Georgia Underglow Light Laws 2024

In Georgia, underglow lights are legal as long as they comply with the following rules:

Prohibited Colors:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Purple
Flashing or moving lights are not allowed (except for emergency vehicles)
Lights must not interfere with license plate visibility
Aftermarket lighting parts must meet safety standards

Failure to follow these regulations can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, and vehicle modification requirements.

To ensure compliance, verify the legality of any underglow light installation and stay updated on Georgia’s lighting laws.

Legal Underglow Lights in Georgia

Banned Underglow Light Colors

In Georgia, certain colors of underglow lights are not allowed. These colors are only for emergency and official vehicles to ensure public safety. The banned colors are:

Color
Red
Blue
Green
Purple

Using these colors on personal vehicles can result in legal consequences.

Multi-Color Underglow Systems

Georgia law is clear: if your underglow system can display blue light, even if it’s not currently showing it, you could still be breaking the law. Ensure your underglow system complies with Georgia’s lighting requirements to avoid legal issues.

License Plate Lighting Rules

Georgia law requires vehicles to have their license plates illuminated with white light, as specified by § 40-8-23 of the Georgia vehicle lighting laws. This ensures license plates are visible and easily readable, which is crucial for law enforcement and road safety.

Flashing Underglow Lights Ban

Flashing light systems for underglow are not allowed in Georgia. This ban is in place to prevent driver distraction and mimicry of emergency vehicle signals. It’s essential to ensure that drivers focus on the road and don’t get confused by flashing lights that could be mistaken for emergency vehicles.

Georgia Vehicle Lighting Guidelines

Aftermarket Lighting Parts Rules

In Georgia, you can use additional parts and accessories on your vehicle as long as they don’t conflict with state regulations. According to § 40-8-1 of the Georgia Code, aftermarket lighting parts can be installed as long as they meet safety and regulatory standards.

Auxiliary Lighting Usage Rules

Georgia law allows the use of spotlights, foglights, and auxiliary lights under certain conditions. As outlined in § 40-8-29, these lights can improve visibility and safety on the road. However, you must ensure they are used in compliance with state regulations and don’t pose a hazard to other road users.

SAE Lighting Color Standards

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) sets standards for vehicle lighting equipment colors, which Georgia adopts. According to § 40-8-34, vehicle lighting equipment must comply with the SAE Standard J578, specifying colors and intensity of lights used on vehicles. This ensures all vehicles on Georgia roads meet a uniform standard for lighting, promoting safety and consistency.

Emergency Vehicle Lighting Rules

In Georgia, blue and green flashing or revolving lights are restricted to designated emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. As outlined in § 40-8-90 and § 40-8-92, these lights indicate the presence of an emergency vehicle and ensure public safety. Using these lights on non-emergency vehicles is prohibited and can result in legal consequences.

Penalties for Illegal Underglow Lights

In Georgia, driving a vehicle with illegal underglow lighting can result in legal consequences. If a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle with an underglow system that violates the state’s lighting laws, the driver may be issued a nonmoving traffic violation.

Misdemeanor Charges

Operating a vehicle with unapproved lighting equipment can lead to misdemeanor charges. A driver found guilty of violating the state’s lighting regulations may face fines and penalties.

Vehicle Inspection Authority

Law enforcement officers have the authority to inspect vehicles suspected of violating lighting equipment laws. If an officer stops a vehicle with illegal underglow lighting, they can issue a citation and require the driver to modify the vehicle to conform to state standards. Failure to comply can result in additional fines and penalties.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Consequence	Description
Fines	Drivers may face fines for violating Georgia’s lighting regulations.
Misdemeanor Charges	Operating a vehicle with unapproved lighting equipment can lead to misdemeanor charges.
Vehicle Modification	Drivers may be required to modify their vehicles to conform to state standards.
Additional Penalties	Failure to comply can result in additional fines and penalties.

By understanding the penalties for illegal underglow lights, drivers can avoid legal consequences and ensure their vehicles are safe and compliant with Georgia law.

Following Georgia Underglow Rules

To drive safely and legally in Georgia, it’s essential to understand the state’s underglow light laws. By knowing the rules, car enthusiasts can avoid legal issues and ensure their vehicles comply with state standards.

Prohibited Colors and Lights

Remember, Georgia law prohibits certain colors of lights, including:

Red
Blue
Green
Purple

These colors are only allowed on emergency or police vehicles. Additionally, flashing or revolving lights are not permitted on non-emergency vehicles.

Verify Legality Before Installation

Before installing any aftermarket lighting modifications, verify their legality to avoid legal consequences. Stay informed about updates to Georgia’s underglow light laws and regulations to ensure you’re always in compliance.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your vehicle’s aesthetic enhancements while maintaining a safe and responsible driving experience.