PA Underglow Light Laws: Regulations & Rules

In Pennsylvania, underglow lights are strictly prohibited. The state’s Vehicle Code bans any additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, including neon overglow or underglow lights.

Key Restrictions:

No allowed colors for underglow lights
No specific requirements, but any non-essential lighting is illegal
Penalties include fines or warnings for violations

Motorcycle Underglow Rules:

Act 50 of 2006 permits certain auxiliary motorcycle lighting for visibility
Allowed: Blue dot illumination, running lights, LED pods/strips
Still must comply with overall vehicle lighting regulations

Ornamental vs. Underglow Lights:

Illegal Ornamental Lights	Legal Lights
Neon undercarriages	Original equipment lights
Illuminated valve stem caps	Lights specifically permitted by law
LED lights not integrated into design	–
Flashing/revolving lights (unless permitted)	–

To avoid legal issues, it’s crucial to follow Pennsylvania’s underglow light laws and consult experts if unsure about a lighting configuration’s legality.

What are Underglow Lights?

Underglow lights are a popular aftermarket modification for vehicles. But what exactly are they? In simple terms, underglow lights are lights placed under the chassis of a car to illuminate the ground below, creating a unique visual effect. They are typically used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle, making it stand out from the crowd.

Underglow Lighting Basics

Underglow lights come in two main forms: neon tubes and LED lights.

Type	Characteristics
Neon Tubes	Fragile, customizable to emit up to 150 colors
LED Lights	Brighter, longer-lasting, can respond to music

Both types of lights can be used to create a customized look, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

History of Underglow Lights

The history of underglow lights dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they were first introduced in the automotive industry. Here’s a brief overview:

Late 1980s: Simple neon tubes were mounted underneath vehicles.
Mid-1990s: LED technology was introduced, leading to smaller, more energy-efficient, and brighter underglow lights.
Today: Underglow lights have become a staple in the world of car customization, with many enthusiasts using them to add a personal touch to their vehicles.

PA Laws on Underglow Lights

In Pennsylvania, underglow lights are strictly regulated by the state’s Vehicle Code. According to the law, all additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, including neon overglow or underglow, is prohibited.

Allowed Underglow Light Colors

No allowed colors: Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of any colored lights on vehicles, except for white lights on the front and rear of the vehicle, which are required for registration plates to be visible.

PA Lighting Standards

No specific requirements: Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code does not specify particular requirements for lamp type, wattage, or lumens for underglow lights. However, it is essential to note that any lighting that is not required or permitted by law is prohibited.

Penalties for Breaking Underglow Laws

Fines or warnings: If you are found to be in violation of Pennsylvania’s underglow light laws, you may face penalties, including fines or warnings. It is crucial to ensure that your vehicle complies with the state’s regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Motorcycle Underglow Rules: Act 50

In Pennsylvania, Act 50 of 2006 has a significant impact on motorcycle underglow light regulations. This legislation provides for lighting on motorcycles, allowing riders to add auxiliary lighting to their vehicles for increased safety and visibility.

Allowed Motorcycle Lighting Under Act 50

Act 50 permits motorcycle riders to add various types of auxiliary lighting to their vehicles. These include:

Lighting Type	Description
Blue dot illumination	Enhances visibility
Standard bulb running lights	Increases safety
Light-emitting diode (LED) pods and strips	Improves visibility

These lighting options aim to enhance the rider’s safety and visibility on the road, particularly at night or in low-light conditions.

Important Note: While Act 50 permits certain types of auxiliary lighting, riders must still comply with Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code and ensure that their lighting configurations do not violate any existing laws or regulations.

Ornamental vs. Underglow Lights

In Pennsylvania, there’s a clear distinction between ornamental lighting and underglow lights. Ornamental lighting refers to lamps or lights added to a vehicle for aesthetic purposes, but not essential for safe operation. Underglow lights, on the other hand, are lights mounted underneath a vehicle, emitting a glow.

Rules for Ornamental Lights

Pennsylvania law prohibits ornamental lamps unless they’re available as original equipment or specifically permitted by law. This means that if a vehicle isn’t equipped with ornamental lighting from the manufacturer, it’s not legal to add them. Additionally, illuminated signs are prohibited except on taxicabs, ambulances, and trucks.

No Flashing or Revolving Lights

Pennsylvania law doesn’t permit flashing or revolving lights on vehicles, except for authorized vehicles and special operating privileges. This means that any ornamental lighting that flashes or revolves is illegal.

Illegal Ornamental Lights Examples

Here are some examples of illegal ornamental lights in Pennsylvania:

Illegal Ornamental Lights	Description
Neon undercarriages	Not permitted
Illuminated valve stem caps	Prohibited
LED lights not integrated into original design	Illegal
Flashing or revolving lights not permitted by law	Not allowed

It’s crucial to understand the difference between ornamental lighting and underglow lights to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law. If you’re unsure about the legality of a particular lighting configuration, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

Following PA Underglow Light Laws

In Pennsylvania, it’s essential to understand and follow the state’s underglow light laws to avoid legal issues and ensure a stress-free customization process. Throughout this article, we’ve covered the key aspects of PA underglow light regulations.

Key Takeaways

Here are the critical points to remember:

Prohibited Lights	Description
Underglow lights	Regardless of technology used
Red and blue lights	Can be confused with emergency vehicle lights
Flashing or oscillating lights	Only allowed on authorized emergency vehicles and taxi cabs

Final Recommendations

To ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s underglow light laws, we recommend:

Avoiding the installation of underglow lights on your vehicle, as they are illegal in the state.
Choosing alternative lighting options that comply with PA regulations, such as white or amber lights with standard intensity.
Consulting with a legal expert or law enforcement officer if you’re unsure about the legality of a particular lighting configuration.

FAQs

Can you drive around with underglow lights on?

No, in Pennsylvania, underglow lights are illegal, regardless of the technology used. According to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, any additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, including neon overglow or underglow, is prohibited.

Why is it illegal?

Driving with underglow lights can result in legal issues and fines. It’s essential to understand and follow the state’s underglow light laws to avoid legal issues and ensure a stress-free customization process.

What to do instead?

If you’re unsure about the legality of a particular lighting configuration, consult with a legal expert or law enforcement officer for guidance. Prioritize safety and compliance with state regulations when customizing your vehicle.