Legality of blacked out tail lights

[islandjim]

Im considering blacking out my tail lights. Does anyone know about the legality of this? Im not really worried about cops, but what if somebody hits me from behind? Could the accident be considered my fault because my tail lights were blacked out? That could really suck! Not only does insurance not pay to fix my car, now Im responsible to fix the other car. I couldnt imagine anybody blacking out tail lights if this was the case, but I want to be sure.
Thanks for any help.
Island

[bmwhighroller]

As long as you can clearly see the red stop lights and amber blinkers i don't think it's a problem.

[Bring The Noise]

Where i'm from its illegal to modify the light in any way...they have to be either amber,yellow or clear

[Bsaint]

I think anywhere you live can get pulled for it, I have had the tops of mine done for over a year and never once had a problem in the 20 other odd things I have been pulled over for.

Just do it right, and make it look kind of factory, if you do the whole tail specially in a strict state like CA you will get pulled over. Just do the tops lightly and make sure to clear coat.

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5268/71655466pe3.jpg

[DiScoTeknix]

I had completely black tails on my 328 without any problems. As long as the light shines through well (use night shades and it will) you won't get hassled.

[islandjim]

I think, not sure, CA law specifies color (red-brake, amber-turn), and visibility from 1000 ft. ( for post 1969 cars).
As I said, I could give a crap about cops and a $100 fix it ticket. Im worried about an A-hole in an SUV talkin on a cell phone smashing into my rear end. Then finding out Im responsible because I had a little tint on my brake lights.
Style is not worth that kind of price.

[Bsaint]

With Night Shades you should be able to shine through fine, but doing the whole tail is not very stylish.

[islandjim]

I know its the style forum, but Im not really worried about style yet. Sometimes liability can dictate style.
FYI
Since you mentioned it, I was thinking of blacking out the red portions and leaving the clear ( my car is black). Ive seen a picture somewhere of that setup and thought it looked good.

[islandjim]

BTW.
Nice ride Bsaint!

[Alpine 318is]

Your in cali so you might have a problem, but as long as you dont make them REALLY blacked out it should be fine.

[SILV3R]

I know its the style forum, but Im not really worried about style yet. Sometimes liability can dictate style.
FYI
Since you mentioned it, I was thinking of blacking out the red portions and leaving the clear ( my car is black). Ive seen a picture somewhere of that setup and thought it looked good.
^search m-crazy

did this a while ago w/ my old tails
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/693000-693999/693199_29_full.jpg


another car, looks better w/ black wheels...
http://boostjunky.com/gallery/albums/album23/DSC07736.sized.jpg

[E36 PWR]

as long as there is 2 red reflections on the rear or your car

[JohnnyScene]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/Johnnyscene/BMW4.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/Johnnyscene/bmw01141.jpg


full black got pulled over for them
just got red clear IMO red clear looks better