Car Neon Laws: State-by-State Guide

When it comes to customizing your ride with neon lights, it’s understandable to have questions around the legality of certain modifications.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the neon underglow laws across all 50 states, equipping enthusiasts with the knowledge to customize their vehicles while remaining compliant.

You’ll get a state-by-state overview of underglow regulations, practical guidance on installation and usage, and recommendations for staying on the right side of vehicle equipment laws.

Introduction to Car Neon Laws

Car neon lights, also known as underglow lights, have become an increasingly popular way for drivers to customize and personalize their vehicles. However, laws regarding their use vary widely depending on the state. This section provides an overview of underglow lights and the legal considerations around installing them.

Defining Neon Underglow Laws

Neon underglow lights are lighting accessories that are mounted underneath a vehicle to illuminate the ground around it. They come in LED and neon tube varieties and display vibrant colors that can be customized. Laws pertaining to their legality primarily relate to restrictions on certain colors or lighting effects that may be considered unsafe on public roads. Most regulations prohibit flashing, strobing, or pulsating underglow that could distract other drivers. Additional constraints may include allowing underglow to be enabled only when a vehicle is stationary or limiting operation to certain times of day. Understanding the exact provisions for a state is critical prior to installation to avoid infractions.

Evolution of Car Customization and Neon Underglow

Neon and LED underglow kits emerged in the 1990s within the growing culture of automotive customization and were largely popularized in the import tuner scene. They allowed greater personalization and visibility of customized cars within this community. Despite some negative associations with street racing culture, underglow became more widely adopted over time for aesthetic enhancement and self-expression. Major manufacturers have also incorporated customizable interior ambient lighting in recent years which has helped make underbody neon lights more mainstream. However, many U.S. states have regulations restricting certain underglow features, meaning owners need to carefully research their local laws.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Underglow Lights

Laws pertaining to underbody lights fall under vehicle equipment regulations which are implemented and enforced at the state level rather than nationally. That means the legality of certain underglow configurations can vary widely across state lines. For example, blue or red neon underglow may be prohibited in some states as these colors are associated with emergency vehicles. In other cases, underglow may need to be disabled while the vehicle is in motion on public roads. Car enthusiasts should thoroughly research state and local statutes before installing underglow to avoid fines, vehicle citations, or orders to remove prohibited lighting setups. Consulting with local police departments can also help provide clarity when state laws are unclear or ambiguous. Understanding the legal landscape is an essential part of planning a compliant underglow installation.

Why are neon lights under car illegal?

Neon underglow lighting laws aim to promote road safety and prevent dangerous driving conditions. Specifically, certain colors and types of undercar lights are restricted because they can:

Be overly bright or glaring, reducing visibility and causing distractions for other drivers
Resemble emergency vehicle lights, causing confusion on the road
Enable unsafe driving behaviors like speeding or racing

States want to keep public roads hazard-free. So laws prohibit underglow lights from emitting flashes, strobes or blinking patterns. Steady-burning lights in approved colors are safer alternatives.

For example, blue and red neon underglow are often illegal since they may impersonate police or ambulance lights. Most states only permit white, amber or yellow undercar lighting.

Before installing any neon underglow kit, drivers should research their state’s specific regulations. Violating underglow laws can lead to fines or vehicle impoundment. Knowing the exact restrictions in one’s area is crucial.

With proper precautions, undercar neon lights can be an exciting way for car enthusiasts to customize their ride’s look and feel. But road safety should always come first. Following state laws ensures public roads stay accident-free while allowing for legal creative expression.

What states is underglow legal?

Underglow lighting is permitted in certain states across the US with some restrictions. Based on state laws, underglow kits are legal in:

Arkansas: Legal with no bans reported. Users advised to comply with regulations.
California: Legal if lights installed minimum 12 inches from factory lights. Strobe effects prohibited.
Idaho: Legal, but kits must not emit flashing red and blue lights.
Kansas: Legal, but underglow cannot flash red, blue or purple intermittently.
Montana: Legal, but underglow lighting cannot be similar color to emergency vehicle lights.
Ohio: Legal if lighting is under 300 candlepower. Strobe effects prohibited.

Other states may have additional regulations in place regarding underglow installation, brightness limits, color restrictions, mounting locations and more. For example, many states prohibit red and blue underglow lights since they may be confused with emergency vehicle lights.

It’s crucial to research state and local laws before installing an underglow kit. While they can allow unique personalization, improper installation may risk fines or removal. LED experts suggest verifying legality to avoid legal issues.

Can I add neon lights to my car?

Adding neon lights to your car can be a great way to customize and enhance your vehicle’s appearance. However, it’s important to check your state’s laws regarding underglow lights before installing them.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Legality: Neon underglow lights are illegal in some states. Be sure to research your state’s specific regulations. For example, certain colors like red and blue may be restricted.
Permitted areas: Most states allow underglow lights to be installed on the undercarriage of the vehicle. However, some prohibit lighting inside the wheels or above the bottom edge of the doors.
Light brightness: Some states regulate the maximum brightness allowed for underglow lights. Common restrictions range from 15 lumens to 300 lumens.
Use limitations: Many states prohibit using underglow lights while driving on public roads. The lights must be turned off when the vehicle is in motion. They can only be turned on when parked.

Before purchasing and installing underglow kits, carefully review your state’s laws regarding restricted colors, permitted locations, brightness limits, and usage rules. This ensures your custom lighting stays compliant and prevents fines or penalties. Resources like State Neon Underglow Laws can help you check your particular state’s regulations.

Can I drive with underglow on in Ohio?

Underglow lights are permitted in Ohio so long as they adhere to certain regulations. Specifically, underglow is legal if:

The lights remain covered and turned off when driving on public roads
The lights do not flash or strobe when the vehicle is in motion
The lights do not emit blue, red, or white illumination, as these colors are restricted to emergency vehicles

Ohio law prohibits any lighting equipment that impairs driver vision or distracts other motorists. Underglow kits cannot be operated in a way that produces glare or impedes traffic safety.

While stationary or parked, drivers may activate underglow lights for visual display purposes. However, the lights must remain covered when operating the vehicle on public roads. Activating underglow while driving may result in fines or penalties for violating Ohio’s equipment regulations.

In summary, underglow is street legal in Ohio if kept covered and unlit while driving. The lights must also refrain from flashing effects or using restricted colors. By following these guidelines, enthusiasts can safely express their automotive style without facing legal repercussions. Checking Ohio’s equipment regulations provides further details on compliant use of neon and LED lighting accessories.

Underglow Laws by State: An Overview

Underglow lights have become an increasingly popular automotive accessory among car enthusiasts looking to customize their vehicles. However, laws regarding underglow legality vary significantly across different states. Some states allow underglow lights explicitly, while others have restrictions on color or placement, and some ban their use entirely.

This section provides a high-level overview of underglow regulations in different regions of the United States. Understanding your local laws is crucial before installing underglow on your vehicle to avoid fines or having to remove prohibited lighting equipment.

Is Underglow Illegal in California?

California laws permit neon underglow and other aftermarket lights as long as they do not flash or strobe. However, the color of underglow lights on the exterior of the car is restricted. As per California Vehicle Code 25250.5, only amber and white lights are allowed facing forward. Red or blue lights are prohibited unless explicitly permitted for emergency response vehicles.

Fines for illegal underglow modifications in California typically start at $25 but can go up to a few hundred dollars depending on factors like repeat offenses. Having prohibited lighting equipment on a vehicle also risks getting citations for vehicle equipment violations.

How Much Is a Ticket for Underglow?

The exact fine amount for illegal underglow lighting varies between states. In California, fines start around $25, while in Florida, they can be as high as $1000. States like New York and New Jersey issue fines between $50 to $100 for underglow equipment violations.

Factors like the number of offenses, color of lights, and judge’s discretion determines how much you may have to pay in fines if caught with prohibited underglow installations. Fines may be higher in states with stricter regulations.

Is Underglow Legal in Oregon?

Oregon laws permit most underbody neon lights as long as their output does not exceed 25 candlepower. Flashing or strobing underglow lights are illegal. Blue, red, and amber underglow colors are restricted for use only by emergency response vehicles in Oregon.

Having underglow installed by professionals using DOT-approved lighting products can help reduce risks of violations. Car owners should also have the necessary paperwork available to show if their specific underglow configuration complies with state lighting equipment regulations in Oregon.

Comprehensive Guide to Car Neon Laws by State

This section provides an overview of regulations surrounding underglow lights on vehicles in different U.S. states. Our goal is to inform enthusiasts interested in customizing their cars with legal guidance to ensure compliance.

Is Underglow Illegal in Washington?

Washington state laws prohibit any neon or LED lighting that flashes, rotates, oscillates, or emits a strobe effect. Underglow is legal if it remains static. The color of underglow lights is not restricted. Drivers with illegal underglow lighting may receive fines.

To stay compliant in Washington:

Use static, non-blinking underglow lights.
Avoid strobing, rotating, or flashing effects which are prohibited.

What Underglow Colors Are Legal?

Most states do not restrict underglow light colors. However, some jurisdictions prohibit certain colors reserved for emergency response vehicles. These include:

Red: Often limited to police, fire trucks, and ambulances.
Blue: Typically reserved for law enforcement only.

Green, orange, pink, purple, and white underglow lights are unrestricted across all states. Drivers should check local regulations before installation.

Understanding Chassis Lighting Restrictions

Many states prohibit underbody neon tubes or LED strips that illuminate the vehicle’s chassis. Reasons include:

Can be dangerously distracting for other drivers
Poses vision obstruction risk
Associated with illegal street racing activity

As an alternative, most states allow legal installation of interior neon lights as long as they don’t emit exterior glare.

By reviewing state-specific guidance early in the modification process, enthusiasts can express their automotive style legally through customized lighting.

Practical Considerations for Neon Underglow Installation

Ensuring Compliance with Underglow Laws

Installing car neon underglow can allow drivers to express their style, but it’s important to ensure compliance with state laws first. Here are some tips:

Research your state’s specific regulations on underglow. Some states allow certain colors or effects, while others prohibit underglow entirely. Knowing the exact laws is crucial.
Consider getting an inspection before installation. Some states require underglow kits and installation to meet certain safety standards. An inspection can verify compliance.
Choose LED or neon tubes designed explicitly for legal automotive underglow use. General lighting tubes may not meet regulations.
Install the underglow system properly, following all instructions. Improper wiring can short circuits, blow fuses, or cause other issues.

Avoiding Strobe Effects and Courtesy Lights Violations

While steady neon underglow can be legal in some states, strobing lights and extra courtesy lights often violate the law:

Strobe or flashing underglow is illegal in most states. The pulsating effect can dangerously distract other drivers.
Small courtesy lights mounted along the chassis or under the vehicle also frequently violate state vehicle codes.
Using a remote control to activate illegal strobe or courtesy light effects could still result in fines or penalties.

Instead, opt for solid, non-blinking underglow in permitted colors. This avoids issues while allowing personalized style.

Selecting and Installing LEDs for Underglow

Choosing the right Underglow lights for cars and installing them properly ensures legal and eye-catching underglow:

Select intense, high-output LED tubes in colors allowed by state laws. Brighter LEDs give better illumination.
For the chassis, flexible LED light strips work well. They can adhere closely to the vehicle’s underside contours.
Waterproof LEDs resist damage from weather and the road. Automotive-grade components last longer.
Follow the manufacturer’s wiring and installation directions closely when mounting LEDs for underglow. Proper electrical connections prevent problems.

With the right LED kit and trouble-free installation, drivers can enjoy legal car customization through underglow expression. Proper research, selection, and mounting make the difference between a stylish enhancement or an illegal (and unsafe) distraction for other motorists.

Conclusion: Navigating Neon Underglow Legality

To conclude, underglow legality varies widely between states and situations. This guide enables enthusiasts to understand their local laws and install underglow properly.

Recap of Underglow Laws by State

In summary, most states allow underglow lights in certain situations, while some states have bans or restrictions:

California, Oregon, and Washington generally allow underglow lights if they are not red, blue, or flashing. Strobe lights are restricted.
New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have bans on underglow lights installed on the exterior of vehicles.
Florida, Texas, and other southern states tend to have more lenient laws, allowing most underglow colors.
Midwestern states like Ohio and Illinois regulate underglow colors and require them to be covered while driving.

So be sure to research your state’s specific regulations before installing underglow.

Final Recommendations for Underglow Enthusiasts

When adding underglow lighting to your vehicle, it’s important to:

Check your state’s vehicle equipment regulations on underglow color and usage
Use underglow controller to turn off lights when driving if required
Get annual inspection done after install to ensure compliance
Avoid using red, blue, or flashing underglow lights unless explicitly permitted

Following these tips will help ensure your underglow stays street legal.

Staying Informed on Vehicle Equipment Regulation Updates

Laws related to car neon and automotive accessories can change over time. Regularly check your state’s DMV site or sign up for updates to stay current on any new regulations impacting underglow laws by state. This will help keep your custom ride compliant as laws evolve.

LED and Neon Underglow: Legal Considerations