What Are Smoked Tail Lights?
Smoked tail lights are a popular choice among car enthusiasts who want to give their vehicles a unique and aggressive appearance. Unlike standard tail lights, which provide a clear and bright indication of a vehicle’s location to other motorists, smoked tail lights have a dark or tinted look that gives a car a more sporty and stealthy presence. The term "smoked" refers to the darkened appearance of the tail light housing or lens. This is typically achieved through the use of tinted film, spray, or replacement lenses that match the tint of the vehicle’s windows. The result is a cohesive look that provides a bold contrast to the rest of the car. One of the reasons smoked tail lights are so popular is because they allow car owners to customize their vehicles in unique ways. Some may choose to smoke their tail lights to match their headlights or front windows, while others might opt for a partial smoke that leaves a portion of the tail light clear for improved visibility. The options are virtually limitless. There can also be functional differences between standard and smoked tail lights . Some car enthusiasts opt for smoked tail lights to conceal the red lens beneath, which can provide a cleaner and more uniform look. However, in certain circumstances, this can create confusion for other drivers about whether the car is using its turn signals. Because of the potential for decreased visibility, some states restrict or prohibit the use of smoked tail lights. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, smoked tail lights can offer functional benefits. They can help to reduce glare from oncoming vehicles, especially at night. This can be particularly beneficial for drivers of larger vehicles who often experience glare from the lights of passenger cars. However, it’s important to note that excessive smoke can actually reduce the brightness of the tail lights and make it difficult for other drivers to see the car. Overall, smoked tail lights are a popular choice for those looking to change the look of their vehicles. However, before making any modifications to your car’s lighting system, it’s important to check your local laws to ensure your planned modifications are legal.
What the Vehicle Code Says About Tail Lights in California
On taillights, the California Vehicle Code (CVC) provides:
24800. (a) A motor vehicle, other vehicle, or trailer shall be so constructed and equipped as to not obscure any required rear lamps or other required rear lighting devices or reflectors.
24801. (a) All motor vehicles, including tractors, except motorcycle and truck tractors, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, except that passenger vehicles may have one tail lamp, which shall display a red or amber light. The lamps shall be wired so that the tail lamps are operative together.
(b) Each tail lamp shall be red and shall be plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to rearward during normal sunlight.
(c) On vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968, the tail lamps shall be mounted in compliance with Article 8 (commencing with Section 24600) of this chapter. On vehicles manufactured prior to that date, tail lamps shall be mounted in compliance with that article to the maximum extent possible.
24802. No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway with a tail lamp or a stop lamp in the following conditions:
(a) A lens of the tail lamp or stop lamp is cracked or broken.
(b) The glare of the red light is directly visible from normal steering position inside the vehicle.
24803. Stop lamps shall be mounted on the rear of each motor vehicle, including tractors, except motorcycles and truck tractors, as follows:
(a) Stop lamps shall be mounted so as to be visible from both sides of the motor vehicle.
(b) In the case of passenger cars, the stop lamps shall be mounted at a height not less than 15 inches nor more than 72 inches, except that the lower edge of the lamp may be as low as 12 inches for sports cars.
(c) In the case of trucks, buses, and trucks towing trailers, the stop lamps shall be mounted not less than 20 inches nor more than 72 inches.
(d) In the case of tractors that are not equipped with a trailer, the stop lamps shall be mounted on the tractor as high as practicable, where visible from both sides of the tractor.
Legal Status of Smoked Tail Lights in California
Using smoked tail lights is considered a violation of CVC 22207. This means that if you are driving with smoked tail lights, you are breaking California State Law and can be charged under CVC 22207 Sections 1 to 2. Since tail light covers are not technically "illuminated" (as stated in the law), you will not be charged under CVC 24603 for the lenses being darker than factory OEM specifications.
This could mean a fine or citation upon pulled over by local police officers, especially if you have other violations. If you have only smoked tail lights, you will probably be let go without a citation. This does not mean that you should ignore this law. You don’t want to make local law enforcement look for further issues, because they might find them. Just because they didn’t give you a citation for your unlit smoked tail light, doesn’t mean they will pass up on a broken headlight, excessive tint, expired registration, or a few dings in your fenders.
State Enforcement as Compared to Local Enforcement
Even though there is one vehicle code, the way to enforce the law may defer statewide and even locally in some cities. For example, in the case of red and/or smoked tail lights, Sacramento permits tinting of up to 70% as long as it does not impede the "normal operation" of the tail lights. On the contrary, in the City of Los Angeles, these same tail lights have created problems for consumers . In 2008 & 2009, LA police executed more than 2500 citations solely for vehicles with modified tail lights. As a result, the LA city council passed an ordinance to ban lens covers of any kind. Some other cities noted for their strict interpretation of the vehicle code are Long Beach, X, Y, Z, A, B, and C. We will be updating this post with notable California cities that may apply differently.
Alternatives to Smoked Tail Lights
If you find yourself enamored by the look of smoked tail lights but aren’t prepared to risk it all for style, have no fear! There are several ways that drivers in California can achieve a customized and sleek look for their vehicles while still following the law. These options can be found either at auto parts stores or through customization shops.
LED tail lights are one option. Tail lights spray painted with clear tinted paint cannot pass the light test, since they do not emit the right amount of light, but many new tail light systems are made entirely of LED, which have the benefit of allowing a full color intensity to pass through while still eliminating the orange glow that standard lamps can create. Therefore, they can pass a light test with ease in California while still achieving the design customization for your vehicle that you want.
For those interested in doing a tint of some sort on their tail lights but not prepared to spring for a full LED replacement, there are legal options to tint your tail lights in a way that is still legal in the state of California. As with most tint laws in California, red is an acceptable tint for tail lights, but no black. You may therefore tint your lights with varying shades of red, or a red tint that is made specifically for the tail light area from a reputable customization company.
Compliance Tips
To ensure compliance with California state law regarding smoked or blacked out tail lights, you should:
- Check Compatibility with California Law: Regularly review and familiarize yourself with Section 25250.5 of the California Vehicle Code to understand all the specifics regarding prohibited tail light modifications. Compliance will allow you to avoid costly fines and keep all safety requirements in mind.
- Review Your Lights: When you are reviewing your car’s lights, you should ask yourself whether new tail lights will make it difficult for other people to see your vehicle . If they do, you should rethink your choice.
- Check for Changes: You should stay up to date on any changes in legality when it comes to vehicle modifications. You can do this by subscribing to an auto news source and checking it regularly for updates.
Many auto modifiers like to attempt to trick the law, but with regard to tail lights, you should bear in mind that it only takes one police officer to make an example out of your modification. Tail light legality is not an area where you want to break the law.