Colorado Tail Light Laws

[liqwid]

I'm trying to figure out what I'd need to do to get the THOR quarter panel guards street legal and came across this document so I thought I'd post it if anyone else ever needs it (This is just for Denver).

http://www.naco.org/Content/ContentGroups/County/Codes/Personnel/HR051.doc

Any one know how strict they are here in Colorado?

 

[frankenstang57]

I wouldn't worry about it...

 

[Crash_AF]

As long as you have two taillights capable of being seen at 500' from the rear, you're good.

If your taillights are 72" (6 feet) off the ground you might have a problem, other than that you're good.

For those who don't want the trouble of the link, it's the Denver Municipal code which restates Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-206 - Tail lamps and Reflectors

(2) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy two inches nor less than twenty inches to be measured as set forth in section 42-4-204(3)

42-4-204(3)
Whenever requirement is declared by this article as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, it shall mean from the center of such lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.

Later,
Joe

 

[liqwid]

If your taillights are 72" (6 feet) off the ground you might have a problem, other than that you're good.

So I should run a smaller lift then?

 

[Hypoid]

So I should run a smaller lift then?

Naw! Just get some trailer fixtures and hang them on a hinge...down for street, up for wheelin.

 

[pabloconrad]

Naw! Just get some trailer fixtures and hang them on a hinge...down for street, up for wheelin.

Good advice.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

I think what liqwid is looking to have answered is if the Thor guards covering the side of the tail lights is a violation.

Technically - yes. Dept. of Transportation requires side marker lights (amber front, red rear) on all vehicles approved for road use and licensed accordingly.

However, I haven't been able to find any Colorado Statute that specifically addresses side marker lighting. Nearly all text addresses light visibility from the front and rear of the vehicle, but no mention from the side. Some municipalities may, but not likely.

If you're worried about it, drill some holes in the Thor guards to allow the marker lights to shine through.

 

[liqwid]

I think what liqwid is looking to have answered is if the Thor guards covering the side of the tail lights is a violation.

Technically - yes. Dept. of Transportation requires side marker lights (amber front, red rear) on all vehicles approved for road use and licensed accordingly.

However, I haven't been able to find any Colorado Statute that specifically addresses side marker lighting. Nearly all text addresses light visibility from the front and rear of the vehicle, but no mention from the side. Some municipalities may, but not likely.

If you're worried about it, drill some holes in the Thor guards to allow the marker lights to shine through.

Thats what I was thinking, or drilling a hole and mounting a reflector on top with a LED spliced into the running light behind. As long as I can find cheap reflectors (which I probably can) it won't matter too much if I knock them off a few times. I really wanted to know if anyone has been pulled over or had trouble with inspection because of no side markers.