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Are light blinkers permitted in NY state?

2K views 14 replies 6 participants last post by  nagibe 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey everyone!

I purchased two small red tail flashing lights (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/65820?feat=lights-SR0&page=planet-bike-superflash-tail-light) a few years ago and have always used them while riding on the road at night for extra safety they are clipped on the back of the passenger seat to catch a driver's eye they aren't powerful lights. This evening a cop pulled me over and told me the are a distraction and gave me a ticket. Under description he added "unauthorized light flashing." I went to the official NY state motorcycle requirement website to find out what's legal and what's not in New York state but their website doesn't mention anything. Does anyone know if it's permitted?
http://troopers.ny.gov/publications/traffic_safety/Required_Motorcycle_Equipment.cfm
 
#2 ·
This doesn't exactly answer the question, but here are relevant sections from the Maryland code that I looked up when I added LED lighting. Thought it might be interesting to compare when someone posts the NY laws.

(l) Motorcycles.-

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a motorcycle may be equipped with, and an operator of a motorcycle may use, the following auxiliary lighting:

(i) Blue dot illumination;

(ii) Standard bulb running lights; or

(iii) Light-emitting diode pods and strips added to protect the driver.

(2) (i) Lighting under this subsection shall be:

1. Nonblinking;

2. Nonflashing;

3. Nonoscillating; and

4. Directed toward the engine and the drive train of the motorcycle.

(ii) Lighting under this subsection may not:

1. Be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle; or

2. Emit a red or blue light.

(iii) Blue dot illumination:

1. May be located only on the rear of a motorcycle as part of or adjacent to the rear brake light; and

2. May not exceed three-quarters of an inch in diameter.


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#3 · (Edited)
After some research this is what I found http://www.safeny.ny.gov/emer-vt.htm#sec375
The "In violation of" # on my summons is 375 (40) 1. Compare that with the link above I guess he has a case unless
I miss understood. I don't understand the logic how is it a distraction? Cycist uses flashing lights at night to avoid getting hit why not us?
 
#4 ·
§ 375 (41). Colored and flashing lights.
41. Colored and flashing lights. The provisions of this subdivision shall govern the affixing and display of lights on vehicles, other than those lights required by law. 1. No light, other than a white light, and no revolving, rotating, flashing, oscillating or constantly moving white light shall be affixed to, or displayed on any vehicle except as prescribed herein.
 
#6 ·
Bicycles are not motor vehicles and motorcycles are not bicycles. I added two round 3/4" red LED lights in the end tubes below the passenger seat on my Thruxton, removing the plastic end bungs of the subframe. Wired into the taillight circuit. They didn't blink, however.
 
#10 ·
I could see it causing confusion.


If I came up behind you I would be trying to figure out what the problem was. Guess that would be a distraction.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Here in the city there is constant flashing lights from emergency vehicles, police cars, sanitation, fire trucks etc. Unlike my blinkers these light are extremely bright and annoying could possibly trigger a seizure for some people. Again I believe flashing lights grabs attention and is more valuable than those with epilepsy or those who feel that its a distraction. BTW I ride 90% at night so maybe this isn't an issue for most bikers.
 
#14 ·
Dang Nagibe beat me to it. I was thinking about causing seizures too.
And off subject but here in Edmond some of the main roads are marked that the bicycle has full lane access and you have to change lanes to pass. Stupid.
And a lot of new cars have the third brake light flash for a second when brakes are applied. I find that distracting. I can't even finish my texting.
And also off subject is I made my turn signals part of my parking lights. Dual Filament sockets. They are on all the time. So I have Amber rear lights. I don't think that is legal. But I've never been stopped.


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