[MatchStick]

I am interested in other officers' input on the tinted "blackout" covers that people put over required lighting such as headlights and brake lights. To me it is pointless...like wearing sunglasses at night. Anyhow, have any of you had luck in citing owners/operators for such. If so, what chapter and section did you cite them under? Depending upon how one interprets the wording, c90 s7 "Defective equipment" or c90 s13 "Impeded operation" seem appropriate to me. Thanks in advance for your input and stay safe.

 

[bbelichick]

Not sure how it flies in court, but there is a CMR that states all lenses are not to be covered...Anyone?

 

[Dr.Magoo]

I think this may cover it:

Under GL c.90 s.7 the vehicle must have two working WHITE headlamps and two working red taillights.

Federal standards applicable. 540 CMR 22.04 adopts federal regulations in 49 CFR 571.108 In addition to other specifics, vehicles must have "two headlamps of approximately equal candle power which throw sufficient light ahead to make clearly visible all substantial objects...within a distance of 115 feet."

Violation under c.90 s.7 $35

Under 540 CMR 4.04 ( 8 ) Lenses must be intact, clean, unobstructed and free from cracks. $35 fine

I can not find anything specifically covering covered lights though.

 

[bbelichick]

I think this may cover it:

Under 540 CMR 4.04 ( 8 ) Lenses must be intact, clean, unobstructed and free from cracks. $35 fine

I can not find anything specifically covering covered lights though.

That's it right there. Lenses must be "unobstructed"

 

[MatchStick]

Thank you all for your input. I was already aware of the cover registration paltes under c90 s6. It is a great tool for stopping cars when you need a reason to dig deeper. Again, thanks for the input and stay safe.

 

[rhl]

MatchStick, Call the RMV and ask to speak to someonoe in the legal section. Andy Padalaro used to be there and may still be. He's been helpful in answering such questions in the past with me. Perhaps pull your local ADA aside and ask what that particular court would allow. Why research the hell out of this and then find the ADA and judge will just laugh in your face? Of course, if the stop leads to something substantial, then it's best to know ahead of time how the court will handle it. rhl