blinking tail lights

[Jimsjinx]

I inherited some red micro strobes, meant to be used for brakelights. I installed them, and they really add to the visibility from the rear. I really like them, and they are like "wig-wags" but alot cleaner light. I been researching the tail light laws, and they are somewhat ambiguous about mini strobes. What say Y'all ??? jimsjinx

 

[Boscoporp]

I'm sure that its different for each state. Most law enforcement officers don't pay much attention to safety type lights.

 

[Jimsjinx]

I have recently noticed several different styles of tail light enhancements. Some were "wig-wag" type, some are strobes, some are led's. All of them really gets your attention in your cage, or bike. I installed them, and they are NOT visible from the front, so I shoul d be good to go. We'll see! Any LEO's out there that are in Florida, Alabama or Geogia, please chime in! jimsjinx

 

[Comanche]

I have both blinking tail lights (My installer said Wig Wags would burn out too soon) so I sent those back and got the Custom Dynamics Back Off and they are great.

My installers comments were backed up by several other people on a Goldwing forum.

I also have a headlight modulator and federal law allows for this. When they send you the modulator they also send a copy of the federal law which I carry in my trunk. Federal law overrides state and local law so if an LEO stops you because the head light is blinking show them the copy of the law. Unless he/she is totally anal, they will respect that. However, if they do give you a ticket, showing the law to the judge will cause dismissal. That is if that is the only reason you got a ticket.

 

[Jimsjinx]

Thanks, Comanche. I guess I should print a copy of the law. I was concerned, because these are red strobes. They are tiny ( about 1&1/2 inces long, by 1 inch. They are just enough to get someones attention from the rear. You CANNOT see them from the front. That seems to be what the concern for LEO's. If you can see them from the front, you look like a cop in a cager in front of you in thier rear view mirror. Don't want that! Thanks, and keep the comments comming! jimsjinx:yes:

 

[John Luciano]

Wig Wags in Conn. will cost you an $85.00 fine. Back Off is ok as long as it goes to steady no constant blink.

 

[Yogisan]

I also have a headlight modulator and federal law allows for this. When they send you the modulator they also send a copy of the federal law which I carry in my trunk. Federal law overrides state and local law so if an LEO stops you because the head light is blinking show them the copy of the law. Unless he/she is totally anal, they will respect that. However, if they do give you a ticket, showing the law to the judge will cause dismissal. That is if that is the only reason you got a ticket.

Yeah, tell me about it. July 3 I got stopped by a PG (Maryland) County LEO. He drove past me, pulled into my lane in front of me, went about 3 car lengths then pulled to the shoulder and let me pass, then got behind me and pulled me over. He thought I was flashing him down for an emergency. I explained the headlight modulator, showed him a copy of the Fed regulation. He glanced at it and told me to make sure I showed it to the judge when I went to court. Then he gave me a $50 ticket for violating MD's no front flashing light law. Ain't paying the fine. Waiting for a court date. Besides the Fed reg I now have a boatload of MD documentation saying the LEO is probably the only one in the state who doesn't approve of the headlight modulator. I think I got the ticket because he was not happy being fooled by a modulated light.

 

[Gorilla]

I dought if he was fooled by anything, he just was unhappy that he did not know the law and even though you showed it to him he was going to make his stat. Most of us are not that way. I don't mind at all if it is pointed out that I made a mistake. I'm human. I do not make a stop unless I sure of the infraction.

 

[John Luciano]

The key work is F L A S H I N G ... it does not... it modulates so it never goes off just gets dimmer and brighter. I have had people pull over and let me pass. a guy jumped out of his car at a light to tell me something was wrong with it. I also have a disable switch. If I see a Leo I turn it off. Had one stop me I told him .. Oh dam is that bulb acting up again . We checked it and it was not blinking I told him it must be loose.

 

[Jimsjinx]

:Is it better to switch the positve or should I switch the negative side? You are supposed to remove the neg. terminal first on the battery to avoid arcing, so I wondered if the switch should be the ground side of the loop. These strobes draw a miniscule amperage, but I know arcs in a small switch is not good. Thanks for all the comments so far. All are good info. Jim

 

[John Luciano]

mine came with the 3 position switch fwd is no modulation , center is slow modulation both High and low beam , rearward is fast High beam only and no mater DAY or night in any switch position if I blow the horn the light flashes 6 times . If you put a switch in it needs to be a bypass with a relay or the switch will have to carry all the head light current . Easier to put a switch into the light sensor or make a small cap to go over it. Before I had this unit if I got stopped I would just throw my gloves on the dash and they would land on the sensor . Humm funny the light seems to be ok now officer . I will check it when i get home thanks for noticing it .

 

[Smoken'JOE]

My headlight modulator will work only if it's sunny (daytime) and can be set up to work either on high beam or low beam. Which ever way you want to set it up.
Motorcycle Headlight Modulator - From $45.95 VisiPath - limited time.

 

[Comanche]

Yeah, tell me about it. July 3 I got stopped by a PG (Maryland) County LEO. He drove past me, pulled into my lane in front of me, went about 3 car lengths then pulled to the shoulder and let me pass, then got behind me and pulled me over. He thought I was flashing him down for an emergency. I explained the headlight modulator, showed him a copy of the Fed regulation. He glanced at it and told me to make sure I showed it to the judge when I went to court. Then he gave me a $50 ticket for violating MD's no front flashing light law. Ain't paying the fine. Waiting for a court date. Besides the Fed reg I now have a boatload of MD documentation saying the LEO is probably the only one in the state who doesn't approve of the headlight modulator. I think I got the ticket because he was not happy being fooled by a modulated light.

Please keep us posted on the outcome. I am sure you will be found not guilty by the judge, but let us know. It can be one more weapon in our arsenal.

 

[Jenkinsrawhide]

I can only guess that the LEO was NOT a local and was hopeing that you would just submit and mail in the fine with no contest before a judge. I would zerox me a copy of the federal law and mail it to the attention of the Judge of whichever court you are supposed to go to, explain the circumstances and then ask if you need to attend.?...do this before court. You may get a reply and you may not. Its worth a try though.