Q&A - Are Smoked Lenses Legal?

QUESTION: I am wanting to put smoke covers on my headlight and tail lights. Is this Illegal in BC? If it is, Are aftermarket headlights and tail lights with the smoke plastic housing illegal too? Is there somewhere I can go on the internet to find out what is illegal and what isn't?

ANSWER: Well, I think you found the right place on the internet to check for an answer to this question!

In short, no, this is not legal. It could also end up being dangerous for you and others in your vehicle.

General maintenance

4.04 (2) Lamps and reflectors required by this Division

(c) must not be shielded, covered or obscured by any part of the vehicle or load or by dirt or other material.

Lights and reflectors are safety equipment on your vehicle. It is foolish to limit their effectiveness at any time of the day or night, especially if it is only for cosmetic reasons. Doing so could lead to a collision when other road users fail to see your vehicle. It will also attract the attention of the police along with the possibility of a vehicle inspection order, ticket or both.

Chances are good that if you have used a spray coating of some sort to darken the lenses, you will be unable to remove the coating and will have to buy new lenses on top of it all.

In many ways, doing this could turn out to be a very expensive mistake.