Hey, I just got one of those neon tubes that you can mount under the car to create a cool visual effect (Christmas present). Now I can have a real "green" hybrid (FEH)! After initially wondering if it will be difficult to wire the thing up (I intend to look into that today, anyone have any experience with such things?), I got to wondering if it's legal. The New York law seems to prohibit ANY colored lights ANYWHERE on a vehicle, except those specifically required by law (red brake lights, amber flashers, etc.), and those specially permitted for emergency workers. Green lights seem to be reserved for members of a volunteer ambulance corps, and blue for volunteer firefighters.

Does anyone know if I will get in trouble for having a green amber "glow" (not really like the typical flashing light used by rescue workers!) under my car?

I figure, worst-case, that I'll install it and just turn it on when I know I'm pretty "safe" from law enforcement interference.

I've heard that they are illegal here in the People's Republic of Massachusetts but there are a lot of cars that have them. I don't think the cops would harass you for them unless they are just looking for a reason to pull you over.

If you know any local police, ask one of them what the law is and then ask them whether they enforce it. Another good source would be whoever does your cars annual safety inspection - they should know what can get you a rejection sticker.

Get some pics posted once you have them on.....

In the state of Michigan's vehicle code is this snippette:
Unless both covered and unlit, a vehicle driven on the highways of this state shall not be equipped with a lamp or a part designed to be a reflector unless expressly required or permitted by this chapter or that meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.108.

And this is the opinion of the state attorney general " The Michigan Vehicle Code provides that a vehicle driven on Michigan highways may not have a lamp or a reflector unless it is: 1) expressly required by Chapter VI of the Michigan Vehicle Code; 2) expressly permitted by Chapter VI of the Michigan Vehicle Code; or 3) meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.108. Other lamps or reflectors can only be on a moving vehicle if they are both covered and unlit. Therefore, it is unlawful for a vehicle to have neon ground effects lighting unless the neon tubes are both covered and unlit while the vehicle is driven on the highways of this state."

Search your states Vehicle Code either online or at the library.

That seems to be pretty much the standard accross the country. Generaly ifyou have it mounted under your car that covers the hidden part. And if you have a switch you can turn off while driving that would cover the unlit part. I would recomend putting them on for show but not driving with them on.

My hydroponics experiment

You ever notice how hard it is to lip read cartoon characters?
"Crazy is what the sane call Delta Flyer"

I've seen them on a single car in New Jersey once and never again in my entire life. I would consider them OK to use in crowded conditions, which is fine since they're just for other people to look at anyway, but I wouldn't use them on the highway or on fairly empty streets. Definitely hook up a switch you can toggle from inside the car.

Color is important... green is fine, just definitely do not use blue or any bluish color because that color is reserved for police cars. Yellow is fair game, but orange is for construction though it's still OK, red is for fires, blue is police / ambulance.

The type of ground effect lights I'd put on would have to be illegal.

They would be on extended plyons that would activate just as I was flooring it like this. I'd obviously need more power for the intended effect

60.3mpg lifetime - 71mpg in winter months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

Yikes Chuck, I wonder what going "WARP SPEED" would do to your FE...
At work we cherried out one of our TV news trucks for a promo for a auto customizer. The very first time we went out with it we got an advisory from the local police to extinguish them NOW. It looked cool and with the paint job and spinners it made that truck the sweetest ride on the Woodward Dream Cruise (Local event to celebrate us old farts and our classic cars)

Yes, I'd be going from hypermiling to hyperspace. Seat belts would be futile - need inertia dampeners.

I wished to have taped a Volvo commercial circa 1985. It stated:

"Since the average Volvo lasts at least 20 years, you new car will last well into the 21st century..."

Volvo disappears in a blur with blue trails aka The Enterprise going into warp...or was it THE BORG?

60.3mpg lifetime - 71mpg in winter months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

That's too cool! I want a set but have them respond to the IMA - more boost from the electric motor, more blue glow.

I think a blue glow under my HCH would be awesome. Who want's to bet that someone would think it's part of the hybrid system?

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***

That would be too cool - having the light glow, or glow more brightly, when the electric motor is engaged.

Unfortunately there are enough hybrids around here that I don't think I could convince a cop that they are an essential part of the drive system... but they ARE reminiscent of the warp drive thingys on the Enterprise...