From: jfh@netcom.com (Jack Hamilton)
Subject: Re: @*^#*$%## California -- what color reflectors CAN one use?
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Distribution: ba
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 19:56:51 GMT

From my copy of the vehicle code (10989, so things may have changed):

Use of Reflectoring Material   25500

(a) Area reflectorizing material may be displayed on any vehicle, provided:
the color red is not displayed on the front; designs do not tend to distort
the length or width of the vehicle; and designs do not resemble official
traffic control devices, except that alternate striping resembling a
barricade pattern may be used. 


Turn Signal Lamps   24953

(a) Any turn signal system used to give a signal of intention to turn left
or right shall project a flashing white or amber light visible to the
front and a flashing red or amber light visible to the rear. 


Deceleration Warning Lights   25251.5

(a) Any motor vehicle may also be equipped with a system in which an amber
light is center mounted on the rear of a vehicle to communicate a  component
of deceleration of the vehicle, and which light pulses in a controlled
fashion at a rate which varies exponentially with a component of
deceleration.


Flashing Lights   25250

Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as otherwise permitted.


Permitted Flashing Lights   25251

(a) Flashing lights are permitted on vehicles as follows: 

(1) [turn signals]
(2) [blinkers when disabled or parked near the road]
(3) [hazard lights while moving]
(4) [emergency vehicles]
(5) [funeral processions]


Motorcycles: Headlamp Flasher   25251.2

ANy motocycle may be eqipped with a means of modulating the upper beam of
the headlamp between a high and a lower brightness at a rate of 200 to 280
flashes per minute.  Such headlamps shall not be so modulated during
darkness.


Taillamps Which Remain Lighted   24253

(a) All motor vehicles manufactured and first registered after January 1,
1970 shall be equipped so all taillamps are capable of remaining lighted
for a period of at least one quarter hour with the engine inoperative.
This requirement shall be complied with by an energy storing system which
is recharged by energy produced by the vehicle.

(b) [similar requirement for motorcycles with starting date 01 Jan 72.]


Lighted Parking Lamps   24800

No vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted
except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the
headlamps are also lighted.   [This one doesn't have anything to do with
motorcycles; I included it because I am amazed by the number of people who
violate this law.]


Headlamps on Motorcycles Manufactured AFter 1978   25650.5

[Says that motorcycles made after January 1, 1978 must have a headlight
which is always on when the motor is running.]


Color of Lamps and Reflectors   25950

[Complicated section.  Basically, white or yellow lamps and reflectors to the 
front, red or amber reflectors to the rear, except white backup lights, and 
then this paragraph:]

All lamps and reflectors visible from the front, sides, or rear of a
vehicle, except headlamps, may have any unlighted color, provided the
emitted light from all lamps or reflected lights from all reflectors
complies with the required color.  [other stuff]

[This seems to conflict with the first one I listed above, which says you
can use any colors.]



-- 

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Jack Hamilton   jfh@netcom.com   P. O. Box 281107   SF, CA   94128-1107
Newsgroups: ba.motorcycles