"Hidden" behind the grille led bar - tinted?

[burntoc]

Okay, so I'll readily admit this may be a really stupid idea but I have to ask about it. In short, I understand LED bars are illegal here in California unless covered when you're not offroad. I have a Raptor, and I know many have put 20-40" bars behind the grille. I want to do this, but maybe even go a step further - like spray tint the bar so it is darker behind the grille as it sits there off, then shines bright when it's turned on. I know I'd trade some lumens, but it might be worth it to potentially avoid even one harassment ticket. Anyone done this?

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

probably not worth it. i have my bars exposed and never had any issues. been pulled over for having them on by accident too.

 

[2014RubyRed]

probably not worth it. i have my bars exposed and never had any issues. been pulled over for having them on by accident too.

That's because they thought you probably had a cam corder going and they learned their lesson with that whole Rodney King affair......

 

[CoronaRaptor]

I would just mount it on a motorized damper and when it switch's on it flips up, locks it place and lights up.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

If you are going to do that, get a cheap bar as would hate to see someone spend a chunk of change and ruin them by doing that. Why not just get some black covers to "hide" the lights then you can take them off when you are off-road and still have all your lumens for that night run? You already lose 40% of the useable light being behind the grill, don't lose even more by a permanent tinting.

E-Series 40" Light Cover (Set of 4) | Rigid Industries

 

[burntoc]

If you are going to do that, get a cheap bar as would hate to see someone spend a chunk of change and ruin them by doing that. Why not just get some black covers to "hide" the lights then you can take them off when you are off-road and still have all your lumens for that night run? You already lose 40% of the useable light being behind the grill, don't lose even more by a permanent tinting.

E-Series 40" Light Cover (Set of 4) | Rigid Industries

I was actually leaning towards a cheap light bar if I did this for sure. I didn't realize the grill stopped that much of the light.

Those covers are nice, for sure. I do like to have the option to flip them on without having to remove the covers, but it sounds like I can just mount it uncovered without too many issues.

 

[FP Forged]

The black housing might help it blend in. I think these are inexpensive
https://www.dv8offroad.com/pro-series-lights.html

 

[Desertrat83]

Look at Tough-light.com they have a single row that looks tinted.

TL ULTRA SLEEK

 

[LekRap]

Those are some good options as far as tinted/hidden lights BUT I have to say I'm in California as well and I have never thought of or had a single bit of harassment about my light bar. Granted, my light bar is behind the grill, but it's a normal pretty visible bar if you look for it. I know some guys that are cops and have never heard anything about them looking for light bars. I think as long as your not using them at stupid times on the road, then I don't ever see any issues with you having them. I've been pulled over a few times with my truck too and have not had anyone ever say anything about the light bar.

Hope that helps your decision some.

 

[burntoc]

Thanks for the additional comments, guys. I'm going to grab a bar in about 6 weeks when I get done with some travel. I hear you about the cops, I just hate to give them an excuse. I removed my front license plate and holder and my neighbor warned me that he's been pulled over twice heading into the area near LAX because he tool the frame off his Lexus coupe. The lights seem totally worth the risk to me after hearing from everyone. Life's too short!