Nebraska motorists seeking to customize their rides with underglow likely wonder about the legality and restrictions around such lighting installations.
This guide details Nebraska’s exact statutes regulating underbody lights to ensure legal and road-safe underglow modifications.
You’ll understand the state’s underglow laws, from allowed colors and brightness levels to proper wiring and disabling switches. We also cover key safety considerations when installing underglow kits.**
Introduction to Nebraska’s Car Underglow Laws
Defining Underglow Lights
Underglow lights refer to neon ground effect lighting installed underneath a vehicle to create a colorful glow. These lights are popular accessories among car enthusiasts looking to customize the appearance of their vehicle.
Are Underglow Lights Legal in Nebraska?
Nebraska law does not expressly prohibit underglow lights. However, underglow kits must comply with the state’s requirements concerning vehicle lighting to remain street legal. Relevant regulations include:
- Underglow lights cannot emit flashing, oscillating, or rotating beams of light, as this violates Nebraska statute 60-6,225.
- The color of underglow lights cannot interfere with the effectiveness of required signal lamps and devices, per statute 60-6,224.
- Underglow lighting should not be bright enough to blind or distract other drivers, as this violates general provisions against unsafe vehicle equipment.
So while underglow lights are not explicitly outlawed in Nebraska, kits must be installed properly to avoid traffic violations.
Penalties for Non-Compliant Underglow
Drivers with illegal underglow lighting may face fines or penalties in Nebraska, including:
- Fines up to $100 for first-time violations of statutes 60-6,224 or 60-6,225.
- Potential charges for reckless driving if non-compliant underglow contributes to unsafe conditions.
To avoid fines, Nebraska vehicle owners should ensure their underglow lighting complies with all relevant regulations before driving with active kits.
Scope of This Underglow Installation Guide
The remainder of this guide will provide best practices for installing underglow lighting on vehicles registered in Nebraska. We will cover:
- Recommended underglow colors and styles to remain street legal.
- Proper placement and wiring techniques for safety and compliance.
- Additional accessories and customization options compatible with Nebraska laws.
Following our tips will help Nebraska drivers enhance their vehicle’s appearance without violating state statutes.
Understanding Nebraska’s Legal Framework for Vehicle Lighting
In this section, we delve into the specific statutes and regulations governing vehicle lighting in Nebraska, including underglow, to help drivers navigate the legal landscape.
Nebraska Statutes on Vehicle Lighting
Nebraska has specific statutes regarding the type, color, placement, and use of vehicle lighting. These laws aim to promote road safety by ensuring proper visibility. As per statute 60-6,221, all motor vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lighting that meets regulations on brightness, beam direction, and mounting height. The law also stipulates permitted colors for various lights.
For example, headlights must emit white or amber light, while stop lamps and turn signals must emit red or amber light. These primary vehicle lights are mandatory. The law does not expressly permit or prohibit decorative, secondary lighting like underglow. However, statute 60-6,224 prohibits operating flashing lights on motor vehicles, except for turn signals or emergency vehicle lighting.
So while underglow itself may not be illegal in Nebraska, flashing underglow could violate statutes. Drivers must check specific county and city ordinances as well.
Distinguishing Between Primary and Secondary Lighting
Primary lighting on vehicles, such as headlights, brake lights and turn signals, serve necessary safety purposes. Nebraska law mandates certain standards for the color, brightness, placement and usage of these lights.
Secondary lighting like car underglow laws nebraska refers to decorative or custom lights installed for aesthetic enhancement or self-expression. These include interior lighting or underbody neon tubes.
Such lighting is separate from primary vehicle lighting and is not essential for driving. The key distinction in Nebraska law is that while decorative lighting may be permitted, it cannot interfere with or obscure mandatory safety lighting. Flashing underglow can also violate laws prohibiting flashing non-emergency lights.
How to Interpret Nebraska’s Underglow Laws
Nebraska state laws do not expressly prohibit underbody lighting or car underglow. So technically installing fixed neon or LED tubes under one’s vehicle is not illegal by itself.
However, certain usage conditions can make underglow illegal:
- Flashing or strobing underglow lights are typically not permitted. Steady-burning underglow is less likely to violate laws.
- Underglow should not emit light colors reserved for emergency vehicles like red and blue. Most underglow kits use green, purple or white lighting.
- The tubes should not be so bright that they blind or distract other drivers. Extremely intense underglow could get you pulled over.
So while creatively illuminating your ride is allowed in Nebraska, take care to not let the lighting interfere with traffic safety or violate specific regional restrictions. It’s best to check with local county and city authorities before installing underglow.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Upholding Lighting Regulations
Nebraska police have authority to enforce laws concerning vehicle safety and roadworthiness. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations governing car lighting and equipment.
If a vehicle is pulled over with illegal underglow lighting, the driver would likely receive a fix-it ticket. This document lists the violation and gives the owner a grace period to repair the issue before facing fines or penalties.
For example, an underglow system with flashing tubes could result in a fix-it ticket for violating statutes prohibiting flashing non-emergency lights. The driver would then need to disable the flashing function of the underglow.
In rare cases involving extremely dangerous or blatantly illegal lighting, the vehicle could be immediately impounded. But generally, law enforcement in Nebraska aims more to educate drivers and ensure compliance rather than strictly punish them.
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Complying With Nebraska Underglow Regulations
This section provides guidance on legally installing underglow kits in Nebraska vehicles per state regulations.
Allowed Underglow Colors in Nebraska
Nebraska does not restrict the color of underglow lights installed on vehicles. However, certain colors like red or blue could be confused with emergency vehicle lighting. It’s best to use understated colors like white, green, or purple to avoid issues.
Light Brightness and Visibility Regulations
Excessively bright underglow lighting can dangerously obstruct other drivers’ vision at night. Nebraska restricts underglow brightness for front-facing lights to 2,600 lumens. For lower rear lighting, most underglow kits on the market already comply with the legal 1,200 lumen maximum.
Proper Electrical Wiring of Underglow Kits
Improper electrical wiring significantly raises the risk of fires from shorts or overheating. While Nebraska doesn’t mandate professional installation, it’s highly recommended to use a certified mechanic or electrician. They can correctly wire power from your car’s battery and incorporate an inline fuse for safety.
If installing yourself, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and connect to a switched 12V DC power source, not directly to the battery. Also be sure to use the right gauge wire for the lighting load.
Underbody Placement Requirements
Nebraska prohibits mounting underglow forward of the front wheels’ centerline. Lighting must also not be visible to the driver from the driver’s seat. The safest legal placement is under the rear bumper and along the rocker panels.
Disable Switches for Police Checks
During traffic stops, police may ask drivers to turn off underglow to check compliance with lighting regulations. Nebraska requires underglow kits to have a clearly labeled on/off switch within reach of the driver’s seat. Quickly disabling underglow this way avoids issues and citations.
Ensuring Underglow Kit Road Safety
Properly installed underglow lighting should not decrease road safety. However, incorrect installation or usage of underglow kits can pose risks. This section reviews best practices for accident prevention when using underglow lights on your vehicle.
Blocking Brake Light or Turn Signal Visibility
It is critical that underglow lights do not obstruct the visibility of brake lights, turn signals, or any other important lighting on a vehicle. Generally, underglow kits should be installed along the lower edges of a vehicle’s body and chassis.
Specific guidelines include:
- Do not place underglow lighting over tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, or backup lights
- Leave at least a 3-inch gap between underglow strips and critical vehicle lighting
- Test all vehicle lighting after installation to ensure full visibility from behind
Following these placement rules will help prevent accidents caused by blocked signalling.
Minimizing Driver Vision Impairment
Extremely bright underglow, especially neon or LED lighting, can inhibit driver vision when operating a vehicle at night. To mitigate this safety issue:
- Angle underglow lighting downward, towards the road rather than straight backwards
- Install dimmer controls to reduce brightness as needed in low light
- Use lower intensity lights in sensitive areas near driver sight lines
- Never activate underglow while actively driving, use only when parked
With some reasonable precautions, underglow kits can provide distinctive style without compromising road safety through driver vision impairment.
Avoiding Reflected Light Glare
Under certain conditions, underglow lighting can reflect off wet roads or other vehicles, directing bright glare into driver and pedestrian eyes. Suggested steps to prevent distracting and dangerous glare include:
- Position underglow near vehicle undersides to minimize light projection
- Angle strips to point downward rather than straight back
- Utilize matte finishes and covers to diffuse and soften emitted light
- Adjust brightness down during nighttime driving or in wet conditions
While underglow can look amazing reflecting off wet pavement, it is best to enjoy this effect only when safely parked. Driving with glare reflection increases accident risk.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Some underglow kits feature colorful, flashing lights designed to attract attention. While eye-catching, these flashy effects can dangerously divert a driver’s eyes and focus from the road. To promote safe driving:
- Do not activate flashing underglow modes while actively operating vehicle
- Pull over in a safe, legal spot before using attention-grabbing effects
- Disable flashing modes when other vehicles are present
With some reasonable precautions, car enthusiasts can safely enjoy their unique underglow style without causing distracted driving incidents.
Conclusion and Next Steps
To wrap up our guide on legally and safely installing underglow kits in Nebraska, here are the key takeaways to ensure compliance with state regulations:
Essential Takeaways
- Underglow lights are legal in Nebraska as long as they do not flash red, blue, or purple (reserved for emergency vehicles). Stick to white, green, yellow, or orange underglows.
- Underglows must not be bright enough to blind or distract other drivers. Keep brightness reasonable.
- Do not mount underglows underneath the vehicle, as this is prohibited. Install them along bumpers, side skirts, or wheel wells only.
- Always turn off underglows when driving to avoid any issues. Use them only when parked.
- Check your local county and city laws as well, as they may prohibit underglows or impose additional regulations beyond state law.
Where to Seek Further Assistance
Consult with a professional auto mechanic or customization specialist if you need help determining exactly how and where to install your underglow kit legally and safely in your make and model of vehicle.
You can also contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office directly to ask any additional questions about Nebraska’s underglow regulations for clarification.
Let Us Know Your Thoughts!
We hope this guide gave you the key information you need to legally customize your ride with underglow lighting in Nebraska. If you have any other questions or feedback about this article, let us know in the comments below!