Plus, keep in mind that when these stock smoked tail lights are made, the plastic itself is smoked just enough to pass any laws and standards required. We, who are spraying VHT onto our tail lights are adding a coat of transparent paint onto the lights, which is modifing stock equipment/part. Which is where the law can be a pain in the ass for some of us.
My STOCK GTA tail lights look blacked out during the day, until I step onto the brake pedel. At night the red lights shine through clearly and are visable from a great distance without even steping on the brakes. This is where the plastic technology comes in! It allows light to shine/glow out, and yet blocks out the sun light.(Just my theory/opinion!)
Now, I've seen the VHT sprayed tail lights, and they ARE dark/blacked out day or night, and if too thick(coats), will not allow enough light to shine/glow out to be seen regardless of distance!
So how much light is needed to be seen????????? Ah! thats the problem! Based on opinion of a Cop!