Calling all lawyers

Are the OEM TRD Pro grill light bars legal and compliant? Obviously they are intended to be used off road and are probably classified as an auxiliary light. I know the light bar is wired to only work with the high beam activated and there is an independent switch to allow it to function. If anything shouldn't OEM auxiliary high beam lamps be covered when not in use?

 

As a non lawyer, I can tell you that it will vary state to state.

So if you’re interested in a state specific answer maybe name the state in question.

 

It's ok. People in Southern California will have light bars and ditch lights on full blast at all hours of the day. Never seen them at night though.

 

Do they have DOT markings on them?

 

Google "Elantra N exhaust noise ticket" if you want to get an idea of what happens when OEM equipment runs afoul of local regulations.

I suspect that the OEM light bar won't get anyone in trouble anywhere, as long as you aren't using it in town.

 

I just want an actual lawyer to show up to this topic.

 

You'll need fifty. One for each state. Keep in mind Toyota's legal department is bigger than any dealer's parking lot. There's no way they are building vehicles that aren't legal.


In the meantime, here's Idaho's law on auxiliary lights. It seems that a grill light needs to be less than 42" high. I can't imagine Toyota building trucks with illegal lighting.

TITLE 49
MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 9
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
49-918. Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps. (1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) spot lamps, and each lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used upon approaching another vehicle that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle nor more than one hundred (100) feet ahead of the vehicle.

(2) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) fog lamps mounted on the front, at a height not less than twelve (12) inches nor more than thirty (30) inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet ahead project higher than a level of four (4) inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting these requirements may be used with lower head lamp beams as specified in section 49-922(2), Idaho Code.

(3) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than twenty-four (24) inches nor more than forty-two (42) inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of section 49-922, Idaho Code, shall apply to any combination of head lamps and auxiliary passing lamps.

(4) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than sixteen (16) inches nor more than forty-two (42) inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of section 49-922, Idaho Code, shall apply to any combination of head lamps and auxiliary driving lamps.

 

The only thing I'm wondering is does the light bar need a cover to be compliant?

Pontiac sold G8s with noncompliant taillights something about no rear red reflector, GM also sold trucks that had noncompliant cab lights something about the center 3 lights not resembling 3 separate lamps, something that has been changed.


IMO the switch is as good as any cover for disabling the light bar, Toyota's light bar does have a dark appearance so it blends into the grill.

No idea if the bar is a DOT stamped item, I would pressume it is, the bar could meet all optics required by law, I have no idea. This also has me wondering about the EV style DRL that covers the front of vehicles it's one big crazy DRL coming down the road, is that a car or something else? It's a single lamp.

I'm trying to recall vehicles I have seen with OEM auxiliary lighting tied to the high beam and if those lamps came equipped with covers or not.

 

If it's OEM, that indicates a 99.999999999% certainty it's legal as is.

 

I'm long out of hands on fleet management but know the amber clearance lights come from a federal spec far removed from makers or people putting them in grilles. Title 49 IIRC, and it is a requirement for width and height. Some of our current tall vans need them and not just the Class 7-8 trucks. If a pickup comes with the lights I would guess there is compliance even if no need.

To me it is all kind of goofy and sometimes overkill but I come from purposely not wanting to stand out when driving, and my Tacoma is a pickup. My Kenworth was a real truck. I also keep in mind the stories and opinions of our 2nd shift police sergeant friend, and all the incidents our LP and security staff record at our stores for more reasons to not stand out.

Have fun with it if you wish, and be polite when you have out of spec lights!

 

Sorry, can't stop laughing... For a lawyer to give free advice

 

Who gives a shit.

 

There is a thread that...

 

Every state is going to vary in whether or not they enforce the laws that exist.

 

They’re legal. I saw it in the internet, so it must be true!

 

I mean, if someone wants to challenge it then you get to end up like Tesla who slaps on the LED bar and tells the owner to do the wiring. Or none at all.

 

i am not a lawyer but i just walked outside and there are no markings on it at all. could be on the housing maybe but nothing on the actual clear plastic "lens".

i use it in when pulling into my neighborhood at night so i don't accidentally run over some of my fucking moron neighbors that walk around in the middle of the street.

 

Since they’re not bright whatsoever, you’ll be fine.