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Adding Reflectors to Valenti Tail lights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by GoldPianoGarden, Sep 18, 2011.

  1. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    Since, I believe, the Valenti tail lights don't come with reflectors on the sides like required in the U.S...., I was wondering if there's any decent way to add a reflector ONTO each one in an attempt to lessen the chances of being pulled over (I will be receiving the smoked set since our "buy" on them finally ended yesterday). Since I will have the smoked ones, they already draw extra attention to themselves, since I know many states do not allow any kind of tinted tail lights.... Anyhow, just a thought. Also, I do not personally know the wording of the specific laws regarding the reflector thing, so it may just be that there has to be one on each rear side of the car, like it would be if each tail light had one...., so was wondering if there was another option to just buy some nice aftermarket reflectors to mount on each side of the rear bumper in the back. ????? Any suggestions welcome!
     
  2. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    I've had the smoked versions on for the last few months and haven't had any glances from the law. Of course that could be different where you're at... and you're going to get the body kit as well to draw more attention.
    However, to answer your question, I guess you could always bake the taillamps, separate them, and then mount the reflectors on.
     
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  3. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    It's not so much that the tinted lights themselves are illegal but the fact that their reflectors are blacked out that is illegal. The rear reflectors on the Valenti SB lights aren't blacked out so you're safe in that regard. However, if you want to compensate for the lack of side reflectors which are required in the US you can install lighted reflectors on the side of the rear bumper like the video below.

     
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  4. robby3

    robby3 Member

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    AFAIK the rear side reflector must provide a reflective light even when the lights are switched off or the car is parked. The LEDs on the side do not provide this. What you simply can do is put a reflective sticker on the tail lamps or any place on the side of the rear pumper. My Caddy CTS had a small red square reflector in the side of the bumper as the ztailslamps have not had a reflector in them. A sticker would not look much different.
     

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  5. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    If someone is stupid enough to crash into my parked car due to the lack of a side reflector, I'll be more than happy to let them. At least I won't be in the car. With the lights on, the Valenti lights are highly visible from the side (more than OEM lamps) and I have the crusing lights from the side view mirrors.

    It's a safe bet you're not going to get pulled over for having the SB model as most cops will be directly behind you rather than perpendicular to you and they'll see the rear reflectors. You're not in the same situation as people who smoke out their entire tails, which blacks out the rear reflectors.
     
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  7. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    I wonder where a person would get those?
     
  8. XMAN LIVE

    XMAN LIVE "Just have Fun!"

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    For a while I was thinking this was the same car before LED tail light upgrade... However this car has side marker for front and back...



    I would like to know what they put in for FOGs as lights are white not yellow..
     
  9. XMAN LIVE

    XMAN LIVE "Just have Fun!"

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    As for RED LED on Tail Light I think I am going with Ebay seller jaydencar08[​IMG]60cm 60led Audi style side shine SMD Light strip red | eBay

    [​IMG]

    I installed green Lights to front to my Prius.... I was happy! I ordered 2 and told seller it was for auto head lights. Someone did make sure they attached wire on left side for one and the right on the other, good thing... as I did not think of that being a issue. I all so used leftovers for other Mod but had to do some soldering. Added Light under center console.
    [​IMG]
     
  10. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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  11. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    I got pulled over by the cops today, it was a dark and raining day, they gave me a warning, they said that my taillights are illegal, cause there's no red reflectors on the back. I'm thinking about adding a 3m reflector sticker now ><
     
  12. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    I wonder if an all-the-time-ish rear fog light would appease that situation.
     
  13. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    I might go with a different look for my Prius after December, no more blacked out style look :p
     
  14. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    Don't do it! It's a trick! lol
     
  15. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    haha, well I got a brand new set of SB's from warranty, gonna trade it back for the CR's. than I'm gonna remove all my plasti dip from all my emblems, and just go with the chrome look. haha
     
  16. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    wow
     
  17. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    haha, still not sure yet man, I really like the blacked out look, but I think the chrome look will match our PP wheels better ?
     
  18. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    and also, I won't need to spend too much time plasti dipping the lower rocker mouldings :p
     
  19. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

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    But we DO have reflectors in the back! I had bought some stickers to add to fix the no reflectors on the side issue, but couldn't go through with it. Adding any stickers directly ONTO the tail lights just looked too tacky for my tastes. Still contemplating on a solution for the sides...any suggestions other than stickers without having to drill a hole into the bumper?
     
  20. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Either do it right like the car in the video above or skip it. None of the 80+ PC members have ever been pulled over for lacking side reflectors so it's not like running without a front license plate, illegal tints, etc.