Are blacked out tail lights allowed in California?

Question

I've always been under the impression that having blacked out tail lights were illegal..Is this true? It seems like every other car I see they have their tail lights blacked out. I'm really considering doing this modification to my car, but it would be just my luck I'll do it then get pulled over and given a ticket. I'm in the Sacramento, CA area if that matters. Any and all answers are greatly appriciated.

Answer 1

i m in so cal. down here, as long as u have two working brake lights u should be fine. dont know bout tail lights. i think that one working light is fine. i would fix them asap and not risk getting a fix ticket.

Answer 2

Whether it's legal or not, it's never a good idea. If you're going to to it, I'd recommend getting some sort of dark removable cover for the lights, and not driving around like that all the time.

Anyhow, when I was in California, there was a Mustang in the parking lot I usually used that had smoked tail lights. It was there a long time with no change, so I'd say that if it's illegal, they aren't ticketing very vigorously for it.

Answer 3

Blacked out tail lights are illegal everywhere. However there are smoke covers that look black in daylight. Many of them are still illegal. It all depends on the amount of light that can actually pass through the cover. It is like tinted windows, too little light transmission and you are illegal, except with lighting, you are also dangerous.

Answer 4

What possible reason exists for anyone to want to make such a stupid modification?

Trendy Person: "Check it out - I had my tail lights painted black! Isn't that cool?"

Practical Person: "Nobody can see your brake lights and turn signals. It's utterly retarded."

And they'd be right.

Answer 5

As long as your lights shine red through the lense, there should not be a problem. In San Diego, the police do not hassle you for smoked lights.

Answer 6

ive seen a bunch off ppl with them so its probly legal