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[Tony Smith]

All,

I've been doing some research after reading all the posts about removing reflectors.  I too want to clean my SERG up by removing those pesky eye sores.  Just be forewarned, I've found that a red reflective device must be present near the rear of the bike.  No other reflectors are required.

Take this as it was intended, friendly advice - NOT LAW.

[LarryB]

that's a state to state thing.

[GregKhougaz]

Asmith, good point.     While Larry is correct about it being state to state, my google search reveals most states require it. 

Excerpt from CA Vehicle Code:

Reflectors on Rear

24607.  Every vehicle subject to registration under this code shall at all times be equipped with red reflectors mounted on the rear as follows:

(a) Every vehicle shall be equipped with at least one reflector so maintained as to be plainly visible at night from all distances within 350 to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of the lawful upper headlamp beams.

(b) Every vehicle, other than a motorcycle or a low-speed vehicle , manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped with at least two reflectors meeting the visibility requirements of subdivision (a), except that trailers and semitrailers manufactured after July 23, 1973, that are less than 30 inches wide, may be equipped with one reflector which shall be mounted at or near the vertical centerline of the trailer. If the vehicle is equipped with two reflectors, they shall be mounted as specified in subdivision (d).

...

(f) Area reflectorizing material may be used in lieu of the reflectors required or permitted in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), provided each installation is of sufficient size to meet the photometric requirement for those reflectors.


Need to check if tail lights themselves (on all the time) comply or are at least reflective....

[LarryB]

I just read Tennessee motorcycle laws again. the only thing we need is one tail light and one Brake light. No reflectors required at all. we don't even need plate illumination. Straight pipes are illegal (no baffles). but as of jul 1st 05, apes are ok. helmets yes, but the bicycle type are ok for over 21 as long as it has some stamp. But, if you are driving under 30mph (posted limit) NO HELMET. So now my neighbor (cop) can KMA. He came running down his driveway last year yelling at me for not putting both feet down at the stop sign, to which I politely said " how bout I put a foot up your ass".I didn't know he was a cop, I did soon after. Then he bitched about me not having a helmet on, I told him I was just adjusting the clutch. posted limit in the subdivision is 20mph. Armed with this new knowledge, Im going for a ride.
thanks Greg for bringing this to light.

[miker]

A red cat eye in the license plate holder may suffice for the reflector requirement.
I am not a lawyer or even a doctor but I know my beers

[RYANCVO]

taillights count. how many of your cars have reflectors? none

[miker]

I don't have inspections down here...It does sound silly as the tailight lense is also a reflector, except on my 35, but have seen the all the rules in old verginny, never speed in the that state either, never..commenwealths, sheesh

[grc]

You've got your rear reflectors, and then you've got your rear side reflectors.  Make sure you're talking apples and not oranges.  If I remember the way the annual state inspections were when I lived in Verginny the side reflectors were also required (on trailers also).  As someone noted earlier, a lot of this stuff is dependent on the state of registration.  The side reflectors are part of Federal rules for manufacturer's, but since Uncle doesn't do highway stops for equipment violations all you need to do is make sure your "mods" comply with the rules in the state of registration.  And unless you have an annual inspection program, the odds of being pulled over for missing reflectors is extremely remote. 

Having said all that, now I have a question for the group.  Considering how biker's tend to get run over on a regular basis by people who claim to have not seen them, why are so many people so eager to eliminate items meant to increase visibility, even a tiny amount like the reflectors?  The first thing I do when I buy a new bike is to ADD lighting in the rear of the bike.  Probably has to do with being run over from behind many years ago, but it is also plain common sense.  I've been riding for more than 45 years, so I'm very aware of bikes when I'm cruising in the cage.  And I have to tell ya, I worry about some of the folks I see running around with one tiny custom taillight and no reflective material on the bike or the rider.  They tend to blend in to the surroundings, especially right after sunset when my eyes are still adjusting to the dark.  I have to believe if someone like me who looks out for bikes has problems seeing some of these folks, the regular people won't see them at all. 

Jerry

[hard10]

You've got your rear reflectors, and then you've got your rear side reflectors.  Make sure you're talking apples and not oranges.  If I remember the way the annual state inspections were when I lived in Verginny the side reflectors were also required (on trailers also).  As someone noted earlier, a lot of this stuff is dependent on the state of registration.  The side reflectors are part of Federal rules for manufacturer's, but since Uncle doesn't do highway stops for equipment violations all you need to do is make sure your "mods" comply with the rules in the state of registration.  And unless you have an annual inspection program, the odds of being pulled over for missing reflectors is extremely remote. 

Having said all that, now I have a question for the group.  Considering how biker's tend to get run over on a regular basis by people who claim to have not seen them, why are so many people so eager to eliminate items meant to increase visibility, even a tiny amount like the reflectors?  The first thing I do when I buy a new bike is to ADD lighting in the rear of the bike.  Probably has to do with being run over from behind many years ago, but it is also plain common sense.  I've been riding for more than 45 years, so I'm very aware of bikes when I'm cruising in the cage.  And I have to tell ya, I worry about some of the folks I see running around with one tiny custom taillight and no reflective material on the bike or the rider.  They tend to blend in to the surroundings, especially right after sunset when my eyes are still adjusting to the dark.  I have to believe if someone like me who looks out for bikes has problems seeing some of these folks, the regular people won't see them at all. 

Jerry

Excellent point!

[searay540]

Anyone know if the side reflectors are required in VA in order to pass inspection? I hope not, cause I took mine off yesterday

[Tony Smith]

The research I've done says no, only a rear reflector is required.  I'd talk to the mechanic that does your safety inspections to make sure.  If you don't have one, get one - that's an invaluable friend to have when you're customizing.

[LETS_ROLL]

If you don't want a reflector.  Could you put one on a magnet stip of some sort, or even double side tape (we know how to get those off). Get the inspection and then take it off (if that's what you want).  Just asking. 
Let's Roll