legality of blacked out headlights?

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Jan 31, 2004

jwalker87

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legality of blacked out headlights?

Right now I have black-housed TYC Projectors, which is good and all, but I really like the look of blacked out stock headlights, and if I do that then I can sell these too. But I need to be able to pass inspection, and if I sell my TYC's (which are DOT certified, or whatever), and paint the housing-thing of my stock lights black, then I need by stocks to pass inspection. So, my question is, will they? I live in VA if it matters. They will have the DOT printing still on them, so it's logical that they would, but what are you guys' experiences?

THanks

Jan 31, 2004

armieo

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I think it would dude. You have to get a DOT inspection? All we get here in MD is emissions inspections......

What exactly goes into a DOT inspection.

I don't think it matters as long as you don't black out all the parts that need to shine.

Jan 31, 2004

jwalker87

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i dont exactly know what I need to do, but I agree with your last statement, about the shining parts. But Virginia is **** about car laws; in general everything is illegal, but no one enforces it.

Jan 31, 2004

kyle4583

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basically, if the follow that law, u cannot get an inspection sticker if you modify the car in a manner that could possibly limit your safety or the safety of others.

Jan 31, 2004

jwalker87

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so its all a matter of the guy who inspects its' opinon?

Jan 31, 2004

kyle4583

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^^ depends how strict the individual is

Jan 31, 2004

kyle4583

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up here, there are some inspection stations that will let you get away with anything

Jan 31, 2004

jwalker87

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i know the guy we take it to to get an inspection, so I'll ask him about it.

Jan 31, 2004

sw388integra

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the light is still an oem piece, and it still performs the same function, it should pass with no problems

Jan 31, 2004

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kyle4583

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^u are altering it, therefore it is no longer the same piece of equipment

Jan 31, 2004

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jwalker87

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exactly, but does the person inspecting it 1) know that it's been modified, and 2) if they do the headlight aiming and everything is good, then would they really care?

Jan 31, 2004

#12

kyle4583

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like i said, its up to that persons discretion, 9 times out of 10 if the lights work then your fine

Jan 31, 2004

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jwalker87

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i'll ask him

Jan 31, 2004

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Elite

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just say I got it from honda an OEM part. DO NOT SAY ITS JAPANESE, and make sure it has the amber corners in it

Jan 31, 2004

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gearbox

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Don't worry. The light output is the same, so there's no problem. Keep some amber in there (bulb or corner).

Jan 31, 2004

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jwalker87

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ok; i plan to take out the amber for regular use, but it shouldn't be that hard to put it back in once a year, right?

Jan 31, 2004

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TunedNCivic

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damn, you guys have dot and emissions inspections, we dont have that in SC.

Jan 31, 2004

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jwalker87

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yeah...Virginia is the worst possible state to live in for car enthusiasts

Feb 1, 2004

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twizzx

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Quote:

Originally posted by jwalker87
yeah...Virginia is the worst possible state to live in for car enthusiasts

I think cali is alot worse.

Feb 1, 2004

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Jo_Boo

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The worst thing about California is the emissions laws. EVERYTHING must be CARB certified or you can get a ticket, or worse impounded, but that is rare. Up in the northern part of the state no one gives a crap until you need to get your annual smog check. So far as lights go if there is amber in them they dont care.

Feb 1, 2004

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dKj

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yea cali is prety bad, u can get ticket for just intake or sumthn but most cops around here dont care. but for emissions test im pretty sure youll fail, but ppl will pass you anyway if u know them, or just bribe them so you pass haha.

lil bit o ff topic but wudnt it make sense if any parts that were modified, and lowered emissions to still pass? turbo shud make engine more efficient, and i heard sf kit duz lower emission but it still fails only cuz they look for modifications and fail you just for having it. duznt really make sense. and its not really hazardous to other drivers, still slower than some cars bone stock...just a thought

Feb 1, 2004

#22

eye_see_you

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DOT - Department of Transportation inspection verifies all lights, wipers, horn, emissions or whatever else work properly on a annual basis and differs from state to state just like window tint laws

Feb 1, 2004

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dru106

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What about an aftermarket exhaust? Would that pass emissions?

Feb 1, 2004

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jwalker87

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of course; but i think in VA modifying your exhaust in any way is illegal. Another thing bad about VA is our tint law; 50% on driver and passenger, 35% to the rear of that