Clear Side Markers With Clear Bulbs?

[SoCal]

I'm about to replace the amber side markers with clear.

The stock amber side markers come with clear light bulbs, while the OEM clear markers come with amber light bulbs.

Is there any law (in Cal) that requires me to use the amber bulbs in the clear markers? Or is there any reason I should? If I use the clear bulbs in the clear markers, they'll glow a pale white. Anything wrong with that?

When I ordered my clear side markers, I was sent amber bulbs with it. I think the safest option is to use amber bulbs.


If you got OEM Porsche parts the new part numbers should be (for a 987):

987 631 034 01
987 631 033 01

[manx]

This page referfs to "amber side-marker lamp"

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25100.htm

[SoCal]

Thanx manx,

Your link to the California Vehicle Code says this (regarding side lights):

"25100. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (d), every vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width shall be equipped during darkness as follows:

. . .

(2) At least one amber side-marker lamp on each side near the front and at least one red side-marker lamp on each side near the rear.

. . .

[Subdivisions b and c also apply to vehicles that are 80 inches or more in overall width.]"

According to porscheusa.com, the width of the 987 is 71 inches.

Therefore, it would appear under California law -- assuming there is no other code section that applies to vehicles less than 80 inches in overall width -- that I can use clear bulbs with clear markers, which will glow a soft white, and not be required to use any amber.

[tqtran]

...or you can get the silver bulbs that will give your side markers the clear look but will flash amber when turned on. Eslai posted a good thread on this a while back: http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4390

[SD987]

SoCal, the following link should be of interest to you and others who live in CA. It includes a list of of illegal equipment most often cited by the CHP. Your mod, beloved by many, is unfortunately on it. It's not exactly a stealth mod either, as the cars I've seen running clear/white turn signal bulbs stick out like a sore thumb.

My favorite line from the link is the last one: "Remember - FTBC (failure to be cool) is not a crime!"

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/streetlegal.html

[manx]

This one seems to be the pertinent code:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25106.htm

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by SoCal

I'm about to replace the amber side markers with clear.

The stock amber side markers come with clear light bulbs, while the OEM clear markers come with amber light bulbs.

Is there any law (in Cal) that requires me to use the amber bulbs in the clear markers? Or is there any reason I should? If I use the clear bulbs in the clear markers, they'll glow a pale white. Anything wrong with that?

To my knowledge, you will not be able to see clear bulbs in the daylight.

Safety issue!