VA Lighting Laws?

[grubb]

I'm looking at getting some new lighting (LED lightbars and pods), and I've been reading up on VA lighting laws, but I wanted to know everybody else's experience. Has anybody run into trouble with lightbars or pods and their locations, either while being pulled over or during your state inspection?

[turnbull]

I'll tell you what Campus Auto told me when I got my TJ inspected with KC Daylighters, although I don't exactly trust their judgement. They said that auxillary lighting is perfectly fine if they turn off when you use high beams (an example would be fog lights). If they don't turn off with high beams (my Daylighters had a separate switch for example), then the lights must be covered. This is what is required for inspection, and I believe the state law is exactly the same.

However, I have never seen a covered LED light bar, and I used to drive around a lot without my covers on because people will steal them in this town, even though they are worth almost nothing. I have never been pulled over without light covers. As far as people with LED light bars go, I can't say but maybe they just cover them up when they get them inspected and then immediately remove the covers (or maybe they just wire them up to turn off with the high beams). I have even seen one guy drive during dusk with only his light bar on, so perhaps light bars fall under different laws than with incandescent aux lighting (after all, you can drive around with fog lights on), or maybe that guy is just an idiot.

[BadAssEddie]

It is also my understanding that what Gabe said is correct. I wired my light bar into my high beam circuit. I usually take to reading the Virginia statues on the matter at hand to sort through all the redneck bullshit people say. I have done so before and that's my interpretation on the matter. I'd suggest go reading it for yourself.

I have never had any issues whatsoever with lighting on any of my vehicles for what it's worth as well, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Bacwds]

I was told by a trooper 2ish years ago that as long as you dont have more than 4 lights on (ex: 2 headlights/2 foglights) then you are legal, i was also told that a law had just passed at the time that offroad lights no longer had to have covers on them as long as they were not being used on a state highway. This was all told to me by a trooper who stopped me for window tint, (twice) i had hella 1000's that were uncovered at the time so i made sure to ask him the laws on them.

[turnbull]

I have also heard the 4 lights rule as well, and apparently high beams count as 4 (which is why the fog lights shut off). However, there is probably a lumens/wattage requirement as well, because I doubt it is legal for me to drive around with just my Daylighters on, even if they only count as 2 or 4 lights. At the same time, I believe fog lights are considered auxiliary lights but are legal to have on.

Unfortunately even reliable sources can be unreliable though. Campus Auto said what they said, and the state trooper said what he said, but that doesn't mean that is definitely the case. I know a guy who was told that it was ok to have his license plate in the windshield of his car by one cop only to get a ticket for the same reason by another cop. I have also heard of circumstances of cops in Virginia attempting to arrest an individual younger than 21 for open carrying a handgun when the age limit is actually 18. I have even asked a cop at a gun show what the legal age for open carry is in VA, and he said 21, even though that is incorrect.

I agree with Alec that you should see if you can find the VA statute concerning this if you want truly accurate info.

[BadAssEddie]

Moral of the story is that cops don't know dick oftentimes and should not be consulted for legal matters. Even the VSP website says they will not give out legal advice or provide interpretation on laws, but they will sure arrest you on foggy circumstance.

[toycoma]

Lights above the headlights have to be covered unless offroad. You can have 6 lights total on the front of the vehicle including the 2 headlights. State inspection require all the lights below the headlights work for a sticker or be removed. The reason I know because I am a state inspector.

[grubb]

What constitutes a cover? i.e. how redneck do you think I can get in skating by? Like do I need fancy ones or could I get away with duct taping cardboard over them?

[toycoma]

Depending on the shop. Yes sometimes you can get away with the redneck duct tape. If they are easy to remove for an inspection that's always the better no questions asked way 2 do it. As for riding around with them uncovered in town that all depends on the cop. I have a 54 inch light bar on my truck but it's "below" my headlights so I don't need a cover on it at all. Uncovered lights are also a "secondary" ticket so legally it can't be the reason the cop pulled you over. A lift ticket is also a "secondary" ticket. Hope that helps some

[redneckrapunzel]

just from personal experience Ive had lights above my headlights for the last 3 years here and never had an issue once. Ive talked to mulitple cops while near or in my jeep and they have never said a thing to me about not having covers. I would say it is most likely a inspection thing that they would fail you for.

[grubb]

Gonna piggyback off this thread instead of making a new one. Does anybody know the legalities of flying full size (3x5) flags off your vehicle?

[BadAssEddie]

I don't know, but you'll look like a tool neither way.

[grubb]

I just said screw it and strapped an American flag to the jeep for memorial day.

[redneckrapunzel]

'Merica

[Jeeper52]

for the covers, i think somewhere in the code it says it cant be like super temporary aka duct tape. thats what campus auto said to me at least