LED Underglow for Harley Davidson: Legal Guide

Most motorcycle enthusiasts would agree that adding customized LED lights can make a bike more visually striking.

This guide details the legality of LED underglow kits for Harley Davidsons across different states, helping riders customize within the confines of the law.

We’ll provide an overview of underglow light regulations, best practices for legal installation and use, how laws are enforced, and tips for staying compliant as you ride in style.

Introduction to LED Underglow for Harley Davidson Motorcycles

LED underglow lights have become increasingly popular among Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts looking to customize their bikes. These neon lights installed underneath the motorcycle can create a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. However, laws and regulations surrounding their use vary by state, so it’s important riders understand the legalities before installation to avoid fines or other penalties.

Brief History of Underglow Lights

Underglow lights first emerged in the 1990s tuner car scene before spreading to motorcycles and other vehicles. They allowed drivers to express their personal style and individuality through creative customization. Their surge in popularity, especially in Harley culture, has led to growing debate around their street legality across different states.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Underglow Motorcycle Lights

LED underglow kits can transform the look of a motorcycle, allowing riders to make their bike stand out. The lights also improve visibility at night. However, some states prohibit certain colors or types of underglow lights on public roads. Riders run the risk of citations and fines if their motorcycle lighting setup violates local regulations. That’s why it’s critical to research your state’s underglow laws before installing lights on your Harley.

State-by-State Laws and Regulations

The meat of this guide will cover led underglow laws and regulations on a state-by-state basis. We’ll provide actionable details on installation and use compliance to enable informed decisions.

General Federal Guidelines

The federal government has some broad guidelines regarding vehicle modifications like led underglow lights. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Underglow lights cannot emit flashing red, blue, or amber lights, as those colors are restricted for emergency vehicles only.
Underglow lighting should not be overly bright or cause glare that impairs other drivers’ vision. Most states restrict lumens output.
Any led lighting added to a motorcycle must comply with federal Department of Transportation (DOT) standards in terms of light output, position, and other factors.

So at the federal level, the main things regulated are light color, brightness, and compliance with DOT vehicle standards. But most other specifics are left up to individual states to dictate.

State-Specific Underglow Regulations

Laws regarding underglow vary widely across states. Here’s a brief overview:

California, Florida, New York and others have laws specifically allowing solid-color underglow lighting within certain lumens limits. These are the most permissive states.
States like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Illinois prohibit underbody neon or LED lighting explicitly in their laws.
Most states not mentioned fall into a gray area, neither explicitly allowing nor prohibiting underglow lights. Legality can be questionable.

So be sure to check your local state laws before installing underglow on your Harley. We can provide state-specific guidance later in this piece.

Most Common State Restrictions and Allowances

While their specifics vary, states tend to regulate certain aspects of vehicle underglow:

Permitted colors – Most states allow white, amber, green, blue, purple, or multicolor underglows. Red, red/blue, and flashing colors are typically prohibited.
Light brightness – Maximum lumens or wattage limits often apply to avoid overly bright and glaring lights. Common limits are 8000 lumens or 55 watts.
Mounting location – Underglow must be mounted on undersides of vehicles. Light facing forward or backwards is often restricted.

So those are some of the most frequent allowances and restrictions governing underbody lighting. But again, check your particular state’s statutes for complete details.

Best Practices for Legal Compliance

Harley Davidson motorcycles have a strong culture and community surrounding customization and personalization. Adding LED underglow can be an exciting way to showcase your unique style. However, it’s important to keep compliance in mind to avoid legal issues on public roads. Here are some tips.

Choosing Compliant Underglow Kits

When selecting an underglow kit, opt for DOT/SAE approved lighting to ensure street legality. Choose options with the following qualities:

Meet federal standards for minimum/maximum brightness
Designed not to distract other drivers
Wired to deactivate with brake lights
Mounted securely under the bike rather than protruding

Reputable brands certified for road safety include:

XKGlow
Opt7
LUMINATOR

Always check your state’s underglow laws before installing as regulations can vary.

Proper Mounting and Installation

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount underglow fixtures securely underneath your motorcycle. Key guidelines:

Ensure wiring and lights don’t hang or drag
Don’t obstruct break lights or signals
Use sturdy metal brackets bolted to frame
Seal connections to prevent weather damage

Check local regulations on where underglow can be positioned legally before installing.

Using and Maintaining Compliance

Once mounted, periodically check that underglow hasn’t become loose or damaged. Conduct inspections and repairs to continue meeting safety and compliance standards over time.

Only activate auxiliary lighting when parked or on private property, unless state laws explicitly permit use on public roads. Adapt to any evolving regulations in your riding area.

By selecting compliant products and components, responsibly installing, and properly using your underglow system, you can enhance your bike’s look while staying street legal.

Understanding Enforcement and Penalties

It’s important for Harley Davidson motorcycle owners to understand how states enforce regulations around underglow lighting installations and what penalties may apply for noncompliance. Being informed on these policies can help riders make wise decisions when customizing their bikes.

Typical Enforcement Policies and Actions

Visual inspection is the most common enforcement method. State troopers or local police may spot noncompliant underglow lighting during routine traffic stops or safety inspections. They will then issue warnings or citations depending on the jurisdiction’s policies.
Some areas utilize automated license plate reader cameras or road sensors to detect illegal lighting. Violation notices may then get mailed to the registered owner.
In a few states, specially-trained inspection officers will perform random checks at meetups, rides, shows and events where owners tend to showcase customized motorcycles. They may issue fines on the spot for lighting violations.
Most areas require riders to remedy or remove illegal underglows once cited. Failure to comply can lead to impoundment of the motorcycle or revocation of its registration.

Penalties and Fines for Underglow Violations

Fines for illegal underglow lighting on motorcycles typically range from $25 to $250, varying by state and county. Some areas classify it as a moving violation, which can add points to a license.
Installers who routinely perform noncompliant underglow modifications may face criminal charges for facilitating violations of state vehicle codes.
Aside from fines, having multiple underglow citations on record can impact insurance rates for some policyholders.
In rare cases, states may permanently revoke a motorcycle’s registration for repeat lighting violations. This renders the vehicle undriveable on public roads going forward.

Understanding the enforcement policies and potential penalties in your state can help Harley Davidson riders make informed decisions about underglow installation and use. Checking your state’s vehicle codes before customization is always wise.

Navigating Legal Challenges with LED Underglow

Understanding the potential legal challenges and how to navigate them is crucial for riders. This section will delve into common legal issues faced by riders using LED underglow and how to address them.

Dealing with Traffic Stops and Law Enforcement

If pulled over by law enforcement regarding your motorcycle’s LED underglow lighting, it’s important to remain calm and cooperative. Have documentation on hand that shows your lights are legal in your state, such as printed state statutes or a letter from your Department of Motor Vehicles.

Politely explain that you have verified the legality of your lights and show the documentation. Offer to disable the lights if requested. If issued a citation, resolve the issue in court by providing evidence of compliance rather than arguing with the officer.

A proactive step is contacting your local law enforcement agency to inquire about underglow light regulations and inform them that you intend to install legal lights. This open communication can prevent issues during traffic stops.

Resolving Legal Disputes over Underglow Use

In the unlikely event you face legal action over your LED underglow lighting, thoroughly document your efforts to comply with state laws. Compile evidence showing the lights meet legal specifications on brightness, color and mounting.

Consult a traffic attorney to build a strong case emphasizing your due diligence. Work to resolve the issue before trial by demonstrating good faith compliance efforts. Accept responsibility for any accidental noncompliance, but contest unfounded allegations.

If the case does go to court, highlight specifics in state laws permitting your particular underglow setup. Having an expert witness can also help validate your adherence to regulations.

Staying Informed on Changing Underglow Laws

As state legislators periodically update statutes on vehicle lighting, it’s essential for riders to monitor changes that could impact the legality of LED underglow.

Check your state government website quarterly for newly passed bills, or subscribe to receive email updates on vehicle codes. Automotive enthusiast forums and groups can also provide alerts around underglow law changes.

Review any revisions that are relevant to motorcycles. If needed, adjust your underglow lighting setup to realign with updated regulations. Maintaining diligent awareness of shifts in state laws is key for riders using LED underglow.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

To conclude, here are some key takeaways regarding the legality of installing LED underglow lights on Harley Davidson motorcycles:

Quick Highlights of Regulations and Compliance

LED underglow is legal in most states, but restrictions may apply depending on the state
Some states prohibit certain colors or require covers/shields on underglow lights
Always check your state’s vehicle equipment regulations before installation
Avoid using flashing/strobe underglow lights, as these are illegal in most states
Underglow should not emit light that could blind or distract other drivers
Make sure wires and controllers are properly installed and secured
Consider removable underglow kits to avoid issues when traveling between states
Familiarize yourself with enforcement policies in your area regarding underglow

By understanding the legal guidelines and regulations in your state, Harley Davidson riders can safely enhance their bikes with eye-catching LED underglow lighting. Following best practices for installation and use will help ensure compliance and prevent any issues on the road. Check your local laws, use common sense, and ride safely.