Looking to buy TOM'S but can't decide !!!

[Pish]

Hey everyone !

I have been interested in changing my taillights to some TOM'S for quite some time now but unfortunately I cannot decide one which ones to get !

I drive a Raven FRS and I personally think both the red and clear version looks good on that car !

I am starting this thread to hear from other drivers that have/had these taillights installed .

I know that ultimately it is what I think looks good but I want to hear what everyone has to say !

Such as I am currently leaning towards the red TOM'S but I cannot decide between the DOT approved or the USDM JDM spec !

Has anyone in the United States (in particular California) that has gotten pulled over for not having DOT approved TOM'S ?

I know that the side light can be quite bothersome for some people , I am not sure how I feel about it yet .

I also do like the amber turn signals on the USDM JDM spec but I don't mind the red turn signals on the DOT approved .

I browsed the internet for pictures already , if you have pictures of your setup feel free to post what they look like here !


My thanks in advance !

[unsurety]

I've had the red JDM Tom's for a couple of months. I was driving home last night and a cruiser tailed me. As soon as I pulled into my garage, he pulled a u-turn. Knock on wood, but I've been safe so far.

If that's your car in your avatar I'd be more worried about not having a front plate. I'm not running one either, but I kept the dealer plate in back.

[J.C.]

I have the jdm spec TOMS (also a Raven owner in CA) and I've had no issues with any law enforcement for not having DOT approved taillights.

[jflogerzi]

I would just get the DOT approved ones. Thats just me

[draggin_az]

im not in cali but i have the JDM tom's and have never been hassled

however i did fail inspection for them not being dot approved

[Malt]

Originally Posted by Pish

Hey everyone !

I have been interested in changing my taillights to some TOM'S for quite some time now but unfortunately I cannot decide one which ones to get !

I drive a Raven FRS and I personally think both the red and clear version looks good on that car !

I am starting this thread to hear from other drivers that have/had these taillights installed .

I know that ultimately it is what I think looks good but I want to hear what everyone has to say !

Such as I am currently leaning towards the red TOM'S but I cannot decide between the DOT approved or the USDM JDM spec !

Has anyone in the United States (in particular California) that has gotten pulled over for not having DOT approved TOM'S ?

I know that the side light can be quite bothersome for some people , I am not sure how I feel about it yet .

I also do like the amber turn signals on the USDM JDM spec but I don't mind the red turn signals on the DOT approved .

I browsed the internet for pictures already , if you have pictures of your setup feel free to post what they look like here !


My thanks in advance !

Is it really worth the potential hassle of getting a ticket due to non DOT spec lights? Giving the police such a clear and visual item that is non street legal is silly as it gives them a reason to pull you over and look for other violations.

Just get the DOT version.

[ApolloSki]

I have the JDM ones and live in LA, no issues with police about not being dot approved.

[Pish]

Originally Posted by unsurety

I've had the red JDM Tom's for a couple of months. I was driving home last night and a cruiser tailed me. As soon as I pulled into my garage, he pulled a u-turn. Knock on wood, but I've been safe so far.

If that's your car in your avatar I'd be more worried about not having a front plate. I'm not running one either, but I kept the dealer plate in back.

Haha maybe he was just trying to check out your car

I used to do that as well but now I am running a front plate !

[Pish]

Originally Posted by Malt

Is it really worth the potential hassle of getting a ticket due to non DOT spec lights? Giving the police such a clear and visual item that is non street legal is silly as it gives them a reason to pull you over and look for other violations.

Just get the DOT version.

Yes this is my thoughts exactly .

I guess one of the reasons why I am asking is because I never had any troubles before on my previous car and that was more of a moving target !

[Pish]

Originally Posted by draggin_az

im not in cali but i have the JDM tom's and have never been hassled

however i did fail inspection for them not being dot approved

Oh man that sucks .

Care to explain a little about the inspection ?

[unsurety]

Originally Posted by Pish

Yes this is my thoughts exactly .

I guess one of the reasons why I am asking is because I never had any troubles before on my previous car and that was more of a moving target !

In my experience, unfortunately imports are profiled more often for aftermarket stuff. Maybe it's different for other states/areas.

In my Z28... I spun the tires from a stop all the way through a u-turn at a red light. Nearly shit my pants when I saw a officer pulled over on the side halfway down the block. He shined his flashlight at my face as I passed by, but nothing happened.

I got a ticket in my Integra the first week I had it.

[draggin_az]

Originally Posted by Pish

Oh man that sucks .

Care to explain a little about the inspection ?

in VA they check EVERYTHING except smog (in some counties they do but not the one i live in)

they check

- tire tread
- horn
- side widows are operational
- nothing hanging from rearview mirror/nothing on windshield below the 3'' mark
- all lights are working (turn signals, headlights, brake lights, etc)
- no check engine light
- headlights and taillights must be stamped "DOT approved"
- brakes
- rotors
- suspension
- no cracks in windshield
- no leaking exhaust
- visual inspection under hood to make sure no leaks, belts aren’t torn, and everything is working properly
- rear view mirror is in place
- no rust holes
- must have door handles
- must have side mirrors
- vehicles frame must not touch the ground

the list goes on and on but thats all i could remember

[Michael Blue]

Is the only difference the rear side marker in the light?
I prefer them without them and would gladly risk it, no inspections here.

[suaveflooder]

I think it's just the sidemarker as far as the difference is concerned for the red. I have the dot approved ones.



I have a good friend who has had the JDM ones for awhile with no issues.