State Vehicle Modification Laws

Coreyoliseffect · 04-08-12, 09:52 PM

I have been Googling around trying to find a decent site that lists the SC state laws for vehicle modifications. I have an idea of something that I want to do with my vehicle but I want to be sure that it is legal before I do it. I understand that if it is questionable that I probably shouldn't do it. Thanks for your concern ahead of time.

Along with the possible vehicle mod I have some other laws that I would like to review. Anyone have a suggestion on a site that I can go to?

Or, if there is anyone that is law enforcement that wouldn't mind answering a few questions I would be pleased to hear from you. I would prefer someone who is familiar with SC laws specifically. Even an opinion would be nice from someone in the law enforcement field.

Thanks for any help ahead of time!

gregmacknass · 04-08-12, 11:28 PM

Have fun reading
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title56.php

Wathnix · 04-09-12, 05:45 PM

or you could just call the South Carolina DMV and ask.

KonaKona · 04-09-12, 05:56 PM

If there aren't inspections then just don't do anything obnoxious.

shuiends · 04-09-12, 06:48 PM

What are you wanting to do. With no safety or emissions testing you can do just about anything and not get taught.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-09-12, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuiends

What are you wanting to do. With no safety or emissions testing you can do just about anything and not get taught.

I wanted to add blue LEDs that strobe. From what I am thinking though it is a federal offense to even have them installed much less turn them on. It would be a great trick to play on my buddies but the risk seems way to big.

Mandrake4565 · 04-09-12, 08:54 PM

Just remember the more attention you bring to your car, unless you're a perfect driver. The more likely you are to be pulled over. Even if the modification is considered legal.

gregmacknass · 04-09-12, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coreyoliseffect

I wanted to add blue LEDs that strobe. From what I am thinking though it is a federal offense to even have them installed much less turn them on. It would be a great trick to play on my buddies but the risk seems way to big.

Yeah that is felony impersonation of a police officer, and joking or not you can get in a LOT of trouble for it. It is illegal in most (if not all states) to even have blue or red lights (other than red brake lights) installed on your vehicle. So while it might be funny to do, it's not worth the risk of jail.

neonblingbling · 04-10-12, 01:01 AM

Regarding blue lights, does anyone have the exact wording? I've seen several cases where blue lights were on (at least not flashing...) and I thought it was illegal too.

Wathnix · 04-10-12, 08:48 PM

yeah, flashing blue, red or yellow lights are illegal (except turn signals and brake lights) they are reserved for emergency services. Just find another way to prank him.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-11-12, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neonblingbling

Regarding blue lights, does anyone have the exact wording? I've seen several cases where blue lights were on (at least not flashing...) and I thought it was illegal too.

I would like to see the exact wording as well. I would think that this would be covered in a national law rather than a state law as it would/should be illegal in all states. I just cant' find a good site that has the law easily accessible or has it in plain English. The only thing that I have come across is, paraphrased of course: If you are not X, Y, or Z you can't use/have them.

I have personally leaned against even having them because of the possible punishment. Al it would take is the one cop that is not that lenient and it would be some serious jail time. The chances of running into that cop if I got pulled over for this would be, oh say 110% as it should be.

PanteraGSTK · 04-11-12, 08:10 AM

It isn't legal to have strobe lights of any kind on a vehicle no matter the color due to the fact that some people react badly to that type of light and it can cause an accident. Also, some stop lights react to the strobe light effect that emergency services/cops have that will cycle them to green quickly, they don't really want you to trigger that in a personal vehicle. Do a search for state inspection laws and you should be able to find what you're looking for.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-11-12, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanteraGSTK

It isn't legal to have strobe lights of any kind on a vehicle no matter the color due to the fact that some people react badly to that type of light and it can cause an accident. Also, some stop lights react to the strobe light effect that emergency services/cops have that will cycle them to green quickly, they don't really want you to trigger that in a personal vehicle. Do a search for state inspection laws and you should be able to find what you're looking for.

I did not know about the strobe effect changing the light to green.

shuiends · 04-11-12, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coreyoliseffect

I wanted to add blue LEDs that strobe. From what I am thinking though it is a federal offense to even have them installed much less turn them on. It would be a great trick to play on my buddies but the risk seems way to big.

Where did you want to add the blue LED lights? That will be the biggest thing to as if they are legal or not. I would advise though that adding LED's to a car is never a smart idea, it immediately moves you into the ricer category.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coreyoliseffect

I did not know about the strobe effect changing the light to green.

It does not work on all stop lights. Only certain ones, and I do not know if it works on any in SC.

Where in SC do you live?

Diggrr · 04-11-12, 03:10 PM

Meh, I'd find another joke personally.
Just when you think the coast is clear, up jumps Barney Fife wanting to "nip it in the bud".

BTW, I thought SC was an inspection state. It was when I lived on Hilton Head years ago...you could then ask at any inspection approved garage, they have the manuals.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-11-12, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuiends

Where did you want to add the blue LED lights? That will be the biggest thing to as if they are legal or not. I would advise though that adding LED's to a car is never a smart idea, it immediately moves you into the ricer category.

It does not work on all stop lights. Only certain ones, and I do not know if it works on any in SC.

Where in SC do you live?

Well ya see I drive an 03 Crown Vic. White. Not the police package but it looks the same. 2 in front grill. 2 above rear view. Hidden by tint strip. 2 in rear. Hidden by tint. It would look legit and be near impossible to see when off. I did do a proof of theory test with the set that I ordered. What really made me lean towards no was that the tint dampened the LEDs to much. I want it to be perfect since the risk is so huge. To get perfect I would have to spend $$$. Not worth it. Live in the Lexington area. The town would have a field day if/when they caught me.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-11-12, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diggrr

Meh, I'd find another joke personally.
Just when you think the coast is clear, up jumps Barney Fife wanting to "nip it in the bud".

BTW, I thought SC was an inspection state. It was when I lived on Hilton Head years ago...you could then ask at any inspection approved garage, they have the manuals.

We are not an inspection state. The Hilton Head area may be different but I have never had my vehicle inspected.

Once again you are right. Everyone I have mentioned it to says DON'T DO IT. Something tels me they're right.

Xenocide · 04-11-12, 05:19 PM

This is the dumbest idea I have heard, ever.

have fun.

Coreyoliseffect · 04-12-12, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenocide

This is the dumbest idea I have heard, ever.

have fun.

Thanks for your constructive comment.

I know that. That is why I posted this thread more on the basis of trying to get a hold of a copy of laws for my state rather than for this one specific instance. There are other laws that I am interested as well. Such as ground effects which I had thought to be illegal to run while moving but fine in a parked. I have heard some people say different but as always I am skeptical.

Bobnova · 04-12-12, 10:38 AM

I know that forward facing blue or red lights (strobed or not, the PULL OVER NOW light on highway patrol cars does not flash) are illegal in cali. Don't know about the rest of the world.

04-08-12, 09:52 PM	Thread Starter #1
Coreyoliseffect Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Carolina	State Vehicle Modification Laws I have been Googling around trying to find a decent site that lists the SC state laws for vehicle modifications. I have an idea of something that I want to do with my vehicle but I want to be sure that it is legal before I do it. I understand that if it is questionable that I probably shouldn't do it. Thanks for your concern ahead of time. Along with the possible vehicle mod I have some other laws that I would like to review. Anyone have a suggestion on a site that I can go to? Or, if there is anyone that is law enforcement that wouldn't mind answering a few questions I would be pleased to hear from you. I would prefer someone who is familiar with SC laws specifically. Even an opinion would be nice from someone in the law enforcement field. Thanks for any help ahead of time! __________________ Katana \| Zen Master (Retired) \| Banzai Garden 2500K 3.3 GHz \| Q9400(2.66)@3.94GHz \| Core 2 Duo T7500@2.20GHz Gigabyte UD3H \| ASUS P5Q-E(BIOS Rev 2101) \| Ubuntu 10.04 G. Skill Ripjaw 2GB \| OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2 4X2GB \| 3GB DDR2 OCV Vertex 120GB \| Segate Barracuda 1TBX2 R0+1 \| Hitachi 160GB X2 2 Samsung Spinpoint 1TB \| ASUS EAH5870 V2 \| NVidia GeForce 8600M GT MSI Twin Frozor II 6950 \| NVidia GeForce 9800 GTX+ \| 9 Cell Battery Antec 650W PSU \| Cooler Master UPC 700W \| Perpetually Plugged In Stock Cooling \| 5 Blue 120mm Case Fans \| WC Coming Soon \| Swiftech 360 with 3 UHS Panaflos \| Articles: Ubuntu Tweak \| Got Home Brew? \| HWBot \| HEATWARE \| In The Begining \| 91 Honda Civic
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04-08-12, 11:28 PM	#2
gregmacknass Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana	Have fun reading http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title56.php __________________ Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H I7 3770K 4.8 1.42v on water D-TEK Fusion V2 4x2GB OCZ EVGA GTX 295 CO-OP 1.21v 800/1250/1600 EK full cover front and back block Antec EA750 55" Toshiba 55WX800U LED 1080P monitor
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04-09-12, 05:45 PM	#3
Wathnix Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Hamster	or you could just call the South Carolina DMV and ask. __________________ "Beer is how we know God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin. Thermaltake Tsunami case, Q6600 CPU, XFX mobo, 500GB HDD, GTX 460 video card, Corsair 520HX PSU
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04-09-12, 05:56 PM	#4
KonaKona Trashcan Man Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: College?	If there aren't inspections then just don't do anything obnoxious. __________________ No, that's not some silly drug joke. (3rnmrhv) "They wont like me when I'm Angry...." - Angry Thanks to our glorious leader, I have another line in my signature to type silly things into!
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04-09-12, 06:48 PM	#5
shuiends Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charleston SC	What are you wanting to do. With no safety or emissions testing you can do just about anything and not get taught. __________________ Who is John Galt? "Government is essentially the negation of Liberty." -Ludwig von Mises
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State Vehicle Modification Laws

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04-09-12, 08:54 PM	#7
Mandrake4565 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New City, NY.	Just remember the more attention you bring to your car, unless you're a perfect driver. The more likely you are to be pulled over. Even if the modification is considered legal.
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04-10-12, 01:01 AM	#9
neonblingbling Member Join Date: Aug 2004	Regarding blue lights, does anyone have the exact wording? I've seen several cases where blue lights were on (at least not flashing...) and I thought it was illegal too. __________________ [HEAT] - ~~Sony SZ650 /// T7500 /// 3 GB ram /// 8400M GS /// OCZ Vertex 2 60GB~~ ded :(
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04-10-12, 08:48 PM	#10
Wathnix Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Hamster	yeah, flashing blue, red or yellow lights are illegal (except turn signals and brake lights) they are reserved for emergency services. Just find another way to prank him. __________________ "Beer is how we know God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin. Thermaltake Tsunami case, Q6600 CPU, XFX mobo, 500GB HDD, GTX 460 video card, Corsair 520HX PSU
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04-11-12, 08:10 AM	#12
PanteraGSTK Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: over there	It isn't legal to have strobe lights of any kind on a vehicle no matter the color due to the fact that some people react badly to that type of light and it can cause an accident. Also, some stop lights react to the strobe light effect that emergency services/cops have that will cycle them to green quickly, they don't really want you to trigger that in a personal vehicle. Do a search for state inspection laws and you should be able to find what you're looking for. __________________ EVGA 750i SLI FTW, Q6600 @ 3200mhz 1.325v, vdroop mod, Kingston pc8500 4gb, 2x 8800GT in SLI, OCZ Vertex 3 120GB,WD 320GB for games, Xclio 650w psu, Scythe Infinity 2X Kingwin 80cfm 120mm fans, X-fi xtreme gamer, Windows 7 Ultimate Bill Gates over heard saying "If i had a penny for every time Windows Crashed... Oh wait, I do."
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04-11-12, 03:10 PM	#15
Diggrr Underwater Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Gun Lake, MI. USA	Meh, I'd find another joke personally. Just when you think the coast is clear, up jumps Barney Fife wanting to "nip it in the bud". BTW, I thought SC was an inspection state. It was when I lived on Hilton Head years ago...you could then ask at any inspection approved garage, they have the manuals. __________________ Rig1: C2D E8400 @3510 Ф Asus P5G41T-M-LX Plus mobo Ф 8 Gigs Ballistix DDR3 1333 Ф Asus GT520 Silent Ф 4 Deep Cool 92mm case fans Ф FSP 1U 460 Watt PSU External Watercooling: 40' Copper Coil Geothermal ground loop Ф Cooling modded MCP350 & MCP355 W/Swiftech white dual pump top Ф D-Tek Fuzion V2, 1/4" Rig2: Via Esther C7 1.5 @ 1.65 Ф Jetway 7F2WE1G5D mITX mobo Ф 1 Gig Generic Ram (max) Ф 120 watt Pico PSU. Life's Tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. ~ Benjamin Franklin
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04-11-12, 05:19 PM	#18
Xenocide Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC	This is the dumbest idea I have heard, ever. have fun. __________________ A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
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04-12-12, 10:38 AM	#20
Bobnova Air Superiority Senior Member Benching Team Leader Join Date: May 2009 Location: Humboldt	I know that forward facing blue or red lights (strobed or not, the PULL OVER NOW light on highway patrol cars does not flash) are illegal in cali. Don't know about the rest of the world. __________________ "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -- Einstein (maybe) How to check your PSU with a multimeter. 17bXw5t51rEBXGavJFMJsC8g7HQgThUGc7 Heatware.
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