hi, i am thinking of these for my next project. i really am not sure if these are illegal to think Bicycles has them. Im thinking of connecting it to the 3rd brake light and install them at each corners levelling to the 3rd brake.
Lights can wig wag back and forth or all 16 leds stay on with the halogen strobe flashing on top (if you do not want the halogen bulb strobing, then snip the wire and remove that bulb)
what do you think of these? i can get them in red.
I've started to add/modify lighting for my Element, and because I'm planning to visit most of the states in the US during the next couple years, I spent a great deal of time checking out what can and can't be done legally in each state.
Federal law, which takes precedence over state law if there is a conflict, permits the addition of more brake, maker or turn signal lamps - however -
1. The original lamps can't be modified and must use DOT/SAE approved components.
2. Additional lamps must match the originals in color and function.
3. Placement must comply with the original Federal requirements.
4. States and municipalities
can and frequently do put additional restrictions on auxiliary lighting. For example, some require
all auxiliary lights to bear SAE/DOT numbers for their on-road applications.
Basically, you can add red brake/stop lights, but their flashing has to be in sync with the originals and they can't be mounted higher than the 3rd brake lamp. Wig-wagging is
not permitted because it is considered to obscure the operation of the original lamps. Red or blue lamps that flash faster than standard turn signals are reserved by all states for emergency vehicles.
Your local municipality or state may not enforce the Federal laws, but if you drive or sell a vehicle that doesn't comply with the Federal laws into another state the fines can be pretty hefty. It isn't unusual for a vehicle pulled over for non-compliant lamps to be inspected for other violations, and the inconvenience in returning to that area to prove compliance (all states cooperate in enforcing this) can be considerable.
IMHO, if you wire the added lamps in parallel with the 3rd brake lamp, and so they don't strobe, you should be ok installing them in the upper corners of the rear window.