Question for the LEO's

[Jschwilk]

When I had Expo that was built for shows I had some flashers in the headlights that flashed clear and amber. So at shows I could turn them on and attract attention to the truck. My question is 2 things. I want to put amber flashers in my backup lights and my front blinkers to use them as hazzard lights, is that legal? Can I pull on the side of the road with the flashing ambers? I mean the ones that alternate you know like flash real fast 3 times on the left then 3 times on the right and so on. My next question is if there is something wrong can you drive with them on like you would your hazzard lights? Or can you only use those types of flashers off-road like at shows. I have seen construction guys have them installed when they are working on the side or stoped but never saw anyone driving with them.

Now the question that will get some reaction. Let me just state this first. I AM NOT NOR WILL EVER try to impersonate an officer! This would be for show only, in parking lots at truck shows and so on. Is it illegal to have (not to use, I know that) but just to have them, red and blue flashers on your vehicle. For instanst, I think it would be cool at a truck show to have red and blue flashers in the headlights to atract attention BUT I would wirer it to where when you turn the key they will not work, so I could not drive with them on. Basically can I get in trouble if I got pulled over and the cop saw the UNLITE flashers in my headlights? I know I would have to explain it but as long as I do not use them on the highway are they legal to own?

Thanks
Jim

[weweld]

The amber lights I'm not sure of but the red and blue in the headlights could get you in real trouble if they can be seen from the front of the vehicle. Stobes are a no except in emergency or construction equipment. Just what I've been told.

CHEF GENE

[PITBULL62]

Jim, I posted something similar over on TDS.com. Except I wanted to use the clear flashers. Got lots of responses. And just like you I wanted to be extra visible when pulled off to the side of the road. Not to be used while driving. You know how it goes, some were 'yes' and some were 'no'. Now, I have my own opinion about the CHP, so I'll try to not sound tooo mean. I know they have a tough job to do and do it well. I was trying to ask a CHP officer about the 'strobes' when he stopped me dead in my tracks by saying "nope, nope, nope...no strobes whatsoever". It could have just been this one officers "likes/dislikes" spur of the moment answer. I still dont know the answer. There is a website that shows all the california codes. If you can decipher thru them let me know! Oh and about the red and blue strobes Im almost certain that it is a no no. Unless they dont see it. What they cant see cant hurt you right? I wouldnt wanna get caught with them red/blue strobes on tho
!

[PITBULL62]

The amber lights I'm not sure of but the red and blue in the headlights could get you in real trouble if they can be seen from the front of the vehicle.

You're right about that. I once got a stern warning about removing a blue wind deflector. He said it looked like a blue light coming down the road. How stupid is that?

[Jschwilk]

I wouldn't ever dream of turning them on while on a public highway just because I wouldn't want the trouble. I am just afraid of having someone see them while they were in the off possition.

Jim

[PITBULL62]

Shouldnt show if they are the LED type.

[mike100]

The alternating flashing headlights seems to get attention. This is wired thru a relay to only light one side then the other alternatingly (brights, or both beams I think), as you have no doubt seen when getting in front of emergency vehicles. There is no special outward appearance to tip anybody off. I think you would need to order a wiring kit thru a emergency equipment supplier or go to a websight for converted cop cars that the gov't auctions off. They usually leave all that stuff in the cars when they get sold.

[PITBULL62]

www.whelen.com