I run the clear cover for better lighting not blocked by all the metal grating, full protection, easy cleaning and LEGALITY. I've never heard of anyone specifically getting a ticket for having their headlight "blocked" or obstructed but it's possible. I had a real interesting conversation with three motorcycle cops outside a convenience store/gas station several years ago. I was as interested in their bikes as they were in mine and we got to talking about a lot of stuff R/T their job etc. None of them said they would just pull someone over for an obstructed headlight but said if they felt the guy was giving them a "hard time" about what they did pull them over for then yea , they might just add that to the ticket.
They didn't like headlight modulators but they all knew they were legal ( I hate 'em). They said my Photon Blaster lights upfront on the Rumbux bars were technically NOT legal but as they were down lower than the headlight and not really flashing they would let it go. Two of them were aware of the Photon Blaster Mfg argument that they are legal. Kinda of a grey area they thought and seemed good from a safety aspect.
All of them said "absolutely not " when I asked if they thought that light green lights were okay up front. They said they might just turn around for that one and make a stop. I asked because there was an article on Web Bike World about those and the author thought they really helped.
One of them said "You get two brake lights on this thing?" I confessed it was a aftermarket Whelen (sp?) and when they asked to see it on they said that it might not go over so well at night! I don't ride at night so okay there I guess LOL. Talked about a lot of other stuff but I've gone off topic enough!
Get one of the clear ones on EBAY and put it on with 3M Dual-Lock . Easy removal and stays on to at least 117mph or so I've been told.....
As a general rule, no one will get a ticket for something over the headlights, or in front of it, unless it reduces (ie big stupid brush guard) the amount of light, or is not a permitted color. The wire mesh, like the AltRider, does not cover the light, and the metal is small enough that the reduction of light is pretty insignificant. The plastic cover, while clear,
could reduce the amount of light from the headlight, hence the "off road use" label. Each state has requirements, but no LEO on the street will mess with it unless there is something obvious. Best example is the snow plow on trucks, the blade can obstruct the headlights, so they put lights on top of the blades, which also assist in the amount of light for plowing.
As far as the lights below the headlights, that just ain't true. States/Feds have min and max heights for certain lights. In California, if I recall right, you can have "aux" lamps (in addition to fog lamps), which that must be at least 12" off the ground, where headlights must be at least 22" off the ground. I think the max height for headlights are 54", which is why, if you remember the old KC lights of 70's fame, had the covers over them. The LED lights we add, can be considered "aux" lights, and are perfectly legal to be below the headlight.
In California (and I would imagine other states), it is illegal to have more than 4 white lights (headlights/fog/aux) on at the same time. That is why on the cars that have an additional bulb for the brights, the fog lights will be disabled when you turn the brights on.
Disclaimer: Heights can vary state to state, and motorcycles have different measurements, including ladened or not. Check with your local laws.
