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Are these smoked LED tail lights legal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Priusguy78213, Jun 24, 2015.

  1. Priusguy78213

    Priusguy78213 Junior Member

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    2010-2012 Toyota Prius Tail Lights LT-PUS10GLED-TM

    I thought these would be a cool look; noticed that they don't seem to have a side reflector though. I think I read somewhere on the forum that red reflectors are required on the sides to be legal? Anyone know about that or if these in particular are street legal. Figured these would go good with the winter grey metallic but I'd hate to get them and find out I couldn't use them. :(
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    different laws for different states
     
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well, within their own advertising they say they are DOT approved.
     
  4. Priusguy78213

    Priusguy78213 Junior Member

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    Yeah, I read that in the listing. so I guess that's the case and I wouldn't have a problem here in TX; hopefully. Not sure if that's good enough for the state troopers!! Hopefully they're legal here. I'll probably hang on to the original ones for awhile before I sell them to be on the safe side though. ;)
     
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well...you could always print the advertising out, and then hand that to the police officer as he is writing you out the ticket. Just so you and the officer could have a good laugh.

    Really with any modification it comes down to the "officers interpretation". Those tail lights can be totally legal, but if it happens to catch the attention of an officer and they "think" they're not meeting the legal standards you are screwed. Could become a hassle.

    Those look OK to me though. I think the chances of you having a problem slim....but probably not non-existent.
     
    Priusguy78213 likes this.
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I got a fix a ticket for my tail lights when I was younger
     
  7. anonymous

    anonymous Member

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    Tinted lights are illegal and unsafe.
     
  8. Nobody123

    Nobody123 Member

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    "DOT approved" is the wrong terminology, which shows that the seller does not know how to comply with FMVSS. The USDOT does not approve any equipment; the NHTSA only fines manufacturers and/or vendors for failing to comply.

    Also, his claim is self-serving because he wants uninformed buyers to spend money. Any reputable manufacturer would be glad to show you their DOT compliance documentation.
     
    The Electric Me likes this.