Headlight & Stop light modulators

[scooterollie]

Headlight modulators that cause your high beam headlight to pulse between 18% & 100% brightness, 4 to 7 times a second, attract attention of on-coming motorists. These modulators meet Federal standards and are compliant in all 50 states. Dropping down to 18-20% illumination before cycling brighter again is called a "soft re-start" and increases bulb life over units that completely turn off the bulb. A daylight sensor is included that deactivates the modulation at night. The majority of scoot/cycle accidents occur because of someone turning in front of the bike. Headlight modulators increase your chances of accident avoidance. The link below lists several types depending on your vehicle. I used the H4 75W unit because the high beam on the Linhai 300 is only the left bulb (60W). Those with dual 35W high beams could also use this unit. www.comagination.com/modBulb.htm

Stop light modulators have been proven to attract attention to motorists behind you. These are legal in most states but you will need to check your state regulations. Stop light modulators flash 4X to infinity, depending on the type selected. I use the one that flashes 4x, then stays on - required by CA regulations and some other states. The site below sells three different variations. According to the specs, all are compatible with both filament and LED bulbs. www.comagination.com/bflasher.htm

[garyr]

I ride with the headlight on high beam during the day. I feel it gets the attention of other drivers better than low beam.

Garyr

[Deleted]

Tail light flashers are illegal everywhere in the U.S. Federal law requires stop lamps to be solid, and also prohibits states from allowing flashing brake lights (same law that prohibits states from banning headlight modulators). Some states/counties/municipalities choose not to enforce that law, but it is the law nevertheless.

[owenbrau]

Sept 6, 2008 19:26:43 GMT -5 @jt said:

Tail light flashers are illegal everywhere in the U.S. Federal law requires stop lamps to be solid, and also prohibits states from allowing flashing brake lights (same law that prohibits states from banning headlight modulators). Some states/counties/municipalities choose not to enforce that law, but it is the law nevertheless.

Can you cite the relevant regulation?

[Deleted]

Blinking/flashing/modulating taillights are illegal by Federal law (49CFR571.108, aka FMVSS 108, S5.5.10(d)).

S5.5.10 The wiring requirements for lighting equipment in use are:
(a) Turn signal lamps, hazard warning signal lamps, and school bus warning lamps shall be wired to flash;
(b) Headlamps and side marker lamps may be wired to flash for signaling purposes;
(c) A motorcycle headlamp may be wired to allow either its upper beam or its lower beam, but not both, to modulate from a higher intensity to a lower intensity in accordance with section
(d) All other lamps shall be wired to be steady-burning.

49USC30103(b)(1) prohibits states or other governmental subdivisions (counties, cities, etc.) from authorizing something which is prohibited by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (and from prohibiting something which is allowed by the FMVSS, which is why states can't prohibit headlight modulators which are specifically allowed by FMVSS 108, S5.5.10(c)).

(b) Preemption.--(1) When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, a State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter.

Now, all that being said, I see motorcycles and scooters with flashing brake lights all the time. I have HyperLites on my Burgman which flash for 5 seconds when the brake lights are activated. I've been ahead of police cars many times when slowing/stopping and I've never had a problem.

[stevep]

I just quick flash my rear brakes a few times before full pressure...I'm hoping it gets the attention of cagers behind me..

[slowscootin07]

I have a brake light modulator on mine and have had many police behind me with no problems. Our MC training courses and the DMV itself says you should flash your brakes to alert drivers behind you. Chicago PD cruisers have brake light modulators on their cars starting this year. Until I'm told otherwise, mine stays as it really is a great safety device.

[scooterollie]

Yeah, unless you have a really picky yearly inspection and a law against them, I doubt you will have any trouble with the law. I would think police would be very understanding and in favor of anything that increases the safety margin for a bike rider. Saw two large cycles today with headlight modulators. Not very many in my area - have only seen a hand full all year.

[owenbrau]

I just installed a headlight modulator and a brakelight modulator. The taillight mod is set up to flash rapidly 5 times, then go on steady; this apparently is supposed to bypass the fed rule since it doesn't flash continuously. I also added an aux brake light that is an led strip under the license plate, and another that is a wireless transmitter to a strip on my helmet.

[scosgt]

Hmm, the web site says the brake light modulators are legal. Someone knows something...

[owenbrau]

They are legal as long as they don't flash constantly. Flashing then going solid is sufficient to bypass the fed rule.

[feralsparky]

Aug 13, 2009 20:05:11 GMT -5 scosgt said:

Hmm, the web site says the brake light modulators are legal. Someone knows something...

Alot of sellers claim false truths to sell there product. Like saying they have DUI scooters that run on gas. When the states there selling them require a drivers license.

[TERRA NUVO]

some only flash 3 times, most anywhere will not bother you for that, is the constant flashers that cops hate, they look like a cop car

go to co magination, hand made 3 flasher, i have one 30 bucks delivered