI.

Motor code is different, and can be different that SI.

There has never been any way that tint, paint, or colorant has ever passed inspection. There has never been any light output requirements for distance either, aside from headlamps.

There has always been in the code that you cannot have any other colors in the tail/brake/markers other than the standard amber or red. There is even a reference to Blue dots, which have been around since the 50's

 

good stuff

 

can i tint my foglights yellow and still pass inspection? i've had a hankering to do so, but i know i had trouble getting my teg inspected with yellow highbeams

 

You're not too bright are you

I have passed inspection with my tint for the past couple years. As well as had officers question them and I pointed out the law.

In the law it states tail light output requirements, go look them up before you try and make a claim. Damn man, ENG even posted the damn law in this thread.


As you can see, the previous law only talks about the light emitted color. Nothing about the housings. Well, now the law says the housings must be red with no other color added.

 

I have never heard of fog light color issues. Some cars I have seen come stock with yellow lights for fogs.

You are getting flack for your headlights because they are supposed to be clear. No tint on them.

Of course someone will tell you they were told to take the covers off at night when the lights need to come on. You would need to look up the exact requirements.

 

from the state police inspection site:

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:

* Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
* Aim of fog and driving lamps.
* Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
(NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:

* Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
* Correct indications and tell-tale (visual or audible).
* Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.

 

It appears ya'll are talking about two different things. Fastwake is talking about new updates to the inspection manual which can happen anytime. Law changes only happen after legislation has been passed and always go in effect on July 1st. What has happened is the state inspection has become more strict. It takes away the possibility that tinted tail lights can still be visible at 500 feet.

edit: The title of this thread should be "The superintendent of State police has updated the State Inspection manual"

 

I don't know if you know this, but just because you "passed" before, doesn't mean it was legally. I've passed multiple inspections that I shouldn't have, only because the person doing the inspection wasn't aware of a specific rule, or just plain didn't care.

 

Eng posted state motor code, not VA inspection code. VA SI code will be 19VAC30-70-XXX for lighting on a motor vehicle.

there is a difference. motor code is ticketable, SI code is what passes inspection. Yes, there are things that pass inspection that will get you a defective or improper equipment ticket, but thats the nature of the beast in VA.

I stand behind what I posted about the SI codes, the only mentions of numbers are minimum/maximum candlepower requirements for head/fog lamps.


The last manual update was in 3/08, and as far as I know, there is not another revision scheduled for a few years. If the VASP had the time and money to do that, they would reinstate the academy before now.


There are plenty of lines in the code for approved lighting on emergency vehicles, but the basics are side markers are to be clear or amber (except for the rearward ones on a trailer, which are to be red) and DOT/SAE approved. Taillights are to emit an amber or red light, with no clear light emanating from the lens through cracks. LEDs are approved, as long as they meet DOT/SAE requirements (this includes bulb replacements in a stock housing) Reverse lights are to be clear only, and do not have to be on a vehicle to pass.

many more...but thats the gist of it.


I have been a VA inspector for 10 years now, and have seen multiple revisions of the book. it is very common for someone to mistake VA motor code for VA inspection code, and like I stated before, they are different.

Slowly....they are being made one and the same, but it takes time, money, and communication, of which most bureaucrats have none.

They can pass if they are yellow, but can technically be failed if they are done with a spray or film, since its not the DOT/SAE approved version that they came with. most inspectors wont say anything if it is done cleanly, ie not running or peeling off. a clear covering as a rock guard is legal, as long as it does not distort the light pattern.


yep. Since the last revision of the manual, there have only been three updates though. one for VSU parking decals, one for popo expedition light approvals, and another one which for some reason i ant find it.