Smoking Tail Lights in Illinios legal?

Question

I found this article about smoking tail lights and it talks about going to this site

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http://www.law.cornell.edu/statutes.html

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to make sure it is legal for smoke tail lights in your state. So I search my state, all the way down to VEHICLES/Illinois Vehicle Code/ARTICLE V/ GLASS, WINDSHIELDS AND MIRRORS.

It tells me this:

"Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit the use of nonreflective, smoked or tinted glass, nonreflective film, perforated window screen or other decorative window application on windows to the rear of the driver's seat, except that any motor vehicle with a window to the rear of the driver's seat treated in this manner shall be equipped with a side mirror on each side of the motor vehicle which are in conformance with Section 12‑502. "

It doesn't say anything about the % of light that has to pass through or anything. I was wondering is it legal at all? I see alot of cars with smoked lights, but how much is exactly street legal

Answer 1

The website you referenced is a compilation of state laws, which is important.

However, your question's answer has to do with Federal law.

As long as your light meet the minimum requirements of "candle power" in 49CFR571.108 (check figure 1, at the end of the regulation, page 270), then it would be legal in Illinois.

If it can't meet the Federal requirements, then the Illinois cops would have a right to ticket you.

Answer 2

It is my personal opinion that nothing is legal in Illinois. It seems like 60 Minutes is exposing so many false incarcerations there it isn't funny. Also, it seems like your cops will write tickets for anything, even trying to talk your way out of a ticket.