Law on registration numbers?

[quinnow1]

I just bought two GTR215's. I have a company that does all the graphics for my trucks and I am going to have him to the numbers for my ski's... I found one GTR image on yahoo that has the registration numbers on the black hull that looks great...it is Orange outlined letter with a black center. So it basically looks like just letter outlines but is quite readable.

Now I know the coast guard says the numbers should stand out from the hull, but would they have an issue with the outlines standing out and not the actual center of the letters? This is an image of what I mean.

 

[pwgsx]

I think you are good, I have seen a lot of those here in TX

 

[red2blue]

Every LEO is different and the interpretation of "visible/legible at whatever distance" is subjective.

Ask me how I know.....nah.

I got pulled over once. Had grey letters on a black hull...installed by the dealer before he delivered it to me. I didn't choose the color. I liked it...stealth lookin. Anyway...after he decided to let me off with a warning to have different letters the next time he saw me...he wanted to see my extinguisher.

Sometime in the past the little red button fell off...while it still worked perfectly...it was a fail.

I got hit for a $50 ticket...plus court costs...and I had to get a new extinguisher....$135 total.

If my letters had been more visible at a hundred yards....he'd a never given me a second look.

Word of warning...head on a swivel, they love to hang around and watch traffic when entering/exiting a marina.

 

[LouDoo]

It varies state by state, KY says they must be 3" high and contrast to the hull. I know some states you can only use block letters/numbers.
I would suggest you check your state regulations, it should be on line.

Here's a set Dr Honda made for me.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

Generically, the CG wants block letters, 3 inches tall, space between the state and recreation sticker to be equivalent to the letter "H" and contrast in collar to your hull.

Outlined numbers do not normally fall within the legal definition as, at a distance they are difficult to read

But as others said, check your local requirements as a state can deviate from the generic federal standards.

 

[asianlink37]

I was originally going to get the outline letters/numbers that you were talking about until I saw these. Both trim colors against the black hull turned out really nice I think. Just giving you some options to think about.

 

[dsteinmann]

Hers mine I just had made - The background is cut out

 

[Coastiejoe]

Hers mine I just had made - The background is cut out

In most states your red ski would be illegal. Officially the black one as well but the outlines are thicker which gives enough contrast.

 

[dsteinmann]

Yeah will see I haven't been out yet..... hopefully they are ok, I can see the red maybe being an issue

 

[quinnow1]

I think they both look great. Even though 99% of the public would be able to clearly read it, I can see the time one LEO tries to make a statement.