License plate illumination really an issue here in MA?

[Lxpony]

I just picked up another bike.... 2006 ZX10R and I want to eliminate the rear fender. One option that appeals to me doesnt come with any lights, it is just the bracket. Will inspection stations fail me for not having the plate lit or will they let me go. I know it depends on the place but I live very close to Higgins Powersports in Barre so it would probably be brought there.

I got rid of my rear light on my 08 ZX6R and have not had any issues with cops giving me a hard time. At the time it was inspected though it had the light. In fact on Friday a state cop was behind me at a red light and assisted me in pulling out into the intersection when the light didnt turn green because I must not have triggered the light based on the sensors in the asphalt.

[Pittenger5]

Depends if the cop thinks license plate illumination is really necessary.

[SRTie4k]

I think you're required to have a tag light in pretty much every state, whether the cops hassle you or not. It should be part of inspection of functioning lights.

[Eddie]

I am pretty sure your bike will not pass inspection if you don't have a plate light.

[Lxpony]

nice quick responses- thanks. I should reword my questions then-

Has anyone ever passed an inspection without license plate lights?

[Pittenger5]

Why not hook up some lights?

[DuncanMoto]

If you're near Boston give me a call and I'll tell you where to go.
I also have metal LED plate bolt lights and reflectors in stock.

[Wishbone]

Quick. Easy. Done.

[Woodsy]

I got failed for this this season. I had to drill holes in the bottom of my taillight at the shop to pass

[KillBill]

I am pretty sure your bike will not pass inspection if you don't have a plate light.

I went to this real shady place in Leominster and
even made it a point to check for lights.

[ultraTwist]

nice quick responses- thanks. I should reword my questions then-

Has anyone ever passed an inspection without license plate lights?

yes, every year.

[Eddie]

yes, every year.

That's funny, I know I'd get rejected for sure in the shops around my house. I guess the relevant question is where should you go to?

Anyway, my advice is fix the damn light, after all how much work will that take?

[whynot]

.. rear reflectors are on the inspection checklist, too --
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/inspect/540cmr400.pdf

(d) Plate Light. Each motorcycle shall be equipped with a white light so arranged as to illuminate the rear number plate so that it is plainly visible at a distance of 60 feet. Such light shall not emit a tailing glare.

(e) Reflectors. Each motorcycle shall have at least one rear red reflector mounted on the vertical center line except that, if two are used, they shall be symmetrically distant from the vertical center line and of equal height. The reflector height above the road surface measured to the center of the reflector shall not be less than 15 inches, nor more than 60 inches. Note: reflector(s) may be combined with other rear lamps. Motorcycles manufactured on or after January 1, 1968
shall be equipped with two red side reflectors mounted on each side at or near the rear of the motorcycle and shall be equipped with two amber side reflectors mounted on each side at or near the front of the motorcycle. The side reflector height above the road surface measured to the center of the reflector shall not be less than 15 inches, nor more than 60inches.
(f)
Turn Signals. ... etc.

[kingkawi]

I went back to stock because of the hassle and mine had a light.

[Erebus]

I won't name the place but where I went passed me for years with no plate light, no reflectors and flushies on more than one bike. All of a sudden this year they are being hard asses about lights and reflectors. I asked why and this is what I was told.

The Registry is checking on them to make sure they are inspecting bikes properly. If they pass a bike that shouldn't be passed and get caught they can be fined $10K per offense. They said it started around last October.

Don't forget the state is in budget misery so they are going to try extra hard to hand out fines and this being a big one is a prime one for cracking down on to increase revenue. It sucks but it is what it is.

I was also told that they have been seeing bikes come back for new stickers cause people are apparently stealing stickers.

I googled around a bit and found this article about them cracking down on regular inspection stations.

And here's some stuff that's motorcycle specific.
http://www.gwrramachapterf.org/motor...ion_rules.html
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/inspect/540cmr400.pdf - Motorcycle procedure starts on the bottom of page 23. Lighting specifics start at the bottom of page 27. This appears to be current as I can't find any other version/revision of it but it doesn't give any indication of when it was published.

[Doc]

I have some LED plate bolts that I am not using. PM me if you want em. $10

[Kenn157]

Check this site out. I bought mine from them and I'm very happy with it.

http://www.evotech-performance.com/a...Tail_Tidy.html

[DocCola]

nice quick responses- thanks. I should reword my questions then-

Has anyone ever passed an inspection without license plate lights?

I passed inspection with no lights and my plate tucked way the hell under my tail.

I have, however, been pulled over for that twice now and ticked once.

Still not moving it though.

[whynot]

Check this site out. I bought mine from them and I'm very happy with it.

http://www.evotech-performance.com/a...Tail_Tidy.html

Me, too, happy with the evotech tail tidy (for the Buell), quality piece, comes with plate LED, but it eliminates reflectors, so I use round plate bolt reflectors. Earlier this year, on nedoc I think it was, someone told about getting stopped and cited by Mass. State Police for running without reflectors.

[Kham]

i have no plate light.

[keeena]

I should reword my questions then- Has anyone ever passed an inspection without license plate lights?

Plenty do pass. Who cares though, its illegal and just gives another potential for getting yanked or more $ on a ticket. Good LED plate bolts are barely intrusive (still have a clean looking tail) and legal. Take Doc up on his offer.

[LowSider]

I failed at several inspection places in Mass for not having a plate light until I installed one. If you just don't want to get a plate light, you could hook up the stock fender and get it inspected then remove it again.

Getting it inspected is half the battle though. You run the risk of getting a ticket or fine.

I got some of those 15 dollar plate bolts that have lights in them. They don't light the plate all that well but it is enough to pass tech and not get a ticket.

[obsolete]

No plate light here, never had a problem. :shrug: My brake light throws a lot of light on the plate though.

[tWeEzy]

can they harass you for the same thing if you got out of state plates?

[Kurlon]

can they harass you for the same thing if you got out of state plates?

They'll first get you for not updating your registration to the state you're a resident in, THEN tag you for not being inspect-able. : )