So today as I was driving I happened to be pulled over by a Pennsylvania State Trooper, rather odd I wasn't speeding, texting, and had my seat belt on. So what could it be? Officer approaches my window asks for the usually documentation yada, yada, yada and proceeds to tell me he pulled me over because I have a tinted license plate cover. Hmm no biggie. I'll just remove it. So he goes on to tell me my Hella 500 lights mounted to the windshield are illegal in Pennsylvania. *note they are covered with the rock shield allowing no light through while on road use.* intended for only off-road use only. Before even purchasing my lights I looked up all the legal mumbo jumbo to see if they were legal in the State of Pennsylvania. To my prior knowledge and findings they were. So he issued a warning to remove them and the plate cover. He told me that roof mounted lights are legal, but he pointed out this issue with me having my soft top on the jeep...contradicting. His reasoning when I asked why they were illegal and what Statues he was abiding by were that they quote "are probably illegal Ornamental lamps and if not stock they are probably illegal" end quote. Anyone see an issue here? Anybody have the same problem?
Windshield mounted light Laws. PA
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shooKyaa
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So today as I was driving I happened to be pulled over by a Pennsylvania State Trooper, rather odd I wasn't speeding, texting, and had my seat belt on. So what could it be? Officer approaches my window asks for the usually documentation yada, yada, yada and proceeds to tell me he pulled me over because I have a tinted license plate cover. Hmm no biggie. I'll just remove it. So he goes on to tell me my Hella 500 lights mounted to the windshield are illegal in Pennsylvania. *note they are covered with the rock shield allowing no light through while on road use.* intended for only off-road use only. Before even purchasing my lights I looked up all the legal mumbo jumbo to see if they were legal in the State of Pennsylvania. To my prior knowledge and findings they were. So he issued a warning to remove them and the plate cover. He told me that roof mounted lights are legal, but he pointed out this issue with me having my soft top on the jeep...contradicting. His reasoning when I asked why they were illegal and what Statues he was abiding by were that they quote "are probably illegal Ornamental lamps and if not stock they are probably illegal" end quote. Anyone see an issue here? Anybody have the same problem?
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Vehicle code states that if they are covered they aren't illegal.
State trooper needs to go back to the academy.
State trooper needs to go back to the academy.
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Remove the plate cover and download the vehicle code from the DMV website. If you find the lights are illegal remove them and if not print off the appropriate section and stick it in your glove box. If same officer pulls you over politely show him the regulation and ask him if you are misinterpreting it. Probably have no more issues. 
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That may be correct when considering auxillery lighting options, but do the mount locations interfere with any forward visibility... i/e blind spots?
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Officer is on a high horse and needs to be kicked off in the most violent and aggressive manner possible.
http://liftlaws.com/pennsylvania_lift_laws.htm
Towards the bottom portion,
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Another thing, vehicles are allowed up to 4 individual lights for illuminating the road ahead in ALL 50 states. Modern vehicles often have 2 primary driving lights, in addition to having 2 dedicated fog lamps. A lot of vehicles also have 2 dedicated high beam bulbs, ontop of the 2 driving (and some vehicles have all 3) from the factory. It is perfectly legal to drive with 4 lamps on at the same time to illuminate the road in front of you.
I have my headlights as well as a pair of 100W driving lights wired with my high beams. No issues whatsoever.
http://liftlaws.com/pennsylvania_lift_laws.htm
Towards the bottom portion,
The vehicle codes are listed alongside as well and likely can be cited on the DMV website for PA. Take these to court and fight it, the ticket will be dismissed.
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Another thing, vehicles are allowed up to 4 individual lights for illuminating the road ahead in ALL 50 states. Modern vehicles often have 2 primary driving lights, in addition to having 2 dedicated fog lamps. A lot of vehicles also have 2 dedicated high beam bulbs, ontop of the 2 driving (and some vehicles have all 3) from the factory. It is perfectly legal to drive with 4 lamps on at the same time to illuminate the road in front of you.
I have my headlights as well as a pair of 100W driving lights wired with my high beams. No issues whatsoever.
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4303. General lighting requirements.
(f) Off-road lighting.--Off-road lighting lamps may be mounted on the roof
or roll bar of a vehicle and shall be covered with an opaque covering that
prohibits any light from being emitted when the vehicle is being operated on
a highway or trafficway. Any person who illuminates an off-road lighting lamp
while the vehicle is being operated on a highway or a trafficway commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of
$100.
Does MAY BE MOUNTED ON THE ROOF OR ROLL BAR, mean "in addition to other places", or "only allowed to be mounted to" the roof or roll bar.???
(f) Off-road lighting.--Off-road lighting lamps may be mounted on the roof
or roll bar of a vehicle and shall be covered with an opaque covering that
prohibits any light from being emitted when the vehicle is being operated on
a highway or trafficway. Any person who illuminates an off-road lighting lamp
while the vehicle is being operated on a highway or a trafficway commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of
$100.
Does MAY BE MOUNTED ON THE ROOF OR ROLL BAR, mean "in addition to other places", or "only allowed to be mounted to" the roof or roll bar.???
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If they are over 41" high, or above the headlights, they must have covers on them. Stone guards do not count as covers.
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Off-road lights are only allowed in the "may be mounted" locations. Driving or fog lights fall into a differant standard.
Often the laws are only enforced if an officer is having a bad day or notices you doing something silly and he needs a reason to pull you over. Of course if you are a jerk to the officer then you get written up for everything.
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683 Posts
Bottom line is, you're running the risk. You'll read many of these stories over what is legal and what ain't. This goes for any off-road modification; fender flares, bumper height, etc. The rules are there for your (and other drivers) safety. Any time you modify something that increases the chance of injury, figure it may get you in trouble some day. Not sure what state you're driving in, but PA seems to be tough on these "rules", especially the state troopers. I have always thought off-road mods are secondary to some other reason to being pulled over. I have never been bothered with any "marginal" modifications on any of my rigs in my 16 years of driving, I am VERY careful when using off-road lighting on the streets, and I never speed or drive like a moron. But, it can depend on the cop and the day. Just be prepared to remove your lights when/if the day comes!
This is interesting. I saw this post as I was doing research because my 2021, which has ditch lights without covers failed PA inspection today. The PA state inspection manual apparently defines lights into three categories 1) auxiliary, 2) off-road; and 3) ornamental. The relevant portion of the PA code for vehicle inspections states that "Off-road lighting lamps may be mounted on the roof or roll bar of a vehicle and shall be covered with an opaque covering that prohibits any light from being emitted when the vehicle is being operated on a highway or trafficway. Any person who illuminates an off-road lighting lamp while the vehicle is being operated on a highway or a trafficway commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $100." As I read this plainly, the law allow off road roads on the roof or roll bar, but if they are placed there, they much be covered. My lights, like yours, are not on the roof; they are located by the A pillars just above the hood. In that regard, I would challenge the warning or ticket if he ultimately issues one (as I am challenging my state inspection). I will note that only off-road lights need to be covered. Auxiliary lights under PA are also allowed and they do not need to be covered. I concede that ditch lights would be used when the truck is in a ditch, and therefore, off road, but the language of the statute, as I read it, only requires a cover if they are mounted on the roof or on a roll bar, if so equipped.
As to having ditch lights at all, if they are considered ornamental and not original equipment, they are illegal per PA law. Ornamental lights are defined as a lamp not enumerated in this section and not located as described in Tables III, IV and V of this chapter, is prohibited unless it is available as original equipment. An illuminated sign is prohibited except on taxicabs, ambulances and trucks. Flashing or revolving lights are not ornamental lamps. Provisions relating to flashing or revolving lights are in Chapters 15 and 173 (relating to authorized vehicles and special operating privileges; and flashing or revolving lights on emergency and authorized vehicles). If, however, they are considered auxiliary, they may be legal depending on where they are placed and their height. I hope this helped in some way.
As to having ditch lights at all, if they are considered ornamental and not original equipment, they are illegal per PA law. Ornamental lights are defined as a lamp not enumerated in this section and not located as described in Tables III, IV and V of this chapter, is prohibited unless it is available as original equipment. An illuminated sign is prohibited except on taxicabs, ambulances and trucks. Flashing or revolving lights are not ornamental lamps. Provisions relating to flashing or revolving lights are in Chapters 15 and 173 (relating to authorized vehicles and special operating privileges; and flashing or revolving lights on emergency and authorized vehicles). If, however, they are considered auxiliary, they may be legal depending on where they are placed and their height. I hope this helped in some way.
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No. what is the plan to blind people? You must have no concern for others.
Off road lights are for off road. people buy this stuff for looks, like they are decorating a Christmas tree. Even off road if you are behind me. I will tell you to turn them off. Only the leader on night run would need to light up the trail / world. If you dont we will have an issue.
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