Are Batmobile fins illegal to put on your car?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012.

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  1. Briankbl

    Briankbl Junior Member

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    Probably a dumb question, but oh well. I have a black Prius and was wanting to Batman it up. Anyone know if the fins on the back of the Batmobile (think the Tim Burton films) would be an illegal modification? Thanks for any assistance.
    (Oh, and yes, I know this would have a negative effect on gas mileage. Negative comments can stay out, thanks lol)

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    #1 Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    might have a positive affect due to streamlining! either way, pics please!:p
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 28, 2012
  3. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    No, but why would you?????
     
    #3 KK6PD, Oct 28, 2012
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  4. Briankbl

    Briankbl Junior Member

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    Because I want to, simple as that B-)

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    #4 Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012
  5. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    Best to ask the Joker in Gotham City:LOL:

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    #5 dbcassidy, Oct 28, 2012
  6. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    I second the, No but why would you?????
     
    #6 dustoff003, Oct 28, 2012
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  7. Briankbl

    Briankbl Junior Member

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    #7 Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Without knowing where in the world you are, it will be hard to guess what is illegal there or not. Laws vary nation by nation, state by state, city by city. You have failed to locate yourself. So while I can't say it is not illegal, I do encourage you.

    Shoot for this good: Starfleet Command

    Try to do better than this: Hybrid Car » Toyota Yaris may also be Batmobile
     
    #8 JimboPalmer, Oct 28, 2012
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Check out ecomodder.com ...Adding a properly designed boat-tail to your car is the single-biggest improvement you can make to your car's aerodynmics, because the back of cars creates a vacume, which increases drag... Most people on ecomodder build stuff with cardboard or corrugated plastic and lots of tape and they test the coefficient of drag for each design till they find a design that works best. Here's some threads that other Prius Chat people have done similar to what you want to do: Prius C Goodies coming soon! :) | PriusChat

    Also some other design concepts: Prius Tv with Tom Bell

    As for what's legal... In general your license plate and tail lights need to unobstructed and if the added fins go back they need additional lighting/flagging...
     
    #9 PriusCamper, Oct 28, 2012
  10. Daves09prius

    Daves09prius Active Member

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    I say go for it! :) Most east coast states it's legal as long as it can still pass inspection, and doesn't go beyond 12" past your rear bumper... but I'm not a legal expert on automotive safety laws. I'd say consult your local DMV/MVA or consult a lawyer.
     
    #10 Daves09prius, Oct 28, 2012
  11. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Whenever you see a cop and they aren't busy, ask them what they think... Make sure you ask more than one cop, sometimes they aren't too up to speed on obscure laws.
     
    #11 PriusCamper, Oct 28, 2012
  12. Adam Leibovitch

    Adam Leibovitch Member

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    #12 Adam Leibovitch, Oct 28, 2012
  13. Briankbl

    Briankbl Junior Member

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    #13 Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012
  14. Briankbl

    Briankbl Junior Member

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    Thanks very much for the responses everyone.

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    #14 Briankbl, Oct 28, 2012
  15. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Keep in mind, everyone, that we all have different ideas. I've read and seen some things on Priuschat I would never do to my car. Please respect others' right to mod their own property. "Because I want to" is completely acceptable here on Priuschat.

    I second the idea of asking a cop. Or maybe even call the station. Coworkers and I have settled a few bets with a simple call to the station.

    And lastly, post pics!
     
    #15 TonyPSchaefer, Oct 28, 2012
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  16. Jason dinAlt

    Jason dinAlt Member

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    They really gonna be any bigger than this?
    [​IMG]
     
    #16 Jason dinAlt, Oct 28, 2012
  17. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Cops frequently give you their opinion rather than facts. If he does ask a cop, he should get the number of the applicable vehicle code so he can read it himself.
     
    #17 xs650, Oct 28, 2012
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what would make fins illegal? not sure what 'batmobile' fins are tho.:p
     
    #18 bisco, Oct 28, 2012
  19. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    batmobile fins - Google Search

    Very few of the owner modified street cars are inspiring, I hope the OP does better.
     
    #19 JimboPalmer, Oct 28, 2012
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks! there are many different kinds, but most look legal to me.
     
    #20 bisco, Oct 28, 2012
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