Does anyone happen to know if there's a signal line anywhere that one could tap into that indicates whether the car is moving or not?

The reason I ask is that I'd like to install some lights that are illegal to have on when the auto is moving - but if I could have them come on automatically when I'm stopped at a traffic light or whatever that would be cool.

Something like a signal line from whatever sensors measure the rotation of the wheels for the run-flat monitoring might work, but ideally it'd be a simple binary signal line.

thanks

 

there is a green/yellow wire that goes along the passenger side to the BC-1 computer that has the vehicle speed sensor signal on it. It is battery voltage (12-14 volt square wave with a frequency/pulse that indicates rate of speed. Believe it is 50% duty cycle. If you find it and verify please pm me.

Good Luck!

 

Yes that is the correct wire.
It has a little black tab that is braced to a stud that is spot welded on that panel. I had to tap it for my Nav install. I dont think I would mess with it to hook some lights up to it though. It doesnt take much to make our silly little systems go crazy. If you do it,use a relay!
Maybe a better solution,hook it up to the pin that grounds and turns on your brake light when you put the parking brake on.Seems like a lot of work for not wanting to hook up a switch and manually control it. Eh,to each his own! Motor On!

 

Yeah having something where when you engage the parking brake you allow the items to activate might be a better idea.

Also be VERY careful about the wording of the law and make sure it says moving, not in roadway or something like that, I'd also reccomend carrying a copy of that section of your states legal code and the sentence making it permissive highlighted. this way if you get stopped you show the officer A) you're not out to break the law, but work within it and B) if you do get a ticket you are far more likely to take the case to a judge and have it ruled in your favor. I do the same for an unconventional mounting of the lisence plate, legal but not common so I make sure I can back it up when asked to do so.

 

Excellent advice! Just what type of lights are we talking about here anyway? Remember law enforcement like to play "Judge" while patrolling the streets. It's either illegal,or its not. Having a copy of the statute in your glovebox will go miles towards your credibility. I have to keep a copy for a few things myself! Yes Ive had to use them!

 

Excellent advice! Something I need to do myself.

 

some cops might just be having a bad day and pull you over anyways
and take a dandy long time to walk up to your car. then take your
license and walk back and take another 15-20min to tell you that
your lights are illegal by him. then get into an argument who's
right, who's wrong.

is it worth the hassle? if yes, by all means, go ahead!

 

Not suggesting getting into an arguement at all as that typically means you end up talking yourself into a ticket, however when brought up respectfully it may save you some time esp. if you get pulled over for something else and you get oh by the way.

 

I don't argue with cops anymore....it became, uh......expensive

 

yeh, its probably better to look like you're a foreigner.


cop: Good evening Mr... ahh...(looks at your drivers license)
William Adam Johnson, do you know why I pulled you over?


you:
's...so...sorry, no english... tomorrow japan'