Installing Aftermarket Motorcycle Turn Signals: Ensuring Road Legal Compliance
When it comes to upgrading your motorcycle's turn signals with aftermarket options, it's essential to ensure they comply with the necessary regulations to keep your ride road legal. In this article, we'll guide you through the crucial aspects of motorcycle turn signal marking and correct installation procedures, ensuring your motorcycle meets compliance standards.
1. Mandatory Motorcycle Turn Signal Marking
To begin, let's explore the importance of proper marking for your motorcycle turn signals. It is crucial to purchase aftermarket turn signals that are certified and bear the required marking for your country. Failure to do so may result in difficulties passing vehicle inspections or even fines from law enforcement.
Mandatory motorcycle turn signal markings in different countries:
| Mandatory Front Turn Signal Marking | Mandatory Rear Turn Signal Marking | |
| United States | DOT, SAE D | DOT, SAE D |
| Canada | DOT, SAE D | DOT, SAE D |
| United Kingdom | E-mark, category 11, 11a, 11b or 11c | E-mark, category 12 |
| Australia | E-mark, category 11, 11a, 11b or 11c | E-mark, category 12 |
| European Union | E-mark, category 11, 11a, 11b or 11c | E-mark, category 12 |
| Other Countries Under the ECE Regulation | E-mark, category 11, 11a, 11b or 11c | E-mark, category 12 |
Turn signal marking is most commonly found on the turn signal lens.
Mandatory Motorcycle Turn Signal Marking in United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, motorcycle turn signals should bear the "DOT SAE D" marking, which refers to compliance with motorcycle turn signal regulations.
These regulations are established under FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) Standard No. 108 in the United States and CMVSS (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) Technical Standard Document No. 108 in Canada.
Mandatory Motorcycle Turn Signal Marking in United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, and other countries following ECE regulations
In the United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, and other countries following ECE regulations, motorcycle turn signals should bear the "E-mark" with category "11, 11a, 11b, or 11c" markings for front turn signals and category "12" marking for rear turn signals. These regulations are governed by UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation No. 148 in the European Union.
The front turn signal marking categories provide guidelines for the proximity at which the turn signal can be mounted in relation to the motorcycle's headlamp. These categories indicate the minimum mounting distances required to ensure compliance. You will find the specific minimum mounting distances in the following paragraph.
2. Installation Requirements of Motorcycle Turn Signals
Proper installation of turn signals is equally important for compliance with road regulations. Here are some key considerations for correctly mounting your motorcycle turn signals:
Installation Requirements of Motorcycle Turn Signals in United States and Canada
Front Turn Signal Mounting Requirements:
| Color: | Amber |
| Number of Turn Signals: | Two (one on each side) |
| Height Above Road Surface: | Between 15 and 83 inches (measured from the center of turn signal at curb weight) |
| Distance Between Turn Signals: | Minimum horizontal separation distance of 16 inches (centerline to centerline) |
| Distance Between Turn Signals and Headlamp: | Minimum edge-to-edge separation distance of 4 inches |
Rear Turn Signal Mounting Requirements:
| Color: | Amber or Red |
| Number of Turn Signals: | Two (one on each side) |
| Height Above Road Surface: | Between 15 and 83 inches (measured from the center of turn signal at curb weight) |
| Distance Between Turn Signals: | Minimum horizontal separation distance of 9 inches (centerline to centerline) |
| Distance Between Turn Signals and Tail or Stop Lamp: | Amber turn signals: n/a Red turn signals: Minimum edge-to-edge separation distance of 4 inches for red turn signals (when a single stop and tail lamp is installed on the vertical centerline) |
Installation Requirements of Motorcycle Turn Signals in United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, and other countries under ECE regulation
Front Turn Signal Mounting Requirements:
| Color: | Amber |
| Number of Turn Signals: | Two (one on each side) |
| Height Above Road Surface: | Minimum 350 mm, maximum 1,200 mm above the ground |
| Distance Between Turn Signals: | Minimum horizontal separation distance of 16 inches (centerline to centerline) |
| Distance Between Turn Signals and Headlamp: |
|
Rear Turn Signal Mounting Requirements:
| Color: | Amber |
| Number of Turn Signals: | Two (one on each side) |
| Height Above Road Surface: | Minimum 350 mm, maximum 1,200 mm above the ground |
| Distance Between Turn Signals: | Minimum distance of 180 mm between the inner edges of the illuminating surfaces |
| Distance Between Rear Turn Signal and Rearmost Part of the Motorcycle: | the distance towards the front between the transverse plane corresponding to the extreme longitudinal rearmost extremity of the motorcycle and the centre of reference of the rear indicators must not exceed 300 mm |
Why does compliance matter?
Ensuring compliance with motorcycle turn signal regulations is vital for various reasons. Firstly, it promotes road safety by enhancing visibility and allowing other road users to anticipate your movements, reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, meeting legal requirements is crucial to avoid penalties, fines, and potential restrictions on riding your motorcycle on public roads. Compliant turn signals also facilitate smooth vehicle inspections, ensuring hassle-free rides. Additionally, adhering to regulations can positively impact insurance coverage, as non-compliance may lead to claim denials or reduced coverage. Lastly, maintaining a reputation for responsible riding and professionalism is bolstered by having road-legal motorcycle equipment. By prioritising compliance with turn signal regulations, you prioritise safety, legal obligations, and a positive riding image.Ride compliant, ride safe!
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