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Use of flashers while sharing on freeway?

1RUN

1RUN

ants in my pants
Joined
Jun 20, 2007
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
Pedal Power
Hi all - I'm guessing that it's not technically legal, but may be ok in the name of safety... But, it is ok to have your hazard lights/flashers on when lane sharing on the freeway? The reason for it is to call more attention to yourself in situations where the driver doesn't see you coming up behind. I searched the search and didn't find anything... Thanks!:thumbup
 
ya, hazard lights... you know, both blinkers blinking at the same time. :wtf

I'm kinda curious to know too... although I dont think you could get pulled over for having your "hazard lights" on.

I just flash my brights (pass switch on the gsxr) when "sharing" lanes.
 
I got my headlight modulator, and hazards on while splitting. The cops I come up to pull over and let me pass. You could make a case that you are warning other motorists (other splitters) that there is slow moving traffic ahead.

25251(a)(3) To warn other motorists of accidents or hazards on a roadway, turn signal lamps may be flashed as warning lights while the vehicle is approaching, overtaking, or passing the accident or hazard on the roadway if the front turn signal lamps at each side are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side are being flashed simultaneously.
 
I think a headlight modulator would be the way to go. If you use your hazard lights all the time.. what would you use when you wanted to warn of a true hazard ahead? Or, are you trying to tell the world you are a hazard?
 
}Dragon{ said:
+1 on the modulator- it will be WAY more noticeable than your emergency flashers. :thumbup
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Is the modulator the thing that causes your headlight to look like you're continually flashing?
 
I see a few guys riding with emergency flashers on while lane sharing. I personally think the modulating headlight is better and does a better job of making yourself more visible.
 
blackonblack said:
Is the modulator the thing that causes your headlight to look like you're continually flashing?
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Yes. It's actually cycling the high-beam between full on and ~25% power, giving it a flashing effect.
 
Yes, it's illegal to ride down the road or lane share with your hazards light on.
Plus when you get into a collision "lane sharing" and go to court, what are you going to say to the attorney that argues that you were doing a know dangerous and hazardous maneuver that you even had your HAZZARD lights on.
 
blackonblack said:
Is the modulator the thing that causes your headlight to look like you're continually flashing?
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The pioneer in pulsing headlamp technology is Kissan Tech. I believe they are the ones that got the law changed to allow for the pulsing light too.
pathBlazer-anim6.gif

Try this link: http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=2
This shit will save your life. Warning, it also draws a lot of attention.. from everyone, including cops that are not aware they are legal.
The ones they sell have the required sensor that does not allow them to operate after dusk.

FEDERAL LAW:
Title 49 US Code section 30103(b1) paragraph S7.9.4 prohibits any state from forbidding a system that conforms to FMVSS 108.

I believe they are legal in all 50 states, during daylight only.

CA LAW:
Headlight modulators
CVC 25251.2 Any motorcycle may be equipped with a means of modulating the upper beam of the headlamp between a high and a lower brightness at a rate of 200 to 280 flashes per minute. Such headlamps shall not be so modulated during darkness.


I can tell you from experience, there is nothing else (legal) that will increase your visibility more that a headlamp modulator and brake lamp pulse device. I can also tell you that you will likley stir up and subsequently get to meet every uninformed, anti-motorcycle cop along your route. :(
 
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In fact, some states still have laws on the books that say they're illegal. Clearly the federal law trumps that, but it's still a pain in the ass to have to go to court for it.
 
How about just having one of your turn signals on instead?

Is it illegal to do that for a long time *without* turning/merging?
 
motorman4life said:
I think a headlight modulator would be the way to go. If you use your hazard lights all the time.. what would you use when you wanted to warn of a true hazard ahead? Or, are you trying to tell the world you are a hazard?
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JPM said:
Yes, it's illegal to ride down the road or lane share with your hazards light on.
Plus when you get into a collision "lane sharing" and go to court, what are you going to say to the attorney that argues that you were doing a know dangerous and hazardous maneuver that you even had your HAZZARD lights on.
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That was my take on the use of hazards while filtering as well...announcing to the world "hey I'm a hazard!" Then last week I vaguely followed (he was going faster than I was willing to keep pace) a motor cop filtering on 24 in the morning and then again in the evening. In the morning it made no sense, but then in the evening it was dark and I thought about it... MC headlights are easy to lose in the sea of background headlights behind them, so the hazards may help with that.

My RT has a double light setup so it is a little more conspicuous, but all things considered I've had to cut my filtering down to nearly nil on the way home. It sucks. :|
 
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Traq said:
That was my take on the use of hazards while splitting as well...announcing to the world "hey I'm a hazard!" Then last week I vaguely followed (he was going faster than I was willing to keep pace) a motor cop splitting on 24 in the morning and then again in the evening. In the morning it made no sense, but then in the evening it was dark and I thought about it... MC headlights are easy to lose in the sea of background headlights behind them, so the hazards may help with that.

My RT has a double light setup so it is a little more conspicuous, but all things considered I've had to cut my splitting down to nearly nil on the way home. It sucks. :|
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I find that night has a calming effect on traffic. Kind of like when you throw a blanket over a birdcage.
 
Traq said:
That was my take on the use of hazards while splitting as well...announcing to the world "hey I'm a hazard!" Then last week I vaguely followed (he was going faster than I was willing to keep pace) a motor cop splitting on 24 in the morning and then again in the evening. In the morning it made no sense, but then in the evening it was dark and I thought about it... MC headlights are easy to lose in the sea of background headlights behind them, so the hazards may help with that.

My RT has a double light setup so it is a little more conspicuous, but all things considered I've had to cut my splitting down to nearly nil on the way home. It sucks. :|
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I don't think it has ever been mentioned here... but, splitting is the term used by those that are AGAINST lanesharing. Sharing.. lane-sharing, lanesharing.. that is the term used by those that practice it safely and wish to preserve it as a legal act in this state.

I can only assume, by your repeated use of the word "splitting" in this context.. that you are joining (or are among) the ranks of all of those little-old ladies and hand-wringers out there that are against all of us law-abiding lane-sharing folks.

I'll give you an opportunity to edit your post before WE (lanesharers) attack your mojo (and reputation) with the wrath of.... well, you get the point. :twofinger
 
motorman4life said:
I don't think it has ever been mentioned here... but, splitting is the term used by those that are AGAINST lanesharing. Sharing.. lane-sharing, lanesharing.. that is the term used by those that practice it safely and wish to preserve it as a legal act in this state.

I can only assume, by your repeated use of the word "splitting" in this context.. that you are joining (or are among) the ranks of all of those little-old ladies and hand-wringers out there that are against all of us law-abiding lane-sharing folks.

I'll give you an opportunity to edit your post before WE (lanesharers) attack your mojo (and reputation) with the wrath of.... well, you get the point. :twofinger
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As if! It's one of the main reasons I won't move from CA...at least not as long as I ride...and I don't plan on giving up riding for the forseeable future.
 
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