When it comes to modifying your vehicle’s appearance with underglow lighting, most drivers want to express their style while staying compliant with the law.
This guide explores LED and neon underglow legality considerations on a state-by-state basis, equipping you with the knowledge to outfit your ride legally.
You’ll get a breakdown of regulations, enforcement realities, recommendations for purchasing compliant kits, and more to help you make informed decisions about underglow.
Introduction to LED and Neon Underglow
LED and neon underglow kits refer to lighting installed underneath a vehicle to create a colorful glowing effect. They are popular aesthetic modifications among car enthusiasts looking to customize their rides.
Understanding Underglow: LED Strip Lights and Neon Tubes
Underglow kits feature LED strip lights or neon tubes mounted along the underside of a vehicle’s body and chassis. Modern options typically use flexible LED strips offering bright, energy-efficient lighting in a range of RGB colors. Neon tubes provide a classic glowing tube effect in standard colors like red, blue, green, pink, and purple. Both create vibrant under-chassis effects.
LED strips come in waterproof varieties allowing underbody installation. They connect to a control box with remote access to switch colors, modes, and brightness. Neon tubes require inverters to function and don’t offer color-changing effects.
Comparing LED and Neon Underglow Kits
LED underglow kits are the most popular modern option providing super-bright, customizable lighting effects. Waterproof LED strips mount using strong 3M adhesive for simple DIY installation. With multicolor choices and animated modes, LEDs allow full personalization.
Neon underglow offers a classic tube glow aesthetic, but color options are limited. Tubes usually mount with brackets, requiring wiring through the chassis for power. While neon lights look stunning, LED flexibility and efficiency provide more customization.
Both types of underglow kits require checking state laws, as some places restrict certain colors or installation areas. LEDs and neon lights should not affect road visibility.
Aesthetic Appeal: Why Drivers Install Neon+Underglow+Kit
Car enthusiasts install underglow kits for visual appeal and self-expression. Vibrant LED and neon lighting creates a eye-catching glow highlighting a vehicle’s underside curves, custom bodywork, or aftermarket parts.
Legal underglow allows drivers to showcase their style and personality. Effects range from subtle ground lighting to flashy color-changing displays. As regulations vary by state, responsible owners research local laws before installing an underglow kit to avoid issues.
Why are neon lights under car illegal?
Neon underglow lighting laws aim to promote public safety on roads by restricting certain types of lighting that may distract drivers or impair visibility. Specifically, laws tend to prohibit lights that:
- Emit flashing, strobe, or pulsating beams of light – These dynamic light effects can be disorienting and hazardous when vehicles are in motion. Steady lighting is typically required.
- Display certain colors – Some states restrict neon lights from emitting red, blue, amber, or green illumination, as these colors are designated for emergency response vehicles. White, yellow, and purple neon lights tend to be permissible.
- Are extremely bright or intense – Excessively radiant underglow kits can visually impair other drivers, especially at night. Most areas regulate the luminosity allowed.
- Illuminate areas that may obstruct signaling or markers – Rear brake lights, turn signals, license plates, and reflectors enable safe driving by clearly communicating actions to other motorists. Neon kits should not interfere with these.
Essentially, widely banning or limiting distracting and obscured visibility aims to enable motorists to easily interpret signaling, quickly react, and avoid accidents. Understanding the regulations in your state before installing an underglow kit enables enthusiasts to balance unique style and safety. Checking local ordinances also prevents legal penalties like fines or vehicle impounding. By selecting compliant neon colors, intensities, and positioning, drivers can responsibly enjoy customized aesthetics.
What is brighter neon or LED?
There is no doubt that LED lights are brighter than traditional neon lights. LEDs (light emitting diodes) can emit an extremely intense and focused light, allowing them to be clearly visible even in daylight.
Comparatively, neon lights from glass tubes produce a considerably softer and more diffused glow that is best suited for lower light conditions like at nighttime. Here are some key differences:
- Brightness: LEDs are significantly brighter, with modern LED strips reaching over 2,000 lumens per foot. Neon produces only about 100-200 lumens per foot.
- Efficiency: LEDs convert over 90% of energy into light, while neon converts just 10-15% of supplied energy. This allows LEDs to achieve far greater brightness from the same power input.
- Durability: Properly installed LED strips are rated to last 5-10 years. Neon tubes may need replacement every 1-2 years.
- Visibility: The focused intensity of LEDs allows them to "punch through" even in daylight. Neon works best when ambient light levels are low.
So for maximum visibility and brightness, LED underglow kits are the best choice. However, some appreciate the classic soft glow of neon lighting. Ultimately it comes down to the desired visual effect.
When installed under a vehicle chassis, LED underglow can create vibrant, eye-catching effects for customization and self-expression purposes. Just be sure to verify your local regulations first regarding the legal use of underbody lighting.
Which is better neon or LED strip light?
LED strip lights are generally considered the better option compared to neon lights for most applications. Here’s a comparison of some of the key factors:
Lifespan
- LED strips have an extremely long lifespan of typically 50,000 hours or more. Neon lights last around 15,000 hours on average.
- This makes LEDs a more durable and cost-effective choice over the long run. Less maintenance is required to replace burnt-out neon tubes over time.
Efficiency and Power Usage
- LEDs consume up to 80% less power compared to neon lighting.
- This results in major energy and cost savings, making LEDs the more eco-friendly and affordable lighting solution.
Appearance and Light Quality
- Both LED and neon lights can product bright, vibrant colors. However, LEDs offer more customization options.
- With LED strips, users can control each individual light color and effects using controllers. This allows endless possibilities for unique lighting designs.
Safety
- LEDs operate at low voltages, reducing electrical shock risks. Neon lights require high voltage to operate, posing safety hazards if not properly insulated.
- LED strips are also made of durable plastic instead of fragile glass tubes, reducing chances of breakage.
In summary, LED strip lights are superior in most applications with their energy efficiency, customization, lifespan, and safety. However, neon lighting remains an artistic, nostalgic choice for some users despite the downsides. Considering legal regulations, always check your local laws before installing any underglow lights.
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Can neon lights be LED?
LED technology has advanced to the point where it can closely mimic the look and feel of traditional neon lighting. While not technically "neon", LED neon signs provide similar vibrant colors and uniform lighting.
LED neon signs offer several advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: LED signs use about 80% less electricity than traditional neon. This saves on energy bills.
- Durability: LEDs last 5-10 times longer than neon tubes, meaning less maintenance and replacement costs.
- Safety: LEDs operate at low voltages whereas neon needs high voltage transformers. LED signs are therefore safer to install and operate.
- Eco-Friendly: LED signs are made from recyclable materials and emit less greenhouse gases over their lifespan.
So while LED signs don’t contain actual neon gas like traditional signs, the technology has progressed to the point where the visual experience is very similar. And LED neon provides greater durability, efficiency, and flexibility in sign shapes and sizes. For these reasons, LED is becoming the technology of choice for neon-like signs and decor.
Underglow Legality Concerns
Underglow lighting can enhance a vehicle’s appearance, but also raises legal concerns if improperly installed or used. It’s important to understand state and local regulations before modifying your car to avoid fines or removal orders.
Navigating Visibility and Distraction Issues with LED and Neon Lights
Installing underglow kit for car with bright LED strip lights or neon lights can potentially obstruct visibility or distract other drivers if facing forward. Most states prohibit displaying flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights visible from the front of a vehicle, with some exceptions for emergency or service vehicles. Always check your state’s laws before installing underglow. Face lights backward or downward to reduce visibility issues.
Understanding State Equipment Regulations for Underglow Kit for Car
Many states restrict the color and type of aftermarket lights that can be displayed. Common prohibitions include:
- Neon lights facing forward
- Flashing or rotating lights
- Certain colors like red or blue reserved for emergency vehicles
Research your local neon+underglow+kit laws before installing to ensure compliance. Some states require permitting or special approval for certain underglow configurations. Stay updated on changing regulations.
Facing Enforcement and Penalties for Illegal Underglow
Violating underglow equipment regulations may result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or orders to remove prohibited lighting. Penalties vary widely between states and municipalities. For example, fines can range from $25 up to $1000 for repeat violations. Ensure your custom lighting abides by state vehicle codes to avoid legal issues. Consider removable underglow to allow flexibility for travel between areas with different restrictions.
State-by-State Underglow Legality
Regulations for underglow use vary widely depending on location. This section outlines specifics for each state.
Alabama’s Stance on LED and Neon Underglow
Alabama restricts the use of blue and red underglow colors. Flashing lights visible from the front of the vehicle are prohibited. Specifically, Alabama state legislature prohibits any red or blue lights installed on a vehicle that are visible from directly in front of the vehicle. This includes underglow kits. Other colors are generally allowed as long as they don’t flash, oscillate, or strobe.
So for Alabama residents looking to customize your ride with led and neon underglow or led strip lights, stick to colors like green, yellow, white or purple. And avoid any kits that feature flashing or strobing lights visible from the front. Mounting lights underneath the chassis pointed backwards is another way to comply. Just take care not to install an underglow kit for car that could distract other drivers.
Alaska’s Regulations on Underglow Kit for Car
Alaska law prohibits the use of flashing underglow lights visible from the front of a moving vehicle. Specifically, it bans any aftermarket lighting that flashes, oscillates or rotates. This includes typical neon+underglow+kit setups that feature colorful flashing lights.
For rear and side underglow lights, Alaska restricts neon tube lighting. Other underglow colors and lighting styles are generally allowed as long as they don’t flash while the vehicle is in motion. So mounting static color LED strips under the chassis or behind the grille is fine. Just avoid any front-facing strobes. And stick to LED for rear/side lighting instead of neon tubes.
Arizona’s Approach to Neon+Underglow+Kit
Arizona laws permit the installation of underbody neon lighting as long as the lights don’t flash red or blue. Flashing lights of any other colors are allowed without a permit. Arizona also specifically allows flexible neon lighting, unlike some other states.
So feel free to customize your ride with any color neon+underglow+kit system you like. Just avoid flashing red or blue lights unless you obtain the proper permits. And take care not to install lighting that could be dangerously distracting for other motorists. Consider mounting lights facing rearwards under the chassis to enjoy the underglow effect while remaining street legal.
Arkansas and the Prohibition of Underbody Neon Lighting
Arkansas laws take a strict stance by specifically prohibiting underbody neon lighting of any kind on motor vehicles. This rules out typical neon underglow tube kits. However other underglow lighting styles and colors are permitted as long as they don’t flash.
So for Arkansas residents, LED strip lighting rather than neon tubes are the way to go. Mount color changing LEDs strips under the chassis or behind the grille for a vibrant custom look. Just avoid any forward-facing red/blue colors or strobing lights while the car is moving to stay compliant. And check local regulations for specifics on where underglows can be legally installed.
California’s Legal Framework for LED Strip Lights Underglow
The state of California permits underglow lighting but prohibits flashing or blinking lights while the vehicle is on public roads. Specifically, California Vehicle Code 25250 bans any lights installed on a vehicle that flash, oscillate, rotate or otherwise move when the vehicle is being operated.
So LED strip lights underglow kits are allowed, provided they remain static when the car is moving. Consider mounting color-changing LEDs behind the grille or under the chassis for a custom look. Disable any flashing modes to remain street legal. And avoid blue/red forward-facing underglows.
With some smart planning, California car enthusiasts can safely customize their rides with eye-catching led strip lights underglows. Just be sure to comply with state laws while enjoying the neon glow.
Purchasing Compliant Underglow Kits
When installing underglow lights on your vehicle, it is important to use only legal kits that comply with regulations in your state. Properly mounting the lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions is also essential for safety and compliance.
Selecting Legal Neon and LED Underglow Colors
Certain underglow colors like red or blue may be restricted in some states as they can be confused with emergency vehicle lights. To avoid issues, opt for legally approved colors like white or green LEDs when selecting an underglow kit. Always check your state’s laws to determine which colors are permissible.
Wiring and Mounting LED Strip Lights Safely
Underglow LED strips should be securely fastened underneath the chassis, away from hot or moving parts that could cause damage. Use the mounting hardware included with quality underglow kits to properly affix the lights. Also ensure correct wiring by following the manufacturer’s diagram to connect to the vehicle’s 12V power system. Proper mounting and wiring is essential for safe, long-lasting underglow lights.
Controlling Your Underglow Kit for Car with Mobile Apps
Many modern LED underglow kits connect via Bluetooth to smartphone apps, allowing you to easily control flashing modes, colors, and brightness. Using the app, you can set custom color schemes and animations to make your underglow system uniquely yours. Just be sure to only activate elaborate flashing modes when safely parked to avoid hazardous distractions while driving.
Conclusion: Staying Legal with Your Vehicle’s Underglow
Underglow kits can provide a unique way to customize your vehicle’s appearance. However, it’s important to ensure any underglow installation complies with your state’s vehicle codes and regulations. Use the information in this guide to inform your purchase and installation decisions.
Summarizing the Essentials of LED and Neon Underglow Legality
The legality of using LED and neon underglow kits on vehicles varies widely depending on the state. It’s essential to thoroughly research your local laws before purchasing or installing an underglow kit. Key factors to consider include:
- Whether underglow lights are permitted at all in your state. Some states ban certain colors or types of underglow kits entirely.
- Light positioning regulations. Most states restrict mounting locations to undersides of vehicles and within wheel wells.
- Color restrictions. Some states only permit white or amber underglow lighting.
- Adherence to existing vehicle lighting codes. Underglow must not interfere with or obscure mandatory lights.
When installing underglow kits, follow all guidelines carefully regarding wiring, mounting, and positioning. Using a professional installer can help ensure compliance.
By properly researching state regulations and purchasing compliant LED strip lights or neon lights, enthusiasts can safely express their individual style through legal, road-ready underglow customization. Careful preparation enables staying on the right side of the law when outfitting your vehicle with eye-catching neon+underglow+kits.
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