11 replies to this topic

[Kieranlee999]

Couple of questions. Is it legal to drive with black tape X's on your headlights? and what do people think about putting them on all minis not just rally minis?

 

I quite like them but dont think they would suit George hes not really fast lol but what do you think about them?

[Old Bob]

They are usually put there to stop broken glass flying across the racetrack in the event of an accident.  Regardless of how they might look, they do cut down the amount of light you have available to see with so not really a good idea for general use.

 

Bob

[mattiek]

please don't quote me but from memory I think it'll be illegal due to affecting headlamp aim as an MOT requirement? (can't remember, been over 5 years since I last tested a vehicle).

 

If done on a car that is a race/rally replica then personally think it looks good.....but on a standard/slightly modified mini then no.....looks way out of place just like putting door numbers only on lol!

[Kieranlee999]

im not wanting to do it to george i just want people's general opinions :) ive seen a few with them on.

[MINI MAD RKH]

if it's used on rally cars It's legal because rally cars have to be road legal ;)

 

as said tho' lighting is already so poor on most Mini's, I for 1 wouldn't use it unless it was required (like in say rally rules )

Edited by MINI MAD RKH, 30 September 2013 - 01:44 PM.

[Spud_133]

I can't remember seeing ever fitted to any rally car, you don't generally get too much body contact in rally cars, and if you have an off big enough to smash a light, that's the least of your worries. 

[craig 1010cc]

i used to run them on Pootle (front and back) as I had to tape them to compete in sprints

 

Never had any issues with they MOT and they were halogen headlights, they were ok at night. I think its classed the same as taping out a section if you have LHD lights. It doesn't effect the beam pattern (i.e. make it dip to the wrong side)

[Cooperman]

You would not put tape on rally car lights as you want as much light down the road as possible and the tape will reduce the available light.

If racing, hill-climbing or sprinting it is usually compulsory to prevent the broken glass getting on the track in the event of an incident as clearing up the track during an event is not what organisers want to be doing.

On the road it just looks a bit 'boy-racerish' and silly.

[Tupers]

I know someone who was pulled over and told to take the tape off his headlights. The officers reason was that the tape was obstructing the beam and therefore not kosher. 

 

 

I can't say I've ever seen a rally car with taped headlights anyway.  As Cooperman has said it's a little counter productive on a rally stage. 

[Kieranlee999]

I can't say I've ever seen a rally car with taped headlights anyway.  As Cooperman has said it's a little counter productive on a rally stage. 

Im new to mini's in general so a bit noobish on the different types of minis :L but at least i know

[Ivor Badger]

Not used on rally cars or even sprint or hillclimb cars at one point, don't know if the rules have changed for sprints. Basically there was one set of rules for competing on the same track or competing against another competitor, as in racing or rallycross. If you break the light during a race there is no chance of picking up the pieces and clearing the track. But in events against the clock, the run can be stopped and the track cleared and a rerun given.

 

These rules also applied to medical certificates as you needed one to compete directly against other competitors, but not for speed events.

[Simont]

i know someone who put tape over their bike headlights like that to allow it to have a daytime MOT as the light didnt work