Miata Mailing List: February 1995, Message #17
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   From: "Drake A. Daum" 
Subject: DRLs and Parking Lights
   Date: Wed, 1 Feb 1995 10:15:05 -0500

     Mark Wilkins writes:
     
     "In California, at least, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with 
     parking lights on but not headlights turned on."
     
     DITTO in Ohio !  But absolutely no one (cops included) cares.  On dim, 
     misty, foggy, rainy, snowy, mornings or evenings, you'll encounter 
     many idiots on the road who think it looks "cool" to drive (back roads 
     or Interstates, doesn't matter) with only their parking lights on for 
     illumination.  I often flash my brights or cycle my headlights on/off 
     to signal their stupidity and usually get only blank stares in return. 
     Duh !!  It's also illegal to drive down the road with your emergency 
     flashers operating.  They're supposed to only be used when the vehicle 
     is stopped.
     
     A front plate is mandatory in Ohio, too.  But many sporty cars (and 
     true sports cars) designed with nicely sculptured front fascias don't 
     install the front plate anyway because it makes the car look bad.  
     This is usually no problem, but occassionally, a local or state 
     officer gets a burr under his/her saddle and issues a ticket for 
     "failure to dislpay" ($70).  This offense is also tacked on as an 
     extra added bonus if you get stopped for speeding, too.  One of the 
     main concerns of the police is that the missing front plate is being 
     illegally used on another vehicle.  So be sure to carry the extra 
     plate wtih you in your car, be very polite and apologetic, and explain 
     that the plate was removed for body shop work, was ripped off in a car 
     wash, whatever.  Warning tickets don't count on your driving record.  
     Been there, done that !
     
     Regarding the Daytime Running Lights -- Those designed for most cars 
     will use the normal headlights but automatically operate them (with 
     the ignition on) at a reduced voltage during the day (no taillight 
     operation).  Canadian Miatas excluded, bright parking lights are not 
     expected to double as DRLs.  When the headlights are actually "turned 
     on" at night, all voltage and brightness returns to normal.
     
     Cheers,
     DRAKE A. DAUM, President
     Miami Valley Miata Club
     PO Box 33503
     Dayton, Ohio 45433-0503