For those in Texas....... - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Bigs · 05-13-2008, 01:39 PM

Ok, looking for some ideas. Texas law states that in order for a bike to be legal on the road, it must have ONE red plastic rear reflector on the back of the bike visible (obviously) from 600 feet away (I may be off a few feet, but you get the point). I hate having those damn things, but understand the safety issue. I took off the bulky reflectors from the tail, and I am running small "reflector bolts" used to hold the license plate in its frame. I still don't like using these on such a nice chrome accent as my plate frame, but I am looking for some other ideas to be legal in regards to having the reflector, but not "junking" up the tail with a bunch of stuff. Know what I mean? I would like to keep the tail as neat and clutter free as I can. Thanks all!

geoffsimpson · 05-13-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigs

Ok, looking for some ideas. Texas law states that in order for a bike to be legal on the road, it must have ONE red plastic rear reflector on the back of the bike visible (obviously) from 600 feet away (I may be off a few feet, but you get the point). I hate having those damn things, but understand the safety issue. I took off the bulky reflectors from the tail, and I am running small "reflector bolts" used to hold the license plate in its frame. I still don't like using these on such a nice chrome accent as my plate frame, but I am looking for some other ideas to be legal in regards to having the reflector, but not "junking" up the tail with a bunch of stuff. Know what I mean? I would like to keep the tail as neat and clutter free as I can. Thanks all!

I don't know Texas law, but does it specifically state the reflector has to be on the bike? Could it be on the rider? IE: jacket or helmet?

KD57 · 05-13-2008, 02:27 PM

I highly doubt very few if any officers in TX actually knows what the requirements are, or even enforce it. I see bikes all the time w/ nothing on the rear. I'm on the other wagon when it comes to lights/reflectors on the rear, I want all I can get, the brighter the better. But I understand from a custom look, my old Harley didn't have but 2 of the reflector bolts. The V-star has lots of lights, but no reflectors, unless the tail lens counts as one.

Bigs · 05-13-2008, 02:57 PM

There were actually 3 reflectors on the rear of mine. Two on the side of the plate holder and one on the bottom. All are gone, and two reflector bolts are now on the plate frame.

Jay313 · 05-13-2008, 06:20 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. I chopped off my inspection sticker and stuck it in with the tool bag. If a cop should ask about it, I'm just going to explain that the plastic mount got cracked and I haven't been able to replace it yet. Actually, two guys I frequently ride with are cops, and neither one has even noticed or commented on the fact that it's now missing. I think you'd have to run into a super anal cop for him to even know the law on that one.

Kooter · 05-13-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay313

I think you'd have to run into a super anal cop for him to even know the law on that one.

...or just really bored....

In MN anyway, we know a lot of the minor rules because it gives us reason to stop. Don't normally enforce it unless we're bored or looking for a reason to stop you though.

It's amazing how many drunks you can get from a non functioning license plate light!

05-13-2008, 01:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bigs In Training Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic Location: Houston, TX Posts: 143	For those in Texas....... Ok, looking for some ideas. Texas law states that in order for a bike to be legal on the road, it must have ONE red plastic rear reflector on the back of the bike visible (obviously) from 600 feet away (I may be off a few feet, but you get the point). I hate having those damn things, but understand the safety issue. I took off the bulky reflectors from the tail, and I am running small "reflector bolts" used to hold the license plate in its frame. I still don't like using these on such a nice chrome accent as my plate frame, but I am looking for some other ideas to be legal in regards to having the reflector, but not "junking" up the tail with a bunch of stuff. Know what I mean? I would like to keep the tail as neat and clutter free as I can. Thanks all! __________________ 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic Cerulean Silver Cobra Slash Cut Exhaust Ameritex Saddlebags Debadged AIS removed M/E 4" Floorboard Extensions "Privately fabricated" highway pegs Kuryakyn ISO grips Kuryakyn brake pedal/shifter peg covers

05-13-2008, 02:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
KD57 In The Zone Joined: Oct 2007 Bike: 2008 ZZR600 Location: Under a rock in Texas Posts: 2,581	I highly doubt very few if any officers in TX actually knows what the requirements are, or even enforce it. I see bikes all the time w/ nothing on the rear. I'm on the other wagon when it comes to lights/reflectors on the rear, I want all I can get, the brighter the better. But I understand from a custom look, my old Harley didn't have but 2 of the reflector bolts. The V-star has lots of lights, but no reflectors, unless the tail lens counts as one. __________________ The "other" ZZR rider.

05-13-2008, 02:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bigs In Training Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic Location: Houston, TX Posts: 143	There were actually 3 reflectors on the rear of mine. Two on the side of the plate holder and one on the bottom. All are gone, and two reflector bolts are now on the plate frame. __________________ 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic Cerulean Silver Cobra Slash Cut Exhaust Ameritex Saddlebags Debadged AIS removed M/E 4" Floorboard Extensions "Privately fabricated" highway pegs Kuryakyn ISO grips Kuryakyn brake pedal/shifter peg covers

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05-13-2008, 06:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	I wouldn't worry about it. I chopped off my inspection sticker and stuck it in with the tool bag. If a cop should ask about it, I'm just going to explain that the plastic mount got cracked and I haven't been able to replace it yet. Actually, two guys I frequently ride with are cops, and neither one has even noticed or commented on the fact that it's now missing. I think you'd have to run into a super anal cop for him to even know the law on that one.

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