Can someone explain what DOT approval means, and what the consequence is if a veicle is not DOT approved?
Specifically, I have a britisn motorcycle, that has had the shift mechanism retrofitted to shift on the left foot, in order to be allowed for import. the problem is it was designed to shift on the right, and the retrofit shift is real sloppy and shitty. I can purchase the correct shift mechanism (right foot shift, left foot brake) But it is Labeled "not approved by DOT"
Also other little things, like turn signals Taillight and headlight have likewise been modified for import. I'd like to refit the original parts, but again they are not "DOT approved."

Oh and before I get the lecture on the "dangers of reversed brakes and shifters" I've rode/driven British Bikes and cars for a long time, and Left foot shift/right foot brake is backwards to me.
No one else rides my bikes so that's not an issue.
Thanks!

department of transportation?

Who would know; or care?

Umm, unless you have to get vehicle safety checks or some such thing.

Then I suppose you would get a big fine and have to change it all back.

well I know that much!

I guess that's my question exactly. If they did know would thay care?
Is it just a manufacture/import thing?

Oh yeah, if they knew they would care. That is their mission in life.

Kind of like "would the BATF care if you put a preban upper on a postban lower"?

I once actually called the TxDOT and asked them about parts that I made for my car. They said that if I installed a part that I made, and it was something that a reasonable person would not do, then I could be liable if it caused me to get in a wreck. Also, they said state inspection would fail my car for certain things. As far as I know, it is not [i]illegal[/i] to drive a car w/o DOT approval, but it is illegal to manufacture/import. That's just my opinion, based on what I remember. You should not take my word for it, but instead, should call your local DOT or check out their web site.