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I don't believe that's correct for the USA (archive)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E46) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Posted by DG2 on February 18, 2001 at 23:29:28:

In Reply to: as long as the bulbs are amber... you are good posted by Rich on February 18, 2001 at 22:42:34:

While amber bulbs with clears MAY keep you from getting pulled over, and practically speaking there should be no safety problem, the fact is that the lenses are ONLY legal if they are U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) approved. The "factory" clears that some cars have are DOT approved. There may be a few instances where you can buy DOT approved replacement clear lenses. For the most part, they aren't DOT approved, it seems. This means that they aren't legal in any state.

That doesn't mean you are going to get stopped are are going to get a ticket. But it means that you are running some degree of risk, depending on the enforcement attitude where you live. Generally, it seems like people can get away with a lot of technical violations and never have a problem (such as no front license plate in states that require them). But it can also give the police an excuse to stop you where they would otherwise leave you alone.

Any DOT approved lens will have "DOT" stamped on it somewhere. It's usually pretty easy to find. I had to look for a while on my factory HID "xenons", however. With those, the "DOT" is located on the top of the lens. You have to open the hood to find it, and look carefully.


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