In 1979 the law in Michigan was that you had to be able to see brake lights in full sunlight at 500 feet. I'd been having fun with my Jeep and it was kinda muddy.
$50 or $52 fine!

It is hard enough to keep from having an accident, I'd never do something to deliberately cause my lights to be any less bright than they are. If someone rear ends me and my lights are not legal, will I still be able to collect from their insurance? Do I have the ability to fight an insurance company in court? Will MY insurance defend me if my lights are not legal?

QUestions I'd rather not need to ask. Do what you want to do with your car, by all means. But do so with thought for any implications that go along with it, then weigh the costs/risks.