Is Blackening Car Taillights Illegal?
2 Answers
Blackening taillights is considered illegal modification. Not only will it fail the annual inspection, but darkened taillights also make brake lights less visible during daytime driving, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. In case of a rear-end accident, if the leading vehicle has modified taillights, it will bear partial responsibility for the accident. Below is relevant information about car taillights: Reasons for taillight installation position: Taillights alert following vehicles of the presence of a car ahead during nighttime driving and indicate the positional relationship between the two vehicles, hence they are installed on both sides at the rear of the car. Design principles of car taillights: They must have sufficient luminous intensity to ensure the signals are clearly distinguishable by other drivers or pedestrians even in bright daylight. During nighttime driving, the light emitted shouldn't cause glare or discomfort to other drivers or pedestrians.
I've been driving for quite some years, and back when I was into car mods, I also considered tinting the taillights. It's indeed illegal in many places, mainly because it reduces the brightness of the taillights, making it harder for vehicles behind to see when you're braking or turning, especially at night or in the rain. Regulations generally require lights to meet specific brightness levels to ensure safety, and modifications might fail inspections, leading directly to fines or accident troubles. I once saw a buddy get rear-ended because of tinted lights, costing him a fortune in repairs. Safety is no small matter. If you really want to beautify your ride, you can opt for some legal films or LED upgrades—they look good and are reliable. After all, on the road, others reacting quickly is what reduces accidents. I'd suggest checking your local traffic regulations before making any moves—don't risk big losses for small gains.
