Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Can a tank that used smoke in its movement phase use a searchlight in the shooting phase because it doesn't count as a weapon?

No, as you only use a searchlight when you fire. So if you cannto fire, for any reason, you have no way to use a searchlight.

Can you give me a faq or pg number. I might be overlooking but I didn't see anything that said a searchlight is only used if you can fire.

"If a vehicle has a searchlight it must still use the nightfighting rules to acquire a target" pg103, Codex SM

You only "target" when shooting. It then goes on to say that any "Other" unit that fires at... indicating you must have been firing in the first place.

Ok. So that also means that unless the tank is fast it can't use the spotlight if going over 6" because it can't fire, right?

Yep, exactly right.