burntoc

Okay, so I'll readily admit this may be a really stupid idea but I have to ask about it. In short, I understand LED bars are illegal here in California unless covered when you're not offroad. I have a Raptor, and I know many have put 20-40" bars behind the grille. I want to do this, but maybe even go a step further - like spray tint the bar so it is darker behind the grille as it sits there. I know I'd trade some lumens, but it might be worth it to potentially avoid even one harassment ticket. Anyone done this?

lewis26

iTrader: (1)

The commie republic of kalifornia strikes again.

You could definitely tint them but seems counterproductive to me. Maybe get a cheap cover and leave it in the truck. If you get pulled over, feign ignorance and say you forgot to put it on.

I know I would hate to have to stop and take off covers every time I want to use my lights.

tx_fx2

I'm not from your state, but have you thought about use a can of VHT nightshade spray or using a black panty hose?

burntoc

Yeah, that's along the lines of what I was thinking, and those are great ideas!

dmbrichie

id say use a few light coats of nightshades… still lets the light through when you need it...

ak_cowboy

You can have them uncovered as long as they aren't on with oncoming traffic and meet the min and max height requirements. One of the toyota forums has a long thread on it.

Toshbar

Tinting LED bars?

Is that like installing a lift kit and lowering kit at the same time?

burntoc

Like air suspension.

Toshbar

You'd need photochromatic tint that was dark and then lightened only when light from behind was present.

Look into a device called a 'killflash' for rifle scopes. It prevents light from reflecting through scopes and giving a signature towards a target.

EricTheMarine

I live in California, got to say I'm surprised that I have not had a single issue from my 50" and 40". Both are out in the open, and I have done several trips to San Francisco from Sacramento. About the most pain in the butt city out there for trucks.

If you are thinking of tint, you might want to just get covers. Nothing says they have to be solid black IIRC. I have amber for my 50", even though I don't use them. Last I checked they were California compliant.

Good luck man , sucks owning a truck in our state.

-Eric