Auxiliary Light Cover Laws: State Regulations

Customizing your vehicle with auxiliary lights can be exciting, but it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements. Failure to comply with state regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even vehicle impoundment. This article provides a comprehensive guide to auxiliary light cover laws across different states, helping you legally customize your vehicle while ensuring safety on the road.

Key Points

Many states require auxiliary lights to be covered when not in use, except for emergency vehicles.
Auxiliary lights must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) or Economic Commission of Europe (ECE) safety standards.
Opaque covers that completely block light are mandatory in most states.
Regulations vary widely, with restrictions on the number of lights, mounting height, and light color.

State Light Cover Law Comparison

State	Permissible Number	Mounting Restrictions	Other Regulations
Alabama	No limit	Below bumper	Amber or white lights only
Alaska	Up to 4	None	Certified by AK Dept. of Transportation
Arizona	Up to 2	Below bumper	Amber or white lights only
California	Up to 4	Below bumper	Certified by CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Oregon	Up to 2	Below bumper	Allows auxiliary lights on motorcycles
Texas	Up to 2	Below bumper	Amber or white lights only

By understanding and following these regulations, you can enjoy customizing your vehicle while maintaining compliance and ensuring safe driving conditions for all.

State Light Cover Laws

State-specific regulations on auxiliary light covers vary widely, making it essential to understand the laws governing their use in your state. In this section, we’ll provide a detailed roundup of state light cover laws, broken down into alphabetical order.

Alabama to Montana Rules

The following states have specific regulations regarding auxiliary light covers:

State	Regulation	Reference Link
Alabama	No restrictions on auxiliary lights, but must be covered when not in use	Alabama Vehicle Lights
Alaska	Auxiliary lights must be covered when not in use, except for emergency vehicles	Alaska Vehicle Lighting Standards
Arizona	No restrictions on auxiliary lights, but must be covered when not in use	Arizona Vehicle Light Laws
Florida	Auxiliary lights must be covered when not in use, except for emergency vehicles	Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Michigan	Auxiliary lights must be covered when not in use, except for off-road vehicles	Michigan Vehicle Code

Nebraska to Wyoming Rules

The following states have specific regulations regarding auxiliary light covers:

State	Regulation	Reference Link
Nebraska	Auxiliary lights must be covered when not in use, except for emergency vehicles	Nebraska Vehicle Inspection
Oregon	Auxiliary lights must be covered when not in use, except for off-road vehicles. Unique regulation: Oregon allows auxiliary lights on motorcycles.	Oregon Vehicle Code
California	Auxiliary lights must be completely covered when driving on public roads, except for emergency vehicles	CA Auxiliary Light Laws
Texas	No restrictions on auxiliary lights, but must be covered when not in use	Texas Transportation Code

Remember to check your state’s specific regulations and reference links for the most up-to-date information on auxiliary light covers.

Exceptions and Federal Standards

When it comes to auxiliary light covers, there are some exceptions and federal standards to be aware of. These guidelines can help clarify the rules and regulations surrounding the use of auxiliary lights on public roads.

Emergency Vehicle Exemptions

Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, are exempt from certain regulations regarding auxiliary light covers. These vehicles often require specialized lighting to perform their duties, and as such, are granted exceptions to the standard rules.

Federal Certification

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Economic Commission of Europe (ECE) set standards for vehicle safety, including auxiliary lighting. Lights that meet DOT or ECE standards are considered street-legal and can be used on public roads.

Certification	Description	Marking
DOT	Meets US safety standards	SAE number
ECE	Meets European Union safety standards	E-mark

When shopping for auxiliary lights, look for products that carry DOT or ECE certification to ensure they meet federal and international safety standards.

By understanding these exceptions and federal standards, vehicle owners can ensure they are using auxiliary lights safely and legally on public roads.

Using Light Covers Legally

When using light covers, it’s essential to follow the rules to avoid legal issues and ensure your safety on the road.

Legal Use Guidelines

Use light covers when required by law or in hazardous conditions, such as sandstorms. In many states, light covers are mandatory when auxiliary lights are installed outside a certain distance from the headlights or when the number of forward-facing lights exceeds a specified limit.

Opaque Covers In most states and countries, light covers must be completely opaque, covering the entire surface of the lamp. Opaque covers prevent any light from shining through them. In states that require vehicle inspection, properly covered lights are often exempt from inspection.

Choosing Legal Light Covers

When selecting light covers, choose ones that meet state regulations. Look for covers designed for your vehicle’s make and model, and ensure they are completely opaque. Consider purchasing light covers from reputable manufacturers that provide certification and compliance information.

Example: DENALI Slip-On Blackout Covers These covers are designed to keep your bike street legal in states that require aftermarket lighting to be covered on public roads. They are made from rugged silicone construction, providing protection from rocks and other debris, and are easy to slip on and off.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right light covers, you can ensure your safety on the road and avoid legal issues.

State Law Comparison

State Light Cover Law Table

The following table compares state regulations regarding auxiliary light covers:

State	Permissible Number of Auxiliary Lights	Mounting Height and Placement Restrictions	Other Crucial Regulations
Alabama	No specific limit	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Alaska	Up to 4 lights	No specific height or placement restrictions	Must be certified by the Alaska Department of Transportation
Arizona	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Arkansas	No specific limit	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
California	Up to 4 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Must be certified by the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Colorado	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Connecticut	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Delaware	No specific limit	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Florida	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Georgia	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Hawaii	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Idaho	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Illinois	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Indiana	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Iowa	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Kansas	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Kentucky	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Louisiana	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Maine	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Maryland	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Massachusetts	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Michigan	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Minnesota	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Mississippi	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Missouri	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Montana	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Nebraska	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Nevada	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
New Hampshire	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
New Jersey	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
New Mexico	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
New York	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
North Carolina	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
North Dakota	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Ohio	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Oklahoma	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Oregon	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Pennsylvania	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Rhode Island	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
South Carolina	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
South Dakota	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Tennessee	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Texas	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Utah	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Vermont	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Virginia	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Washington	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
West Virginia	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Wisconsin	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only
Wyoming	Up to 2 lights	Must be mounted below the bumper	Amber or white lights only

Please note that this table is not exhaustive, and it’s essential to check with your local authorities for specific regulations regarding auxiliary light covers in your state. Additionally, always ensure that your light covers meet the necessary safety standards and are certified by a reputable organization.

Light Cover Law Summary

In summary, it’s crucial to understand and follow auxiliary light cover laws to avoid legal issues, fines, and vehicle impoundment. Familiarize yourself with state regulations to ensure a safe and legal vehicle customization experience.

Customization and Compliance

When customizing your vehicle, strike a balance between individual expression and adhering to state laws. Prioritize safety and compliance to avoid legal issues. If unsure about specific regulations, seek guidance from local authorities or reputable organizations.

Remember:

Always check with local authorities for specific regulations regarding auxiliary light covers in your state.
Ensure your light covers meet necessary safety standards and are certified by a reputable organization.
Prioritize safety and compliance when customizing your vehicle.

By being informed and responsible, you can enjoy the freedom to customize your vehicle while maintaining a safe and legal presence on the road.

FAQs

Are Light Bars Illegal in Any States?

Light bar laws vary by state in the United States. While some states have strict regulations, others are more lenient. Here are some states with specific restrictions:

State	Restriction
Kentucky	Illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on
Louisiana	Illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on
Maine	No auxiliary light can be brighter than the standard lighting equipment
Maryland	No more than two auxiliary lamps mounted between 16 and 42 inches above ground level

It’s essential to check the specific laws in your state to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.