California Do's & Dont's

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

I ordered some clear side markers for my slk55 and was wondering on its legality in California (what else did you expect given my profession). Read some secondary sources which said yes, others no. Found this site and thought it might be interesting for those in California. Some are obvious no no's (like tinted front windows, front license plate, etc). Thought I'd share.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/streetlegal.html

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

CA vehicle code if anyone is interested for side markers. 25106 & 24003

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25106.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24003.htm

Ikarus · 07-17-2008

I don't see anything in the code that prohibits the housing of the side lamps in the front to be clear, as long as the lamps themselves emit an amber light.

**UK-C200** · 07-17-2008

Yeah, I'm reading it the same way. I also like the "if present" bit - I'd assume that means that removing them completely would be legal!

**etyu** · 07-17-2008

That's how I "interpret" it also, the housing can be clear as long as the lamp or light bulb emits an amber light (in my case, more yellow than orange). I had this set-up in the prior 280 for about 18 months and now 12 months on the 55 and not one instance of the CHP or other law enforcement agency questioning the side markers.

BTW, hairypet55, are you free this Saturday afternoon/evening? http://www.slkworld.com/mb-events/67...drive-pch.html

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

I read the vehicle code and here's my take. Not sure if it’s correct, but in short, if your vehicle came with side makers, then those side markers have to be amber. The CVC uses the term amber side "lamp." I haven't looked thought the entire CVC to look for a clear definition of "lamp" but if you take "lamp" to mean bulb, then you should be able to have clear markers so long as the blub (ie lamp) inside is amber or emits an amber light. However, I don't think this is the correct interpretation as other sections do use the terms "bulb" and even VC 25106 mentions the "light source" being separate from the lamp. So if the drafters meant an amber bulb they would likely have used the term bulb and not lamp. Poorly drafted, yes, but my guess is that lamp means the entire lighting unit or device (as used in VC 24003), which would likely mean the bulb and the lens/maker need to the amber. I think practically so long as the bulb is amber you’re likely OK but I think the CVC is vague enough that an officer having a bad day and nothing else to do can likely give you a ticket….........

Tslick · 07-17-2008

The way I look at it, clear side marker covers are allowable in CA as long as it meets the amber lamp specification. BMW, AUDI, VW, etc. sell them new and used. A lamp is the illuminating source. including the amplifier (reflector).

The BMW side marker cover (clear) is not faceted to redirect and amplify the light.

**etyu** · 07-17-2008

The OEM sidemarker is amber/orange in color but the light bulb underneath it is not quite amber, closer to the color temp of the non-xenon OEM headlamps.

hairypet55, can you make it this Saturday?

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

Thanks for the invite etyu...i'm checking for conflicts with the boss (G

for sat. The drive sounds great.

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

Sorry, not sure how the happy face got into my post??????

**webslinger** · 07-17-2008

I strongly doubt you're going to be pulled over for the amber side markers as long as the bulbs are amber. The officer is going to have to *know* that it didn't come that way from the factory- a challenge as more cars are out there with clear lenses for the back and sides now.

You're going to have to be causing a lot more trouble (really speeding, burning tires etc) to get written up for it. If it comes down to them writing you up for just the lenses *assuming* it could be illegal, consider yourself lucky.

They probably did it just to get you for something as they couldn't get you for what they really wanted.

/my car doesn't have the front plate or bracket installed

**SLKCop** · 07-17-2008

Hi there, Hairypet55. We had this discussion in another thread a few weeks ago. Refer to this link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-disc...html#post74437

**SLKCop** · 07-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

I don't see anything in the code that prohibits the housing of the side lamps in the front to be clear, as long as the lamps themselves emit an amber light.

According to section 25106(a), the lamps are not required to be amber. The statute indicates lighted white or amber. So even clear lenses with white bulbs/lamps would be legal.

**-1-** · 07-17-2008

Live on the edge, go with the clear side marker lights. I feel confident with the amber emitting bulbs, you'll be in compliance.

hairypet55 · 07-17-2008

Living on the edge.....I might even stoping taking my vitamins....HAHA.

Ikarus · 07-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKCop

The statute indicates lighted white or amber. So even clear lenses with white bulbs/lamps would be legal.

I'm afraid not. It gives you the choice for the cowl or fender lamps in the front. For the ones "on the side near the front", 25106(a) clearly says they must be amber (if present).

**SLKCop** · 07-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

I'm afraid not. It gives you the choice for the cowl or fender lamps in the front. For the ones "on the side near the front", 25106(a) clearly says they must be amber (if present).

Ikarus, love ya man, but I have to disagree with you on this one. 25106(a) only states that a vehicle may not be equipped with more than one amber light.

The intent, I believe, of that statute is to prohibit multiple sources of amber lights on the front sides of vehicles. You can have white or amber, but if you have amber, you cannot have more than one.

Has anyone checked California case law for clarification on this? We can all interpret it all day long by reading and analyzing the statute, but unless a judge has made a ruling on it, it's still up for grabs [so to speak].

IIIMBPIII · 07-18-2008

I've been driving around with them for a long time now it was the first thing I did to my car. Being a younger driver I have been pulled over many times for exhaust and tints but nothing has ever been said about the reflectors or how low the car is funny enough. Even when I would get the fix it tickets signed off on and they would walk around the car it was never even brought up! I saw go with it worse comes to worse you get a $10 ticket and you swap back.

Ikarus · 07-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKCop

The intent, I believe, of that statute is to prohibit multiple sources of amber lights on the front sides of vehicles. You can have white or amber...

How can they be white? It seems 25106(b) is pretty clear about this not being permitted:

Quote:

(b) Lamps meeting requirements established by the department for side-marker or combination clearance and side-marker lamps may be installed on the sides of vehicles at any location, but any lamp installed within 24 inches of the rear of the vehicle shall be red, and any lamp installed at any other location shall be amber.

**UK-C200** · 07-18-2008

Louisiana law is ever more vague, but I've just had my car pass state inspection with clear sides and amber (sliver) bulbs. Guy didn't even notice as nearly as I could tell - but he was more interested in seeing the top go up and down..

I've passed loads of cops in Texas and Louisiana, and so far not had any problems. I suspect as others have said that this might be something that a cop would add to a ticket if he did you for something else. Then again, I'm a bit past being able to look young, so that may help as well....

07-17-2008	#1 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	California Do's & Dont's I ordered some clear side markers for my slk55 and was wondering on its legality in California (what else did you expect given my profession). Read some secondary sources which said yes, others no. Found this site and thought it might be interesting for those in California. Some are obvious no no's (like tinted front windows, front license plate, etc). Thought I'd share. http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/streetlegal.html

07-17-2008	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	That's how I "interpret" it also, the housing can be clear as long as the lamp or light bulb emits an amber light (in my case, more yellow than orange). I had this set-up in the prior 280 for about 18 months and now 12 months on the 55 and not one instance of the CHP or other law enforcement agency questioning the side markers. BTW, hairypet55, are you free this Saturday afternoon/evening? http://www.slkworld.com/mb-events/67...drive-pch.html __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-17-2008	#8 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	The OEM sidemarker is amber/orange in color but the light bulb underneath it is not quite amber, closer to the color temp of the non-xenon OEM headlamps. hairypet55, can you make it this Saturday? __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-17-2008	#12 (permalink)
SLKCop Click it or Ticket! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Burleson, Texas Vehicle: Black/Black 2002 SLK-230 Kompressor [6MT] Other Toys: 2007 Toyota Tundra Posts: 363 Country: Thanks: 81 Thanked 101 Times in 56 Posts	Hi there, Hairypet55. We had this discussion in another thread a few weeks ago. Refer to this link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-disc...html#post74437 __________________ Mike 2002 Black SLK-230 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-17-2008	#14 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Live on the edge, go with the clear side marker lights. I feel confident with the amber emitting bulbs, you'll be in compliance. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

07-17-2008	#2 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	CA vehicle code if anyone is interested for side markers. 25106 & 24003 http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25106.htm http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24003.htm

07-17-2008	#3 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 596 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 40 Times in 20 Posts	I don't see anything in the code that prohibits the housing of the side lamps in the front to be clear, as long as the lamps themselves emit an amber light.

07-17-2008	#4 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 576 Country: Thanks: 37 Thanked 124 Times in 78 Posts	Yeah, I'm reading it the same way. I also like the "if present" bit - I'd assume that means that removing them completely would be legal!

07-17-2008	#6 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	I read the vehicle code and here's my take. Not sure if it’s correct, but in short, if your vehicle came with side makers, then those side markers have to be amber. The CVC uses the term amber side "lamp." I haven't looked thought the entire CVC to look for a clear definition of "lamp" but if you take "lamp" to mean bulb, then you should be able to have clear markers so long as the blub (ie lamp) inside is amber or emits an amber light. However, I don't think this is the correct interpretation as other sections do use the terms "bulb" and even VC 25106 mentions the "light source" being separate from the lamp. So if the drafters meant an amber bulb they would likely have used the term bulb and not lamp. Poorly drafted, yes, but my guess is that lamp means the entire lighting unit or device (as used in VC 24003), which would likely mean the bulb and the lens/maker need to the amber. I think practically so long as the bulb is amber you’re likely OK but I think the CVC is vague enough that an officer having a bad day and nothing else to do can likely give you a ticket….........

07-17-2008	#7 (permalink)
Tslick Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Long Beach, Ca Vehicle: SLK32 AMG Posts: 1,326 Country: Thanks: 74 Thanked 56 Times in 29 Posts	The way I look at it, clear side marker covers are allowable in CA as long as it meets the amber lamp specification. BMW, AUDI, VW, etc. sell them new and used. A lamp is the illuminating source. including the amplifier (reflector). The BMW side marker cover (clear) is not faceted to redirect and amplify the light.

07-17-2008	#9 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks for the invite etyu...i'm checking for conflicts with the boss (G for sat. The drive sounds great.

07-17-2008	#10 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	Sorry, not sure how the happy face got into my post??????

07-17-2008	#11 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 549 Country: Thanks: 22 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	I strongly doubt you're going to be pulled over for the amber side markers as long as the bulbs are amber. The officer is going to have to know that it didn't come that way from the factory- a challenge as more cars are out there with clear lenses for the back and sides now. You're going to have to be causing a lot more trouble (really speeding, burning tires etc) to get written up for it. If it comes down to them writing you up for just the lenses assuming it could be illegal, consider yourself lucky. They probably did it just to get you for something as they couldn't get you for what they really wanted. /my car doesn't have the front plate or bracket installed

07-17-2008	#15 (permalink)
hairypet55 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Cal. Vehicle: slk55 Posts: 44 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	Living on the edge.....I might even stoping taking my vitamins....HAHA.

07-18-2008	#18 (permalink)
IIIMBPIII SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 29 Times in 8 Posts	I've been driving around with them for a long time now it was the first thing I did to my car. Being a younger driver I have been pulled over many times for exhaust and tints but nothing has ever been said about the reflectors or how low the car is funny enough. Even when I would get the fix it tickets signed off on and they would walk around the car it was never even brought up! I saw go with it worse comes to worse you get a $10 ticket and you swap back.

07-18-2008	#20 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 576 Country: Thanks: 37 Thanked 124 Times in 78 Posts	Louisiana law is ever more vague, but I've just had my car pass state inspection with clear sides and amber (sliver) bulbs. Guy didn't even notice as nearly as I could tell - but he was more interested in seeing the top go up and down.. I've passed loads of cops in Texas and Louisiana, and so far not had any problems. I suspect as others have said that this might be something that a cop would add to a ticket if he did you for something else. Then again, I'm a bit past being able to look young, so that may help as well....

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