Headlight modulators on motorcycle legal in Europe??

[extsieg]

I have a modulator on my HD that operates when the lights are on high beam. Is this legal in any European country?

[Tony P]

I would be surprised if an HD is legal!

[extsieg]

Whats up with the HD bash? Though Im a ATGATT type of HD guy. One reason Im taking my HD and moving to Europe to get away from dumb people texting and driving along with a whole laundry list of other, but I digress...

[Werner-900ie]

As a rule of thumb, any modification to the motorcycle's lighting system is most likely NOT legal.

If you have a problem with such a mod will depend on where your bike is registered. If you are aiming to obtain an European registration the mod will lead to a failure to pass Inspection. But if you are a travelling foreigner, they will most probably let you go with it, unless it really dazzles upcoming traffic to a point that it is unsafe.

[extsieg]

I can always run with the low beams on if people start pulling over thinking Im the police. I have had that happen to me a few times state side. That cracks me up

[Niklas]

If headlight modulators also are called vibralight, I can tell for Denmark, that it's illegal.

Niklas

[extsieg]

Easy fix for me its a plug and play wire under my seat I'll just pull it if I start receiving the stink eye from people.

[extsieg]

Easy fix for me its a plug and play wire under my seat I'll just pull it if I start getting the stink eye

[PanEuropean]

Originally Posted by extsieg

I have a modulator on my HD that operates when the lights are on high beam. Is this legal in any European country?

Extsieg:

I have a headlight modulator on my Canadian-registered motorcycle. I have shipped this motorcycle to Europe many times in the past 10 years, and have never had any problem arise as a result of having the modulator.

But, I have wired the modulator up so that it only works when the headlight is on the high beam setting - it does not operate on low beam. This means that 90% of the time, it is not working - it only functions when I want to turn it on to improve the conspicuity of the motorcycle.

The Canadian motor vehicle safety specifications (in other words, the legislation governing equipment permitted on a motorcycle that is registered in Canada) specifically permit headlight modulators. I have printed out a paper copy of this legislation and keep it on my motorcycle, along with the registration and insurance documents. The idea is that if I am ever challenged about having the modulator, I will be able to explain that it is entirely appropriate and legal in the State of Registration of the motorcycle. That doesn't guarantee me a free "get out of jail" card, but I think it should result in any reasonable policeman just saying "well, it ain't accepted here, so turn it off" (if that is in fact the case).

You might want to research the appropriate legislation in your country (FMVSS if you are in the USA) and see if there is a similar provision in that legislation.

However, having said all that, I would not recommend you go to Europe with a bike that has a full time modulator on the low beam circuit. I call my modulator "Moses", because traffic ahead of me parts like the Red Sea whenever I turn it on. If you have a full time modulator on the low beam circuit, I think you will just piss the locals off, and most certainly get challenged by the local police the first time you come up behind a policeman with the modulator turned on.

Michael

[extsieg]

I should not have any problems. Like yours my low beam does not modulate; only the high beam. As a back up plan I can just place a piece of tape over the light sensor and trick it into thinking it night time

Im waiting on my Canadian insurance card to show in the mail in preparation for my trip to Europe via Canada.