TexasCHLforum.com

cb1000rider wrote:

winters wrote: I ride a Honda vfr I already get grouped into the sport bike category by anyone who knows nothing about motorcycles which is quite a large percentage of the population.

Count me in as part of that population. In a pinch, you might talk me into sport-touring, but it's on the sportbike side...

Count me in as part of that population as well, oh and the Manufacture of the VFR http://powersports.honda.com/street/sport.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As well as by anyone who knows anything about motorcycles which is quite a large percentage of the population

Previous to this thread it had never occurred to me to install LED under body lighting on my bike.
I find myself wanting a set now........ Just to see what the ticket will say when I politely decline to turn them off..


I won't clutter up my bike, so lights are out.... But like a no plastic gas tank on street bikes issue we had in the Pacific North West years ago where a few select LEO's were making up the rules as they went based on personal opinion (not maliciously, just allowed a personal opinion to guide there ticket writing) When we finally got a real citation in hand vs warning, threatened impoundments, the quoted violation was was not actually covered in the code cited.. Two trips to court later (LEO did not show up to the first one) and it was all over. Citation dismissed and the group of LEO's involved were admonished to not cite riders for this non existent infraction.

I would love to see any actual ticket given for under body lights on a motorcycle and the code violated referenced. I don't want to antagonize law enforcement, but like any other code or law being misinterpreted and wrongly enforced (if it is, I'm still not sure it may not be a Grey enough area for the citation to be written and left to a judge to decide)... It only changes if someone makes the effort.

Transportation code in hand as we speak.... I have to go see DPS on another issue today.. I'll solicit opinions of a trooper or two while I'm there.

gemini wrote:

RPBrown wrote:Although not specifically spelled out as illegal by state law, some cities may have adopted specific ordanances against them.

I do have them on my bike but only use them when parked. Got stopped a while back, no ticket just a warning.

Where were you, and did the officer tell you they were illegal, or he just didn't like your bike (J/K)? Like, maybe he is
burning rice and is jealous of a beautiful V-Twin?

So much for your stereotype



V twin, burns rice

And to me it reads as they provide a loop whole for LEO's to decide them self’s and let the courts figure it out..

Some would take this to mean that if the lamp is not required under Texas law, nor fits an exception, then it is prohibited, particularly if it can be shown as a distraction to other drivers or a driving hazard.

Keith B wrote:

WildBill wrote:

Keith B wrote:Here is a FAQ from the DPS that tries to address the issue but doesn't clarify the legality. See question 10 http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/msbfaqs.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is a very interesting answer to the question.

Yeah. I read it to say that unless the lighting is factory equipment, per the state law it is not allowed, but federal it is. I think the real answer links back to my original post that the officer can make the discretionary call that the lighting is a distraction to other drivers and can have the motorcycle rider turn it off. As for a citation, they might have a hard time making a ticket stick, but they can hassle you and make you take it to court.

Here is a similar response that was supposedly sent to someone from the DPS PIO (Public Information Officer) about this http://www.oznium.com/forum/topic4154" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Kinda states the issue about having to prove it was not illegal in court.

I am NOT A LEO..
And I would also appreciate one or more of our local LEO's weighing in..

Thanks.

This is what I understand to be true and would like to hear if it's not..
The guiding reg would be Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 547, Vehicle Equipment.
The passage specific to your question ( as I understand it)

Sec. 547.305. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF LIGHTS. (a) A motor vehicle lamp or illuminating device, other than a headlamp, spotlamp, auxiliary lamp, turn signal lamp, or emergency vehicle or school bus warning lamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower shall be directed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the roadway at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.(b) Except as expressly authorized by law, a person may not operate or move equipment or a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, with a lamp or device that displays a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the equipment or vehicle.(c) A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a red, white, or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating light unless the equipment is:(1) used as specifically authorized by this chapter; or(2) a running lamp, headlamp, taillamp, backup lamp, or turn signal lamp that is used as authorized by law.

LED's typically used on a motorcycle are not brighter then 300 CP, do not project a beam more then 75 feet, do not flash, are not RED AND displayed from the front center of the bike. ie, they are not in direct violation of this sec of the transportation code. IANAL however.