Headlight Modulator Not Legal In PA

[SGTBORING]

Was not sure which thread would be best for this topic.

At my local BMW dealer (that rymes with PansAM)my bike almost failed its yealry PA Inspection, because I have a Headlight Modulator installed. It the modulator is the plug in type that works on high beam with a daylight sensor so it does not work in the dark. on my bill it said:

"Can not have flashing lights! Only allowed on emergency vehicles! Must be returned to factory setup or this bike will not pass future inspections."

Addtionally I was told at the counter that technically my auxilery motto lights were also not legal or my brake light modulator.

What gives? It say DOT on my headlight modulator. If this is true it is funny that a state theat has no helmet law worrys about a flashing headlight.

I called another BMW Dealer in another part of the State (that rymes germeys) and spoke to the inspection machnanic and he stated "We sell them and install them and they are legal in all states"

Whos is right?

 

[tommcgee]

They're legal in all 50 states. Follow the link from this page for a copy of the law: http://www.kisantech.com/regulations.php

 

[testinglogin]

Headlight modulators are indeed legal in all 50 states and all over Canada. I'd stick with that second dealership; they were all very nice there when I visited.

BTW: Even if the motolights aren't DOT approved, you can say they are for "off-road" use, like some foglights attached to cages. One of the newer Jeep vehicles has roof-mounted lights (built in) and they are not legal on-road, but they still pass inspection. They may be correct about the tail light modulator (though I'm not 100% sure on that), but I still run one and find it REALLY helps. For that, you could always disconnect it until after the test is over.

 

[wsteinborn]

Your dealership is half an ass.

Federal law says a modulated headlight (not flashing) is legal.

No so, for flashing brake lights.

Did they say why the motolights weren't legal?

 

[k9gromit]

. on my bill it said:
"Can not have flashing lights! Only allowed on emergency vehicles! Must be returned to factory setup or this bike will not pass future inspections."

So they passed it this time but put it in writing that it really should have failed? Sounds like a poor business practice to me. If it were a real "illegal" issue, the folks who certify inspectors might be interested in the"reasoning" behind this decision.