WHAT IS DOT & SAE-COMPLIANT MOTORCYCLE LIGHTING?
WHAT IS DOT & SAE-COMPLIANT MOTORCYCLE LIGHTING?
It is well known that safety features like seat belts and airbags are essential in cars. However, safety discussions do not focus on lighting standards. In this area, you must be in for a rider, seller, or installer of aftermarket lighting devices, as you must be aware of your responsibility and take steps to guarantee adherence. A top producer of V-twin lighting is Ledlightjeep. We still provide a range of motorbike lighting products that are SAE and DOT-certified—putting the safety of riders first.
GOVERNING AGENCIES
Federal legislation governs all car lighting, signalling, and reflecting equipment. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are these. Similarly, the FMVSS is created and managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). They outline specifications for automobiles. They are encompassing durability, performance, design, and construction. Lighting must adhere to Section 108 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to be DOT compliant.
The Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, is a global association that provides technical requirements for the design, testing, and production of automobile lighting. The SAE identifies and discusses these standards as subject-matter experts. SAE guidelines or “recommended practices” are not legally binding. Nonetheless, they are frequently included in the FMVSS, which makes them legally binding.
Remember that the DOT is not an entity that grants approvals. They don’t do compliance tests on their items. Product testing is the responsibility of the manufacturer. Additionally, to make sure the product complies with legal requirements.
Each state also has its own lighting regulations. However, when both are present, the federal DOT requirements always take precedence.
MOTORCYCLE LIGHTING LAWS
According to federal law, motorcycle headlamps must be white. Amber or yellow headlights are prohibited. Motorcycle headlamps must also meet the photometric and beam aim requirements.
Many other goods can be yellow, but headlamps cannot. SAE J583 designates a fog beam pattern. Motorcycle fog lamps, such as dust and fog, are used in low-visibility situations. Additionally, they permit light that is amber or yellow. Therefore, ensure the motorcycle’s amber or yellow lights do not turn signals. A stamp in the lens will show SAE compliance. The headlight will also detect DOT markings on the lens.
RISKY BUSINESS
When it comes to illegal lighting items, you run the risk of being a motorcycle rider, product reseller, or installer. Did you know that non-compliant lighting can result in fines, jail time, or even a ticket or citation? In all 50 states, headlights and taillights are legally required to be DOT-compliant for use on roads and highways. Recognizing your liability is essential. Additionally, take steps to encourage adherence to these rules.
“Not every accident is caused by the actions of one of the drivers, or even a combination of fault between drivers,” states this article of the California Headlight Law. This is true for headlight accidents as well as other kinds of accidents. Vehicle and headlamp manufacturers and distributors may also be held liable.
The scenario of a motorcyclist on a roadway with illegal lighting installed is told in this Florida article about having excessively bright headlights. Your lights cause the speedy driver approaching you to become blind. A 20-square-mile radius around Tampa has to be evacuated after he veers off the road and strikes an incorrectly placed natural gas line too near the side of the road, causing the gas to flow out. The gas then explodes, causing damage worth $5 billion. You will be held accountable for $50 million even if your unlawful lights are only determined to be 1% at fault, the other driver is 49% at fault, and the gas company is found to be 50% at fault.
This is an extreme situation. However, the significance of compatible lighting is becoming more widely recognized from coast to coast.
Ledlightjeep COMPLIANCE PRACTICES
After 20 years of designing and producing motorcycle LED lighting, Ledlightjeep has developed stringent product testing protocols. The expanding product portfolio includes a range of SAE and DOT-certified motorcycle lighting products. These can be recognized by a mark on the item, particularly on the lens. Compliance is the main emphasis of the internal team of engineering experts. A new headlighting product that combines the highest performance, design, and compliance standards will be available soon. Keep an eye out for Ledlightjeep's early 2024 release!