Florida Neon Underglow Lights Laws
Car enthusiasts who want to enhance their cars’ appearance are attracted to neon, or better known as underglow lights. Although safety concerns are not as important with underglow lighting, many car owners add neon lights to their cars to make them more attractive.
Many states have now placed restrictions on the color and luminosity of aftermarket lighting devices, such as neon lights, attached to cars. Some drivers are too enthusiastic and can go overboard. To ensure that other drivers aren’t distracted by flashy cars, there are laws against various aftermarket modifications. These laws apply to neon underglow. They are listed under “Unlawful modifications to vehicles” and “Lighting regulations”.
The use of neon underglow lights in Florida (FL) is legal. However, there are some important restrictions. Here is a summary of the guidelines for neon car lights in Florida.
Is neon underglow legal in Florida?
Underbody lights are allowed, unless prohibited by law. Florida Motor Vehicle Regulations specifically allow aftermarket modifications that aren’t prohibited by any other rules or regulations. (see Section 31215(2) Florida Statutes).
(2) This chapter does not prohibit the use or addition of parts and accessories to any vehicle that is in compliance with its provisions.
Florida law does not prohibit the installation of aftermarket or non-mandatory lighting. Therefore, neon underglow is legal. Underglow and underbody lights are not prohibited by Florida law.
The FL vehicle equipment regulations mainly refer to mandatory vehicle lights. However, they also contain restrictions on the type of vehicle lighting and colors that are allowed. It is against the law to use flashing or oscillating lights.
You should not make your car’s underglow red. No blue-colored lights are allowed. Blue lights, including those with underglow, are not permitted as they are reserved for emergency vehicles.
Source:
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2018 Florida Statutes Title XXIII – Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 – State Uniform Traffic Control. (See Sections 316.215 to 316.42 for vehicle lighting equipment).
Restricted Colors
Florida bans the display of the color red in front of vehicles. Red lights cannot be seen from the front of a vehicle. Therefore, even if you have neons hidden under the car chassis, it is best to avoid using the color red.
It is also important to remember that you must not use blue underglow. Law enforcement and emergency vehicles use blue lights, which is why Florida’s underglow laws explicitly prohibit the use of this color.
We do not recommend that you tell police that your underglow may change color during a traffic stop. You may be cited if they can see that you are displaying blue color. Even if your aftermarket lights can display blue colors, it is illegal to mount them.
Penalties
A non-legal underglow system could result in you being cited for a violation of non-moving traffic laws. In this case, you will need to make modifications to your vehicle to comply with standards and pay a fine. Florida considers operating a vehicle equipped with equipment that is not in compliance with state regulations a non-criminal traffic offense.
Further penalties and fines can be imposed for displaying red and blue together with white or any combination of these colors with black. The crime of impersonating an emergency vehicle can lead to serious penalties.
It’s best to keep your speed limit within legal limits and avoid getting ticketed.
This post was written by Justin K, owner of https://www.tampatiresandwheels.com/. Wheel Identity is Tampa Bay’s premier custom shop. We carry wheel and tire packages for every vehicle, custom suspension kits, and all accessories for the interior or exterior of your vehicle. We only hire highly trained technicians using state-of-the-art equipment with experience in all areas of tire, wheel, suspension, and 4×4 needs.