Trooper Stopped Me for Headlight Modulator
#31
06-26-2010, 10:35 AM
Road Warrior
Thanks for the info...it appears that state and local police are not up to speed with federal laws. In their defense, I'm sure it is difficult to keep up with it all...but with today's technology, he should have been able to get in his cruiser and look it up on their "on board" computer. JMO
Was it at night time? If so it looks like they should have a sensor to shut them down for oncoming traffic. If it was daytime they will continue to modulate.
I don't like them either & am not sure that if someone is not paying attention, that it would get their attention.
Toby
#32
06-26-2010, 10:45 AM
WRONG!! The states cannot superceed the federal statute. Read through the CFR49 and you'll find it right there.
#33
06-26-2010, 10:45 AM
I put this on my Ultra Classic a couple of weeks ago. I could tell right away I was more noticeable to others around me. I've passed State Troopers, local Sheriffs, city PD and could tell they were checking my bike out. These modulators do what they are advertised to do and if it annoys drivers enough that they will see me instead of turning left in front of me or pulling out of an intersection in front of me that's just fine with me, and I know the modulator is doing what it's supposed to.
Last edited by Harley_RN; 06-26-2010 at 11:04 AM.
#34
06-26-2010, 10:47 AM
Former Sponsor
Modulators and Personal Experiences
I have one on my bike and I ride lots of miles. I can tell you that the modulator gets you noticed and people in Fort Lauderdale have a tendency to wave to say they are sorry once they run you off the road. Without one they do not even notice.
As far as Modulator: choices to have one or not is entirely up to you. Those above who wish to outlaw a safety component that I am convinced through actual experience: They will save lives 100%, think about just what you said. Too many morons on the road anyhow so let natural selection take it's course.
Want to increase your chances of staying alive than use a modulator.
Do what you want but do not tell me what to do.
As far as Modulator: choices to have one or not is entirely up to you. Those above who wish to outlaw a safety component that I am convinced through actual experience: They will save lives 100%, think about just what you said. Too many morons on the road anyhow so let natural selection take it's course.
Want to increase your chances of staying alive than use a modulator.
Do what you want but do not tell me what to do.
#35
06-26-2010, 10:54 AM
Instead of the modulating headlamp, I installed a set of small white strobes under the headlight and checked with the local HP office, and as long as I don't run them at night they are ok. I use them when approaching known intersections where these dumbasses in Missouri like to pull out in front of vehicles doing 70 mph, etc. Also use them for escorts of funerals, etc. They were a lot cheaper and easier to install than the modulation devices I looked at.
Joe
Joe
#37
06-26-2010, 10:56 AM
I do not like the things either, but if it is legal, and getting pulled over upset you, why don't you send a copy of the law to troopers headquarters? I would not expect every LEO to know every state and federal law. I think they know they do not know every law either.
I would think that a nicely worded e-mail about how the trooper was polite, doing his job(advising you of a safety issue), but unaware of the federal statute. End by thanking them for his obvious concern for the mechanical safety of your motorcycle. I would think a state trooper would be thankful for a nice and informative e-mail. Most of us have heard about the law, it does not do any good to post it here.
I do not think most state troopers are doing the job for the money, they actually want to help protect society.
I would think that a nicely worded e-mail about how the trooper was polite, doing his job(advising you of a safety issue), but unaware of the federal statute. End by thanking them for his obvious concern for the mechanical safety of your motorcycle. I would think a state trooper would be thankful for a nice and informative e-mail. Most of us have heard about the law, it does not do any good to post it here.
I do not think most state troopers are doing the job for the money, they actually want to help protect society.
#38
06-26-2010, 11:01 AM
Not so. There is a Federal preemption for the FMVSS - the State has no choice but to accept it.
#39
06-26-2010, 11:09 AM
Riding on the interstate in Massachusetts when a "statie" pulls along my right side and waves me to the shoulder. I stop and he comes up and asks, "Something wrong with your headlight? It's flashing". I told him I had a headlight modulator. He says "that's illegal unless you're an emergency vehicle". I told him the manufacturer, (Kisan Tech) indicates on their website that the product is legal in all 50 states and Canada to which he says, "I've worked these highways for 36 years and I've never seen one of these before". I start to ask him a question and he says, "I'm trying to be nice. Can you afford a fine today"? End of discussion, I shut it off. He let me go. Once home I went online and sure enough, not only is this thing legal, but Kisan provides a link to the Federal law:
USA - Department of Transportation:
FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all 50 states provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.
CANADA - Canada Transport:
FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all Provinces provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.
Kisan Headlight modulators are manufactured and tested to be in full compliance with US Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard 108 and Transport Canada Technical Standard 108.
To obtain a full copy of these standards, select from below. You can choose text or PDF format and also select the latest revision (default) or publication from earlier years.
Revision Year Title Part Section File Type
CFR .
Title 49 USC 30103(b1) (US Codes) prohibits any state from forbidding a system that conforms to FMVSS 108. No State or Local ordinance shall usurp the authority and enforcement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
USA - Department of Transportation:
FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all 50 states provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.
CANADA - Canada Transport:
FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all Provinces provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.
Kisan Headlight modulators are manufactured and tested to be in full compliance with US Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard 108 and Transport Canada Technical Standard 108.
To obtain a full copy of these standards, select from below. You can choose text or PDF format and also select the latest revision (default) or publication from earlier years.
Revision Year Title Part Section File Type
CFR .
Title 49 USC 30103(b1) (US Codes) prohibits any state from forbidding a system that conforms to FMVSS 108. No State or Local ordinance shall usurp the authority and enforcement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Last edited by Toe Knee; 06-26-2010 at 11:15 AM.
#40
06-26-2010, 11:20 AM
You guys can run with your headlight modulators and/or high beam but bear in mind that some on-coming drivers may feel that you are trying to antagonize them, and since it's quasi-legal in many states to kill motorcyclists by turning in front of them, you should still be prepared for the worst.