Lights tips / legality questions
 

Had my FR-S for about a month now and it's about time to go for some cosmetic mods- I'm thinking lights first. I know there's a thousand threads- but I thought I'd sum up what I've read so far and ask for additional advice for many types of light mods in one place.

The goal is to install the mods w/ the least potential to get pulled over for fix tickets etc.

Sidemarkers- seems the way to go is JDM clear or smoked, but install an amber bulb

Switchback turn signals- I haven't seen much about the legality of having a white persistent light which switches to amber blinkers- any issues here?

HID- 5k or 6k 35 watt and (maybe) bend squirrel finders depending on quality of HID's?

Fog/DRL - install white LED and pretty much lose ability of high beams

Last question is- have any of you done just the sidemarkers and switchbacks and left the headlights alone? If so- does it look weird or silly at all not matching the "white" of the factory bulbs? Thanks!

Sidemarkers - check with your local laws to see if white or amber is acceptable.
Turn signals - switchbacks shouldn't be illegal, but again, check your local laws.
HID - this will always be illegal unless you purchase GT86 or BRZ headlights. Even the moarbetterer way of retrofitting HID projectors is technically illegal, but still better than slapping in a HID kit. If you must install an HID kit, go with 4300K-5000K for the temperature.
Fog light - install the JDM fog light kit, then you can retain your high beams.

i suggest retrofit for headlights

The problem here won't be the mods you're after, it's the way officers enforce the law.

A modded car is a cop magnet, no matter how you see it. Even if you know the vehicle code to the letter, the officer can still cite you for violation(s) that he/she seems fit, and you argue with the judge.

A waste of time, yes. But if you are so worried about legality, keep the high profile items stock and mod something that will net useful returns.

-alex

Thanks for the replies. It's not that I'm over-concerned necessarily with getting pulled over- just don't want anything that makes it especially easy for them. The #1 offender I would guess would be HID kits without a real retrofit. I've pretty much talked myself out of HID kits at this point.

I would think that sidemarkers and switchbacks wouldn't be considered "high profile items", but who knows. Those two mods are at the top of my list as I just think it has a cool/pretty factor and keeps the lines clean (sidemarkers in particular).

As far as modding something that will net useful returns- I wish I was a bit more of a gear head- sure I'd like a little more power, and I am an engineer, just not great working on cars.. I have a feeling owning this car will help me try some of those projects though.

4300-5000k hid low beam
Amber led bulb for side marker
Switchback for turn signal is fine

Keep the bulbs at 4300-5000k and ull be fine
i was pulled over for 6000k led license plate bulb ymmv