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I have a 1999 2.8 V6 VW Passat sedan, I was wondering if I was able to "smoke" my tail lights and side indicators,

I have seen many cars around with black tail lights like these, I was just wondering if this was an illegal modification and will I pass a warrant of fitness if I do this?

Tukutahi

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 2 October 2009

This is an illegal modification which is sometimes seen on 'boy-racer' cars and should be avoided.

One of the reasons for a WoF rejection on a lamp is for the lens being obscured.

The lamp must be visible from 200m in normal darkness (modification, deterioration or an incorrect light source being reasons to reject).

If you were to "smoke" the lenses with spray paint or similar, it will also affect the indicator light output and colour and also the reflectors.

Cars are green stickered for this type of modification so I suggest to do this will only draw attention from the authorities on an otherwise non-attention seeking car.

You may run into problems with your insurance company also if the car was involved in an accident where confused indication of a direction change was a contributing factor.