During the holiday season, many people gear up to string their houses in bright Christmas lights and adorn their front lawn with an array of festive decorations.
For some, the holiday spirit cannot be contained by the limits of property lines.
If you’re looking to light up the roadway this winter by decking out your vehicle with holiday cheer, it’s important to know the rules around these additions in your state.
Is it legal to cover my car in Christmas lights?
Unfortunately, if you were planning to light up your car for the holidays, the bright decorations are illegal in most states in the U.S., including New York.
For New Yorkers, it is not legal to put decorative lights on cars, trucks or SUVs. Doing so could lead to a traffic ticket, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
State law restricts vehicle lighting colors to white or amber for the front headlights and red for the rear brake lights. Any vibrant colors, including Christmas lights and LEDs strung on the vehicle, are prohibited.
Can I put other decorations on my vehicle?
If you still want to turn your car into a fun and festive ride, there are permitted ways to decorate without lights in New York.
Non-illuminated decorations, such as tassels, reindeer antlers and wreaths, are well within the law, as long as they are secured and do not obscure the driver’s vision, the vehicle’s lights or the license plates.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Is it legal to put Christmas lights on your car in NY? What law says
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
