Passing Lamps...Why?

[Yammer Dan]

Don't tell the Clay County Sheriff's Dept. They are not legal!! Poopy ( Clay county Sheriff's nickname) will have me again!!!

[hig4s]

OK, from what I can tell, in many states it is illegal to use passing (aux, fog, whatever you call them) lamps with high beams. In some states it is illegal to use them with low beams, and in most states there is no specific requirement as to when they cannot be used.

And in VA, they were just plain illegal to use at all until mid 2008.

 

It even said in the installation instructions for my lamps.

"ATTENTION

Check stat regulations before installing this accessory. Some states allow "Passing Lamps" to be on at all times, while others allow them to be on only with the high beam or only with the low beam." and it gives instructions so you can wire them to be on all the time or to automatically go off with either high or low beams.

I wired mine so they are on all the time, but I did put the switch by the aux power port so if I ever get stopped I can turn them off.

I also have mine pointed somewhat down so as not to blind anyone but they are still quite noticeable.

[Roadhand]

Like a few before me, leave them on to be seen if nothing else.

 

I had mine installed the day I bought my bike and I never turn them off.

[starkruzen]

In South Florida I have mine pointed to side to see the deer, but not the kind you are refering too!

[Dave77459]

During the "heat" of this thread, I asked the AMA if they have a compilation of passing lamp laws by state/commonwealth. They have compilations for other things, like helmet laws. Today I got a reply:

 

Dear Mr. Hathaway:

 

Thank you for using the "Contact Us" feature at http://www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com http://www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com> to inquire about motorcycle passing lamps.

 

I am not aware of a resource that provides a concise summary of passing lamp laws for all fifty states.

 

Of some concern is the definition for "passing lamp" in each state, as several of the states I examined seem to use "auxiliary lamps," "auxiliary passing lamps," "driving lamps" and "passing lamps" interchangeably.

 

I've attached two PDF files with the results of two LexisNexis searches - the first ("2009-12-09 LexisNexis Search - Motorcycle and Passing and Lamp.pdf") contains the results from using key words "motorcycle" and "passing" and "lamp"; the second ("2009-12-09 LexisNexis Search - Passing Lamp.pdf") contains the results from using the key phrase "passing lamp."

 

These references provide specific citations in state statute or code that may reference the use of passing lamps on motorcycles.

 

We do not have plans at this time to expand our online motorcycle state laws database (see http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/legisltn/laws.asp) to include information on passing lamp use, as there are several other topics we're researching for the next database update.

 

Thanks again for contacting us and for your continued membership support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mr. Imre F. Szauter

Government Affairs Manager

American Motorcyclist Association

13515 Yarmouth Drive

Pickerington, OH 43147-8214

1 (800) AMA-JOIN

1 (614) 856-1900, ext. 1125

 

The information contained in this message may be confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reliance upon, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication, or the information contained in it, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. American Motorcyclist Association, Inc.

I wrote him back, thanked him for the information, and asked if I could post his reply to this forum. He said it was OK, and I have posted it in it's entirety. His email address is iszauter@ama-cycle.org if you would like to reach Mr. Szauter.

 

He also suggested that:

 

You might consider using another reference as well: http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/table_motor_vehicles.

This is a single-page launch point for state motor vehicle statutes and codes, making your search by the sections listed in the LexisNexis search results easier. I'm not endorsing the Cornell University Law School, but do feel their website provides a valuable service for those researching state laws and codes.

 

I am attaching the PDFs that he attached as well. If you are concerned about the legality of passing lamps in your state, feel free to look it up and post it.

 

For example, TX Transp. Code § 547.329 allows for no more than two auxiliary passing lamps:

 

§ 547.329. AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS PERMITTED.

(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary passing lamps.

 

(b) An auxiliary passing lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 24 to 42 inches.

 

© An auxiliary passing lamp may be used with headlamps as specified by Section 547.333.

TX Transp. Code § 547.333 in turn stipulates that [summarizing] high beams need to not blind other vehicles. However, the code specifically does not include motorcycles:

 

§ 547.333. MULTIPLE-BEAM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. (a) Unless provided otherwise, a headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp, or combination of those lamps mounted on a motor vehicle,

other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle

:

 

Other relevant sections in Texas code are:

 

§ 547.327. SPOTLAMPS PERMITTED.

§ 547.328. FOG LAMPS PERMITTED. -- however, only to be used with low beams

§ 547.330. AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS PERMITTED

§ 547.331. HAZARD LAMPS PERMITTED.

§ 547.332. OTHER LAMPS PERMITTED. -- are your extra lights permitted? Maybe not!

 

 

I know, I know. I am answering questions that no one asked. But this forum has a lifespan beyond our interest. Someone may seek out this information in the future, and now it is here.

 

Finally, irrespective of laws, I am going to equip my bike in a way that makes me safer. I ride with my passing lamps on, day or night. You feel free to do as you feel best. I am glad that the State of Texas hasn't yet made me a criminal for being visible.

 

Dave

[Jerry W]

I pretty much run with my "passing lamps" on all the time. I am a firm believer in lights on a motorcycle. I want to see and be seen.