Date:         Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:43:41 -0700
Reply-To:     John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reflectors on back of van
In-Reply-To:  <010301c5d063$f5efcb80$657ba8c0@MAIN>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> I was once pulled over in my Chevy van for the reverse lights being on
> while
> driving (the neutral switch was misaligned). The deputy told my that the
> only 'white light' that was allowed to be visible from the rear of the
> vehicle was the one for the license plate. He said they caused people to
> think they were about to get in a head-on and start flying all over the
> place to avoid it.
> He let me go with a 'warning' when I jiggled the shifter and they went
> out,
> and I fixed it the next day.
>
> This was in Cali, btw. So I wonder if there are different standards for
> trucks and autos and what they might be, etc.
>

Lights and reflectors are covered by different rules. In California at
least, the only regulations on reflective material are:
--------------------------------------------------------------
 Use of Reflectorizing 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.

No vehicle shall be equipped with area reflectorizing material contrary to
these provisions.

--------------------------------------------------------------

I can't imagine other states are that far different