VA State Inspection - Ditch Lights Need Covers??

[MikeD]

My 25 TRD ORP (~16k miles) is at the dealer for service - finally got the brake squeal TSB done along with combined 15K/20K service (2nd and last dealer oil change (4th overall); long list of "inspection" items that I wanted the dealer to check off on).
And since my VA state inspection ran out yesterday, I figured get that done too... but the service advisor just called to say that my ditch lights (photo for fun) need to have covers or they cannot pass inspection.
Anyone know if this interpretation is on target. He took the inspection charge off and I'll have it done somewhere else - but do I need to remove the ditch lights to get the inspection done? Anyone know?
Thanks

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[ShotsFired]

My 25 TRD ORP (~16k miles) is at the dealer for service - finally got the brake squeal TSB done along with combined 15K/20K service (2nd and last dealer oil change (4th overall); long list of "inspection" items that I wanted the dealer to check off on).
And since my VA state inspection ran out yesterday, I figured get that done too... but the service advisor just called to say that my ditch lights (photo for fun) need to have covers or they cannot pass inspection.
Anyone know if this interpretation is on target. He took the inspection charge off and I'll have it done somewhere else - but do I need to remove the ditch lights to get the inspection done? Anyone know?
Thanks

Are those original equipment? Have the dealer inspect it.

 

[BonRunner]

I think your ditch Light's angle tilted too much. VA sucks! But u gotta complied with it. Get cheap cover on Amazon or 3D print one.

 

[4R-Sport]

Many states have laws regarding offroad / auxiliary lights. I believe the same is true in PA, however I have never heard of it being enforced. Some state inspection shops may look the other way and be easier to work with. Or its a matter of simply covering them when taking it in for an inspection.

I had to confirm (as best as can be done with AI). In PA - "By law, any off-road lighting mounted above the factory headlights must be fitted with an opaque cover that completely blocks any light from being emitted while you are driving on public highways or trafficways."

I live in a very rural region. I'd say 95%+ of the aux lights I see on vehicles on the roads are not covered and I find it hard to believe people are covering them for an inspection. They are common in the area. Another law - like window tint & tires poking out from the fenders, etc. that only seem to be enforced when someone gets a bug up... etc.

 

[MikeD]

Thanks for responses.

Are those original equipment? Have the dealer inspect it.

Nope - no 4runner trim comes equipped with ditch lights. And none available from Toyota AFAIK.
The inspection was at the dealer (for "free" 15/20K service. And they didn't torque the propeller shaft bolts - I won't be going back except for warranty service that I hope is not needed. But I did get the Brake Squeal service done. Woo Hoo.)

I think your ditch Light's angle tilted too much.

Horizontally out too much or vertically down too much? (or both?) I've tweaked them a bit but am interested in what you think would be more optimum.

Get cheap cover on Amazon.

Yep. That is what I decided to do - they arrive tomorrow. Hope they fit. 4" LED light pod covers

Many states have laws regarding offroad / auxiliary lights. I believe the same is true in PA, however I have never heard of it being enforced. Some state inspection shops may look the other way and be easier to work with. Or its a matter of simply covering them when taking it in for an inspection.
...

Yep - I found the law and it is very similar in VA as what you found for PA (which is my home state and the only other place I've lived - yea for Commonwealths)
But everything you say seems spot on. I'll be putting the covers on for the inspection and we will see if I leave them on or they get pulled out once a year:>)

 

[quadna71]

Thanks for responses.


Nope - no 4runner trim comes equipped with ditch lights. And none available from Toyota AFAIK.
The inspection was at the dealer (for "free" 15/20K service. And they didn't torque the propeller shaft bolts - I won't be going back except for warranty service that I hope is not needed. But I did get the Brake Squeal service done. Woo Hoo.)


Horizontally out too much or vertically down too much? (or both?) I've tweaked them a bit but am interested in what you think would be more optimum.


Yep. That is what I decided to do - they arrive tomorrow. Hope they fit. 4" LED light pod covers


Yep - I found the law and it is very similar in VA as what you found for PA (which is my home state and the only other place I've lived - yea for Commonwealths)
But everything you say seems spot on. I'll be putting the covers on for the inspection and we will see if I leave them on or they get pulled out once a year:>)

Delaware requires light covers on any non-OEM aux lights installed above the bumper. You'll never be pulled over for missing them but you will get popped at the DMV during inspection if they are missing. My wife's 2001 TJ has Hella spots on her hood hinges and we keep the covers in the garage just for inspection trips. If we leave them on all the time the UV will crumble them in less than a year.

 

[Overland Toy]

Save your money and just put some duct tape over them for the inspection and then take it back off later. Easy peezy

 

[mcd_ovrlnd]

Penn has that law but like someone above said, doesn’t seem to get enforced especially if your ditch lights are correctly aimed down and out. Nonetheless, I actually put my covers on before inspection. Just passed the other day.

 

[bakutheleo]

Just put a sock on 'em...just need one pair

I think it is often ignored by highway patrol, but is a requirement in many (?) states. Does make some sense. I have some cheap-o Amazon ditch lights that I have yet to cover. Probably no cover made for them, but I am sure I can fashion something (like a pair of socks).

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