Those blue 'enhancement' lights on the long-ago Concept Model S

[AudubonB]

They really looked cool, didn't they? They were the little led DRLs.

My understanding is that they were dropped from the production series as being illegal in the US. Does anyone know if that is by SAE fiat, or through what statute?

But my real question is.... has anyone re-implanted them? Any experience on a state-by-state basis?

 

[yobigd20]

Does anyone know if that is by SAE fiat, or through what statute?

it varies state by state. because we are talking about 'blue', 'blue' is typically associated with identifying police vehicles and many states have laws specifically forbidding any 'blue' exterior lights on cars.

 

[AudubonB]

...any armchair lawyers want to speculate on how statutes define "blue"?

 

[huntjo]

Got a link to the concept pics?

 

[AudubonB]

Try this link:

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/autopia/2009/06/tesla_b.jpg

I believe I erred in using the term "concept". "Pre-production" might be more accurate.

 

[ElSupreme]

...any armchair lawyers want to speculate on how statutes define "blue"?

They probably don't define 'blue'. But you can easily define a range of wavelengths, and have a rock solid definition of 'blue'.

Wikipedia puts the wavelength at 450–495 nm.

 

[AnOutsider]

Honestly, I feel like the car looks more mature without them.

 

[dadaleus]

Not the same thing, but I don't know if this was discussed anywhere. When I picked up my Sig, the running lights did a little dance. I didn't even realize it until later when I watched this video my daughter made. Check out what the headlights are doing at 0:36:


Wonder what happened to that. I think it's pretty cool!

 

[AnOutsider]

Not the same thing, but I don't know if this was discussed anywhere. When I picked up my Sig, the running lights did a little dance. I didn't even realize it until later when I watched this video my daughter made. Check out what the headlights are doing at 0:36:


Wonder what happened to that. I think it's pretty cool!

Looks to me like the typical strobing you see when you try to film LEDs

Why do LED lights flash on camera? : TopGear

 

[dadaleus]

Looks to me like the typical strobing you see when you try to film LEDs

Why do LED lights flash on camera? : TopGear

Oh? Well if THAT's the explanation, then all I can say is *DOH!!!* :redface:

Seemed like a pretty cool effect. I wish it did that in real life (but only when you first start driving and are going really slow obviously.)

 

[ZBB]

Its in this DOT regulation -- #108. Good luck finding it the specific section -- its quite a long doc...

Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 

[NoMoGas]

Try this link:

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/autopia/2009/06/tesla_b.jpg

I believe I erred in using the term "concept". "Pre-production" might be more accurate.

Each State has different statutes. NY requires operation of blue lights by authorized volunteer firefighter personnel when responding only (although requires a single 360 degree light (that part is ignored big time), CT, NC, FL, SC, GA, TN, CA all signify blue with police... as you can see you will get stopped pretty quick with forward facing blue "look at me" lights.

 

[ElSupreme]

Each State has different statutes. NY requires operation of blue lights by authorized volunteer firefighter personnel when responding only (although requires a single 360 degree light (that part is ignored big time), CT, NC, FL, SC, GA, TN, CA all signify blue with police... as you can see you will get stopped pretty quick with forward facing blue "look at me" lights.

Growing up in FL, and knowing some rich kids. I know for sure FL (at least Tampa) the police/sheriff will pull you over for blue accent lights. I had a friend that thought he could get away with them at least until the third time he got pulled over.