Laws/Regulations on red/amber lights

[Hewhois]

Greetings,

I'm sure it varies from state to state, but it is my understanding that in FL at least, the only place a red light can be visible is from the rear and the only place an "always on" amber light can be seen is from the front or sides.

I mention this now, 'cause I have been thinking about getting those LED reflector replacements, but the rear red ones would be seen from the side.

Any thoughts on that?

[lionroyboy]

At least in Virginia, if you add any types of lights which weren't already on your bike from the manufacturer, you're probably breaking a law. Also, if you change the color of a lens or light bulb, you're probably breaking the law. The general title of this law that a police officer would use is "Unapproved Equipment". Part of the law includes this statement: "Unless such lighting device is both covered and unlit, no motor vehicle which is equipped with any lighting device other than lights required or permitted in this article, required or approved by the Superintendent, or required by the federal Department of Transportation shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth". There are other more specific laws in VA which govern lighting equipment and the color of lights, but this is the first one I could find! I imagine that other states have similar laws. Being a former police officer, I can tell you that it's unlikely that an officer would stop you for having unapproved lighting equipment on your bike, because they usually have better things to do. However, they could charge you if they wanted to! Also, if you plan on riding out of your state, you can be held accountable for other states' laws, even if your bike is legal in your state!