almightybunghole wrote:
If you guys find the OFFICIAL word, let us know because I'm interested.
Finally found the actual text of US FMVSS 108 at
this link straight from the horse's mouth. Here's the verbatim bottom line for motorcycle turn signals:
FMVSS 108 wrote:
At or near the front--1 amber on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height, and having a minimum horizontal separation distance (centerline of lamps) of 16 inches. Minimum edge to edge separation distance between lamp and headlamp is 4 inches.
At or near the rear--1 red or amber on each side of the vertical centerline, at the same height and having a minimum horizontal separation distance (centerline to centerline of lamps) of 9 inches. Minimum edge to edge separation distance between lamp and tail or stop lamp is 4-inches, when a single stop and taillamp is installed on the vertical centerline and the turn signal lamps are red.
So the 9 inches rear requirement is true. Also note the requirement of a 4 inch edge-to-edge separation.
Case closed -- that integrated unit is NOT legal in the US. Neither are many others we commonly see.
I also found it notable to read the 16 inches apart requirement for the front And 4 inches away from the headlight. This means converting the parking lights to turn signals is right out, too.
Still haven't found actual legislative text confirming whether or not individual US states can relax the requirements, but I'm guessing not (and proceeding under that assumption). I know California for one adds stuff on top. My constitutional law knowledge is a bit rusty, but my strong guess would be for the courts to say that since the vehicles are invovled in interstate commerce, everyone has to do what Congress and the NHTSA say.
I'm really pleased to know at least this much now, so I can make sure my upcoming turn signal mods are kosher.
Happy lighting!
