Originally Posted by cheap ride
An interesting extract from the Internet on the subject. While still present they do not meet the intent of the lights.
Automobile side marker lights fall into the larger category of conspicuity devices which make up an important part of the general lighting system for automobiles and trucks. Conspicuity accessories for autos are designed to provide increased visibility and safety while a vehicle is in operation on the roadway. Automobile makers and safety experts have recognized the need for side marker lights and reflectors on both the front and rear of vehicles to display the vehicle's presence, directional turns and forward and backward movement.
Nighttime driving provides additional safety concerns, which warrant the many conspicuity devices required in roadway vehicles. Inclement weather, poor roadway conditions and lack of proper street lighting, all contribute to unsafe driving conditions, which may cause serious accidents. Side marker lights provide increased nighttime visibility from the front and rear sides.
Mandatory in North America
Side marker lights contribute to the general visibility of a vehicle, together with other conspicuity devices such as, daytime running lamps, parking lamps and tail lamps. Side marker lights are mandatory on all vehicles in the United States and Canada. Front mounted side marker lights are attached to both sides of the front fender of a vehicle. Safety regulations require the front side marker lights to be colored amber. The rear side marker lights must be colored red.
European vehicles are not required to include side marker lights, but they are not outlawed. They are, however, restricted to only amber colors, and are not allowed to flash. Some manufacturers add side marker lights to vehicles as a design, and adornment feature, as well as a safety feature.
Features of side marker lights
The standard OEM side marker lights, required in the United States and Canada, are designed with a typical incandescent lamp, or an LED lamp. Newer automobile models seem to favor LED side marker lamps for their energy saving features. The side marker lights are usually wired together with other conspicuity devices, such as the tail and parking lamps. This way, a vehicle is visible from the front and rear sides at all times when the ignition is turned on.
Jim
and look what happened to "daytime running lights".....if you want to be visible, put some DOT tape down the side of the car...we will see you then...
as for his mod to his side marker, as long as it emites light, it meets the requirement...