Gearing Up for the Holiday Season: Are Christmas Lights on Cars Legal?
Gearing up for the holiday season can be fun as families decorate their homes and yards – some are even taking colorful Christmas lights to their cars.
The Trend Takes Over TikTok
A new TikTok trend shows hundreds of users wrapping their cars in thousands of LED lights and hitting the road.
But Are They Legal?
Before you start doing the same, NBC6 checked in with local law enforcement to see if these lights are actually legal to drive around with.
Local Law Enforcement Weighs In
A man was arrested this week in Opa-locka for driving a BMW with Christmas lights on it.
According to a Florida law, decorating your car like that could get you in trouble with the law.
“You can’t have any flashing lights of any kind on your car, except for your turn signal or flashing lights,” said Mike Jachles with the West Palm Beach Police Department.
Safety Concerns
Jachles said that while it’s not typically enforced in his area, it is considered a safety concern.
“It could be a distraction,” he said. “We already have distractions with cellphones and people not paying attention on roads.”
State Law Prohibits Certain Lights
According to state law, red, white and blue lights – specifically in the front of the car – are also forbidden and could be a problem for drivers who don’t belong to law enforcement or emergency services.
“On the sides of your car you can have lights… car with lift kits with neon or LED lights, they are steady… But if they are flashing, that is illegal,” Jachles said.
Conclusion
While decorating your car with Christmas lights may be a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, it’s important to make sure you’re not breaking any laws. Before hitting the road, make sure to check with your local law enforcement to see if your lights are legal.
FAQs
Q: Are Christmas lights on cars illegal in Florida?
A: According to Florida law, decorating your car with flashing lights is illegal, except for your turn signal or flashing lights.
Q: Can I put red, white, and blue lights on my car?
A: No, according to state law, these colors are forbidden and can only be used by law enforcement or emergency services.
Q: Can I put steady lights on my car?
A: Yes, you can put steady lights on the sides of your car, but make sure they are not flashing.
Q: Can I get in trouble with the law for having Christmas lights on my car?
A: Yes, if you’re caught with flashing lights on your car, you could be given a ticket or even arrested, depending on the severity of the offense.
