Is it illegal to attach LED strips to a motorcycle? Cases where it's illegal and precautions to take

Is installing LED strips on a motorcycle illegal in itself?

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While installing LED strips on a motorcycle is not illegal in itself, the installation location, color, and lighting method must comply with legal regulations.

It is important to customize your motorcycle in an appropriate manner, considering safety aspects such as whether surrounding traffic can be seen and visibility, and complying with laws and regulations.

What about under the Road Traffic Act?

The Road Traffic Act strictly regulates the brightness and installation position of lights. If LED strips that do not meet these conditions are installed, there is a possibility of violating the Road Traffic Act.

It is stipulated that the brightness must not exceed that of taillights, etc. If LED strips brighter than 300 candela are installed, they may be subject to enforcement under the Road Traffic Act, so caution is required.

Care must also be taken with colors. Choosing colors such as red or orange can easily lead to confusion with taillights or turn signals, which may also lead to enforcement.

Furthermore, for motorcycles that require a vehicle inspection, there is a possibility that they may not pass the inspection depending on the installation location. Therefore, it is safer to remove them before the inspection.

What about the safety standards of the Road Transport Vehicle Act?

The safety standards of the Road Transport Vehicle Act refer to the standards for the structure and equipment of motorcycles and passenger cars, and detailed rules are established regarding lighting (headlights, turn signals, etc.). Failure to comply will result in a traffic violation.

When installing LED strips, it is forbidden to use red or orange, which are used for taillights and turn signals. It is also forbidden to install lights that blink or change brightness, and these are subject to enforcement as violations.

Installation is also prohibited around existing lights such as headlights, turn signals, and taillights. Failure to comply may result in enforcement for violating safety standards.

What are the implications for vehicle inspection?

During vehicle inspection, LED strips are treated as lighting, so they must comply with the rules for the installation and brightness of lighting. Failure to comply will result in the vehicle not passing inspection.

Even if the installation position is not an issue, LED strips that blink or change brightness will not pass inspection, so be careful.

Also, red and orange colors are prohibited, so choose blue or white. It is more certain to install LED strips at a position and brightness that comply with safety standards, or to remove them during the vehicle inspection.

What is the risk of enforcement?

If the installation is not in accordance with safety standards or the Road Traffic Act, there is a possibility of being subject to enforcement by police officers.

Since the installation position and brightness must meet safety standards, installing LED strips carries a high risk of being subject to enforcement.

To avoid enforcement, check the safety standards and the Road Traffic Act and install them in a way that is not illegal.

What are the conditions and standards under which motorcycle LED strips become illegal?

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While installing LED strips on a motorcycle itself is not illegal, it must meet regulations such as safety standards.

If you violate the following, you may be pulled over by the police or receive a penalty, so be careful.

Brightness limit

LED strips are treated as "other lighting," and their brightness must be kept below 300 candela.

The reason for the brightness limit is that they can easily be confused with turn signals or brake lights, which can prevent surrounding traffic from driving safely.

Furthermore, if the LED strips obstruct the light from headlights or turn signals, they may be subject to police enforcement or fail vehicle inspection.

Prohibition of blinking or changes in luminous intensity

The installation of LED strips that blink (high flash) or change brightness is prohibited by safety standards, so they will not pass vehicle inspection and you may receive a violation ticket from a police officer.

This is because they can easily be mistaken for turn signals or hazard lights. LED strips that turn on and off in conjunction with headlights, etc., are also prohibited.

Even if the LED strips change brightness subtly and slowly, they are considered to be changing brightness, and thus may be subject to penalties for violating safety standards or illegal modification.

Regulations regarding light color

When installing LED strips, the emitting color is also strictly regulated. Red lights (LED strips) are prohibited on the front and sides of motorcycles.

At the rear of the motorcycle, red or orange lights, which are the same color as taillights and turn signals, are prohibited. White lights that obstruct the emission of these lights are also prohibited.

When installing LED strips on a motorcycle, in addition to brightness and whether they blink, you must also pay attention to the color when choosing them.

Installation position and method

There are prohibited installation positions for LED strips, and when installing them, they must be securely fastened so that they do not fall off while driving.

Installation is prohibited around other lights such as headlights, taillights, and turn signals, and if you do not choose the appropriate color for the installation location, the vehicle will not pass inspection.

Before installing LED strips, confirm that the location is not prohibited for installation, and secure them firmly so that they do not fall off even with vibrations while driving.

Other installation precautions

LED strips, as exterior parts, are exposed to rain, wind, and dust. Therefore, they must not only be secured against vibration, but also installed in a way that prevents rain from entering the wiring.

To keep the wiring as protected as possible from direct exposure to rain and wind, install it by hiding it inside, or use waterproof covers or vinyl tape to ensure thorough waterproofing.

Depending on how the wiring is done, there is a risk of disconnection or short circuits due to water ingress. Therefore, it is necessary to protect it from water and secure it firmly so that it does not detach.

Are there problems during night driving?

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Installing LED strips may lead to problems during night driving, such as obscured visibility or overlooking surrounding traffic.

While installation must comply with the law, depending on the LED strips and their installation location, there is a possibility of the following impacts, so be careful.

Impact on other drivers and pedestrians (glare/misperception)

If LED strips are excessively bright, they may obstruct the vision of surrounding people, such as drivers of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, potentially causing traffic accidents.

In particular, installing LED strips that emit strong light to the front may cause glare for oncoming drivers or even temporarily blind them, impairing their vision.

Furthermore, attaching red or blue LED strips to the rear may lead to them being mistaken for emergency vehicles, potentially causing traffic confusion.

Reduced visibility for yourself

Excessive light from LED strips or their installation can cause reflective glare if the emitting part enters the rider's field of vision, leading to reduced visibility or glare that may cause them to overlook oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.

In particular, placing strong lights around the meter or on the fuel tank can introduce unnecessary light into the rider's field of vision, making it difficult to see the road conditions in the dark, which is dangerous.

When the eyes are exposed to strong light, it can take time for vision to return to normal, which may make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles or lead to overlooking pedestrians.

High likelihood of being subject to enforcement and police checks

When LED strips are illuminated at night, it becomes easier for police to identify that additional lighting has been installed, making them more likely to be subject to enforcement and checks.

Even if there is no violation, you may be asked "for what purpose are the LED strips installed," making them a frequent target for enforcement and verification.

In fact, there have been reported cases of riders with blue or red LEDs being stopped by the police, and they may be subject to stricter checks.

Impact on battery and wiring

Although low power consumption is an advantage of LEDs, installing too many LED strips increases power consumption, which can lead to battery drain, especially at night.

The more wiring added for lighting, the more likely electrical system problems are to occur. Battery problems are particularly common on cold days when battery performance is reduced.

If LED strips are added to a motorcycle that already has additional power-consuming accessories such as grip heaters, heated apparel, smartphones, or cameras, battery drain is more likely to occur. Therefore, calculate the total power consumption before installation.

Penalties and fines for violations

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If LED strips are subject to enforcement for maintenance defects, there is a possibility of receiving penalties. Depending on the installation state, it may be considered a more severe illegal modification, and the license plate may be confiscated.

Let's look at what penalties and fines apply if LED strips are found to be in violation, and what procedures are required to be able to ride the motorcycle again.

Illegal Modification

If police enforcement determines that LED strips constitute illegal modification of lighting, it falls under the prohibition of illegal modification (Road Transport Vehicle Act Article 99-2, Article 108).

The prohibition of illegal modification applies when modifications are made that render the vehicle non-compliant with safety standards. The penalty is imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

If convicted and fined or imprisoned for illegal modification, a criminal record will be incurred, a maintenance order sticker will be affixed to the motorcycle, and a maintenance order will also be issued, preventing the motorcycle from being ridden until the illegal condition is rectified.

Maintenance Order

If a maintenance order sticker is affixed and a maintenance order is issued, the user must perform appropriate maintenance within 15 days and bring the motorcycle to the District Transport Bureau for inspection.

If maintenance is not performed and the motorcycle is not inspected at the District Transport Bureau within the deadline, the vehicle inspection certificate (for motorcycles that require inspection) and license plate will be confiscated, and the motorcycle may be suspended from use for up to 6 months, preventing it from being ridden.

Furthermore, ignoring a maintenance order or arbitrarily removing a maintenance order sticker may result in a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Maintenance Defect (Tail Lights, etc.)

If LED strips are deemed a maintenance defect for tail lights, etc., 1 point is added to the violation, and the fine is 5,000 yen for mopeds and 6,000 yen for other two-wheeled vehicles.

If a maintenance order is issued, the motorcycle must be maintained to meet safety standards and brought to the District Transport Bureau for inspection. Failure to comply may result in more severe penalties, such as confiscation of the license plate.

Even if no maintenance order is issued, if the motorcycle is driven in the same condition, there is a possibility of being cited again for a maintenance defect. Therefore, it is advisable to rectify the condition to meet safety standards as soon as possible.