WPBN: This year, drivers who are attempting to spread some festive cheer have been cautioned that they may be risking $1,000 in fines. Although many drivers may not be aware of it, there are fairly stringent guidelines about how to decorate your vehicle for the holidays.
As long as they don’t obstruct your view or distract, items like decals, dashboard ornaments, and even tinsel are usually acceptable.
However, there have been instances of some especially joyous Americans decorating their cars with sparkling Christmas lights. Regretfully, this might put them in legal hot water.
After Indiana State Police disclosed the details of one such instance, the regulations were recently brought to light. A picture of cops from a different force stopping a white hatchback with bright lights on it was shared on the department’s social media accounts.
“This is the Bolingbrook Police Department, but we have been seeing a lot of this lately here in Indiana as well,” the caption clarified.
State laws vary, of course, but for a surprising reason, the majority of them forbid Christmas lights in one way or another.
You may assume that it’s because they can divert other drivers, but in reality, it comes down to the regulations governing the kinds of lights that cars are permitted to use.
Though some of these hues are really prohibited, with some exceptions, Christmas lights are often blue, green, purple, or red. Although everyone is aware that emergency vehicles are the only ones with blue lights, it is illegal for any other vehicle to utilize them.
Similarly, only ambulances and other medical vehicles are permitted to use green lights. Additionally, red lights on regular cars must only be used as turn signals.
However, it’s not worth the risk because you could still get caught by distraction regulations even if your lights aren’t showing these protected colors. particularly considering that these offenses can result in fines of up to $1,000.
New DMV Procedure for Driver’s Licenses: What Changed and How It Affects You
Only when participating in a parade or other authorized event can a vehicle be equipped with multicolored lights. The sole other exception is underbody lighting, which is OK as long as it follows color guidelines.
For added safety, always get permission from the local police before installing lights on your vehicle. It follows food bank patrons who were issued with $40 citations for violating strict parking regulations.
