Fender Eliminators - what's the dilly?

[JustSomeDude]

I'm looking at the various fender eliminators available for the Daytona 675, and I'm wondering if anyone knows what CO law is regarding plate location. There are some kits that put the plate snug up against the exhaust, while others tuck it way under the tail (almost directly under the seat), in front of the rear tire.

What are the CO laws on plate visibility... if any? THANKS!

[salsashark]

I asked a LEO friend about this when I put the undertail on my XX.

She said that if she can't see it, it's ticketable. I believe that it also has to be lit. That being said, just like the noise laws in Denver, it really depends on you and your behavior. Don't draw attention to yourself and you shouldn't have any issues. Hell, I think Notto's been rolling for over a year without a plate at all since the little collision of epic Italian proportions...

I tucked the plat up on the underside of the tail on the XX and the 14 and have never had any issues... but like I said, I also fly under the radar.

[TFOGGuys]

If memory serves, the plate has to be readily visible from the rear at a distance of 200 feet. A light is required to be used at night, clearly illuminating the plate from a distance of 50 feet. I am fishing through the CRS to confirm this.

[JustSomeDude]

Thanks guys!

:)

[TFOGGuys]

42-3-202. Number plates to be attached. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-3-202%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Number plates assigned to a self-propelled vehicle other than a motorcycle or street rod vehicle shall be attached thereto, one in the front and the other in the rear. The number plate assigned to a motorcycle, street rod vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, other vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle, or mobile machinery or self-propelled construction equipment shall be attached to the rear thereof. Number plates shall be so displayed during the current registration year, except as otherwise provided in this article.
(2) (a) Every number plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from swinging, and shall be horizontal at a height not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(b) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an affixed device or a substance that causes all or a portion of a license plate to be unreadable by a system used to automatically identify a motor vehicle. Such a device includes, without limitation, a cover that distorts angular visibility; alters the color of the plate; or is smoked, tinted, scratched, or dirty so as to impair the legibility of the license plate.
(3) (a) A person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
(b) A person who violates paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section commits a class A traffic infraction and shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars.

42-4-206. Tail lamps and reflectors. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-206%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear; except that, in the case of a train of vehicles, only the tail lamp on the rear-most vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified, and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155). Furthermore, every such vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall comply with the provisions of this section.
(2) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than twenty inches, to be measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3).
(3) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. This subsection (3) shall not apply to neighborhood electric vehicles.
(4) Every motor vehicle operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway in the state of Colorado shall carry on the rear, either as part of a tail lamp or separately, one red reflector meeting the requirements of this section; except that vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155).
(5) Every new motor vehicle sold and operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway shall carry on the rear, whether as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two red reflectors; except that every motorcycle and every motor-driven cycle shall carry at least one reflector meeting the requirements of this section, and vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto.
(6) Every reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height of not less than twenty inches nor more than sixty inches, measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3) and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within three hundred fifty feet to one hundred feet from such vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams and head lamps; except that visibility from a greater distance is required by law of reflectors on certain types of vehicles.
(7) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

[Bugkiller1]

It really comes down to the cops discretion; it's they want to be an ass they will find a way to ticket you.

I was talking to a cop up in Winter Park once who had pulled over next to us to check out the bikes. he was a nice guy who said he rides supermoto and had a street bike. I asked him this very topic and he said he would never write the ticket and conversley had, on his street legal supermoto, his plate trimmed down on the edges and place vertically under his seat.

Neil

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

Good find Jim...I think mine is questionable depending on the LEO who see's it. What do you guys think? It's tucked pretty far under...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/GSXRSNAIL/IMG_0217.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/GSXRSNAIL/IMG_0219.jpg

42-3-202. Number plates to be attached. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-3-202%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Number plates assigned to a self-propelled vehicle other than a motorcycle or street rod vehicle shall be attached thereto, one in the front and the other in the rear. The number plate assigned to a motorcycle, street rod vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, other vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle, or mobile machinery or self-propelled construction equipment shall be attached to the rear thereof. Number plates shall be so displayed during the current registration year, except as otherwise provided in this article.
(2) (a) Every number plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from swinging, and shall be horizontal at a height not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(b) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an affixed device or a substance that causes all or a portion of a license plate to be unreadable by a system used to automatically identify a motor vehicle. Such a device includes, without limitation, a cover that distorts angular visibility; alters the color of the plate; or is smoked, tinted, scratched, or dirty so as to impair the legibility of the license plate.
(3) (a) A person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
(b) A person who violates paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section commits a class A traffic infraction and shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars.

42-4-206. Tail lamps and reflectors. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-206%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear; except that, in the case of a train of vehicles, only the tail lamp on the rear-most vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified, and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155). Furthermore, every such vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall comply with the provisions of this section.
(2) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than twenty inches, to be measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3).
(3) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. This subsection (3) shall not apply to neighborhood electric vehicles.
(4) Every motor vehicle operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway in the state of Colorado shall carry on the rear, either as part of a tail lamp or separately, one red reflector meeting the requirements of this section; except that vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155).
(5) Every new motor vehicle sold and operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway shall carry on the rear, whether as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two red reflectors; except that every motorcycle and every motor-driven cycle shall carry at least one reflector meeting the requirements of this section, and vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto.
(6) Every reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height of not less than twenty inches nor more than sixty inches, measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3) and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within three hundred fifty feet to one hundred feet from such vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams and head lamps; except that visibility from a greater distance is required by law of reflectors on certain types of vehicles.
(7) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

[elbromisto]

I got pulled over riding into my driveway because the cop said my license plate wasn't properly visible. My plate is mounted directly under the tail light, about six inches higher than stock. The bottom line is that if an officer feels like running your license because a lot of sport bikes had run from him recently (as in my case), almost anything qualifies as probable cause. Once they make up PC, there's nothing you can do. Cops call this "fishing" and it means that anything other than a perfectly stock bike has the potential, albeit unlikely, to generate trouble.

[Xtremjeepn]

Keep in mind that you NEVER want to give an officer a FREE reason to stop you. Go to dinner, have a glass of wine or beer with dinner and drive home. Not drunk per say....but if he has a reason to stop you...guess what??!!!


I highlighted the "key elements" in the statute text below that an officer can get you on related to the bike. Contrary to popular belief cops can't just make up violations. They do know the law very well. Your best defense is to know the law before modifying your bike.


42-3-202. Number plates to be attached. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-3-202%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Number plates assigned to a self-propelled vehicle other than a motorcycle or street rod vehicle shall be attached thereto, one in the front and the other in the rear. The number plate assigned to a motorcycle, street rod vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, other vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle, or mobile machinery or self-propelled construction equipment shall be attached to the rear thereof. Number plates shall be so displayed during the current registration year, except as otherwise provided in this article.
(2) (a) Every number plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from swinging, and shall be horizontal at a height not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(b) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an affixed device or a substance that causes all or a portion of a license plate to be unreadable by a system used to automatically identify a motor vehicle. Such a device includes, without limitation, a cover that distorts angular visibility; alters the color of the plate; or is smoked, tinted, scratched, or dirty so as to impair the legibility of the license plate.
(3) (a) A person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
(b) A person who violates paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section commits a class A traffic infraction and shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars.

42-4-206. Tail lamps and reflectors. (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=query&iid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0&q=%5BGroup%20%2742-4-206%27%5D)

Statute text

(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear; except that, in the case of a train of vehicles, only the tail lamp on the rear-most vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified, and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155). Furthermore, every such vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which, when lighted as required in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204), shall comply with the provisions of this section.
(2) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than twenty inches, to be measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3).
(3) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. This subsection (3) shall not apply to neighborhood electric vehicles.
(4) Every motor vehicle operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway in the state of Colorado shall carry on the rear, either as part of a tail lamp or separately, one red reflector meeting the requirements of this section; except that vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto and except as provided in section 42-4-215.5 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-215.5&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-2155).
(5) Every new motor vehicle sold and operated on and after January 1, 1958, upon a highway shall carry on the rear, whether as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two red reflectors; except that every motorcycle and every motor-driven cycle shall carry at least one reflector meeting the requirements of this section, and vehicles of the type mentioned in section 42-4-207 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-207&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-207) shall be equipped with reflectors as required in those sections applicable thereto.
(6) Every reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height of not less than twenty inches nor more than sixty inches, measured as set forth in section 42-4-204 (http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=FifLink&t=document-frame.htm&l=jump&iid=COCODE&d=42-4-204&sid=1da268e1.69200c34.0.0#JD_42-4-204) (3) and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within three hundred fifty feet to one hundred feet from such vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams and head lamps; except that visibility from a greater distance is required by law of reflectors on certain types of vehicles.
(7) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

[Xtremjeepn]

Good find Jim...I think mine is questionable depending on the LEO who see's it. What do you guys think? It's tucked pretty far under...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/GSXRSNAIL/IMG_0217.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/GSXRSNAIL/IMG_0219.jpg


Based on the elements of the state statute I would call this illegal on the following points.

-No rear reflector.
-Plate is not on the "rear" but more in the middle
-Not clearly visable to the rear.

-Plate light?

[DavidofColorado]

I have the same problem but I ordered a fender eliminator and it should be fixed soon. The law should be followed and we should avoid attracting attention whenever we can.
Having said that it looks really cool the way you have it. I have seen cruisers though with the plate vertical and mounted on the adjuster bolt for the rear tire. I don't think that is legal?
The plate is reflective enough IMHO but it has to be red. And I just cut mine off. I guess I will be reattaching it to the bottom of the plate. Welcome back fender.