Is this a thing now? (always on indicators)
Discussion
Twice this week I've had cars behind me that have their indicator bulbs on permanently, and no other lights. When reaching a turning/roundabout they then use them as conventional indicators (i.e. they flash).
I know this has been fairly common in the US for a long time, but these were right hand drive European cars (a BMW and an Audi), so presumably modified intentionally to do it. Neither car was completely standard, so is it a 'scene' thing?
For clarity, definitely not side lights or DRLS, these are proper yellow/orange repeater bulbs/LEDs.
Incidently, yellow headlights seem to be 'in' again as well.
I know this has been fairly common in the US for a long time, but these were right hand drive European cars (a BMW and an Audi), so presumably modified intentionally to do it. Neither car was completely standard, so is it a 'scene' thing?
For clarity, definitely not side lights or DRLS, these are proper yellow/orange repeater bulbs/LEDs.
Incidently, yellow headlights seem to be 'in' again as well.
Is there any legal issues with that? I hate the big transporter vans you see with the big stick out yellow bulbs on the side above the front wheel arch. Just strikes me as incredibly stupid design when at a glance, many people will mistake it for an indicator.
I've heard of cars indicators flashing much quicker than usual to let you know a bulb is dead, but not stay on permanently.
I've heard of cars indicators flashing much quicker than usual to let you know a bulb is dead, but not stay on permanently.
bony_13 said:
I'm sure on my Z4 and the same vintage E46 3series, that the indicator lights come on solidly if there is a bulb fault. Always seemed like a wierd thing to me, why you would actively want to do that I don't understand at all.
On the e46 if the sidelight bulbs fail it puts the side repeaters on permanently, many 'scene' people unfortunately put blown sidelight bulbs in the headlights to make the car do this... Learn2MergeInTurn said:
bony_13 said:
I'm sure on my Z4 and the same vintage E46 3series, that the indicator lights come on solidly if there is a bulb fault. Always seemed like a wierd thing to me, why you would actively want to do that I don't understand at all.
On the e46 if the sidelight bulbs fail it puts the side repeaters on permanently, many 'scene' people unfortunately put blown sidelight bulbs in the headlights to make the car do this... My Honda MSX125 has the indicators on permanently, and like the OPs example, only turn into conventional indicators when actuated. It's scary the number of times I've had drivers almost pull out on me because they thought I was indicating to turn into the junction. I also blew one of my indicator bulbs once, so only one stalk was illuminated on the left side, again, very dangerous. Sketchy ride to pickup a bulb. I don't like it at all.
JakeT said:
Learn2MergeInTurn said:
bony_13 said:
I'm sure on my Z4 and the same vintage E46 3series, that the indicator lights come on solidly if there is a bulb fault. Always seemed like a wierd thing to me, why you would actively want to do that I don't understand at all.
On the e46 if the sidelight bulbs fail it puts the side repeaters on permanently, many 'scene' people unfortunately put blown sidelight bulbs in the headlights to make the car do this... 
Learn2MergeInTurn said:
JakeT said:
Learn2MergeInTurn said:
bony_13 said:
I'm sure on my Z4 and the same vintage E46 3series, that the indicator lights come on solidly if there is a bulb fault. Always seemed like a wierd thing to me, why you would actively want to do that I don't understand at all.
On the e46 if the sidelight bulbs fail it puts the side repeaters on permanently, many 'scene' people unfortunately put blown sidelight bulbs in the headlights to make the car do this... Gary29 said:
Argh really? This is a thing now? How long before someone pulls out of a T-junction in front of one of these thinking they were indicating to turn in?
Just to let you know if you havent seen this yet, the indicators when always on are usually pretty dim, it's really not as bad as you think, and I doubt people won't use them because they think they're already indicating like how some people use DRLs instead of actual headlights. If they didn't indicate whilst using this, I doubt they would have indicated anywayGary29 said:
Argh really? This is a thing now? How long before someone pulls out of a T-junction in front of one of these thinking they were indicating to turn in?
Cars in the US had this for years prior to DRLs, so I doubt it's a safety issue. Well, aside from the fact that the BMW had clearly disabled/removed the DRLs and only had the indicators on...and it was pretty dark.Edited by ukaskew on Thursday 20th October 12:43
rampageturke said:
Just to let you know if you havent seen this yet, the indicators when always on are usually pretty dim, it's really not as bad as you think, and I doubt people won't use them because they think they're already indicating like how some people use DRLs instead of actual headlights. If they didn't indicate whilst using this, I doubt they would have indicated anyway
But definitely still illegal, and unsafe.Things like this I'd like to see police given powers to just seize the car in question, only returning it a few weeks and a large fine later. It's all well and good saying I'm grumpy and "just don't like it" (I am and I don't)- but it's deliberately modifying a car in a way which makes it non-roadworthy (and potentially dangerous).
It's the all about me thing again isn't it. 
It's the hard of thinking placing a higher priority on creating a persona for themselves by adopting whatever is the current craze among the vain and dull witted rather than using vehicle lighting for its proper purpose which is to assist other road users to make better decisions and progress by informing them of your presence and intentions.
Retards.
It's the hard of thinking placing a higher priority on creating a persona for themselves by adopting whatever is the current craze among the vain and dull witted rather than using vehicle lighting for its proper purpose which is to assist other road users to make better decisions and progress by informing them of your presence and intentions.
Retards.
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