Many California drivers take great pride in installing neon lights on their cars because this modification is well-liked and draws attention to the automobile. However, you should be aware of what the law says about these lights, as making unauthorized modifications to your vehicle can result in fines or other legal consequences.
That said, it is crucial to know the legal details about what’s permitted and what is not when it comes to neon lights on cars and how to install them without causing any trouble.
Are Neon Lights Legal in California?
Most neon lights on cars are legal in California as long as they don’t flash or move and don’t get in the way of the driver’s view. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets LED lights with less than 0.05 candela per square inch, as 1 candela is essentially equal to the light emitted from one candle. Check the brightness of your neon lights before you buy them to make sure they meet California DMV standards.
What Does The California Vehicle Code Say About Neon Lights?
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) has most of the rules about neon headlights. You can find them under “Lighting Requirements” or “Illegal Vehicle Modifications.” Even though neon sub-lights are legal in California right now, the state has rules about their type, size, position, and colors.
Size
Except for authorized display signs, the size of the underglow can’t be bigger than 720 square inches.
Position
Neon underglow lights can’t be put anywhere where they will interfere with or replace the vehicle’s required lighting (i.e. headlights, turn signals, taillights, and brake lights). You can’t put neon lights on a vehicle within 12 inches of any required device, such as a light, lamp, reflector, or other required device.
Other restrictions on size and position of neon lights attached to your vehicle are:
- A lit sign inside a car can’t be brighter than 0.25 candela per square inch, can’t have a white background, and can’t be in the front or back of the car.
- You can have an internally lit sign in your car as long as it is less than 0.25 candela per square inch, doesn’t have a white background, and is only on the sides of your car and not on the front or back.
Restricted Colors
You are breaking the law if you allow the color red to be shown on the front of your vehicle in the state of California. Most states prohibit colors like blue and red for the underglow, or any aftermarket lights on vehicles, because it may give the impression that the vehicle belongs to the police.
Division 12, Chapter 2, Article 10 Section 25400(b) of the California Vehicle Code makes it clear you are free to choose any color you like (other than the red restriction on the front of your car). Suppose you want to avoid disturbing other drivers or being mistaken for a law enforcement vehicle while driving. In that case, you are strongly advised not to use flashing lights, even if they are not technically illegal.
Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about Neon Lights in California and how to defend yourself against any type of traffic ticket. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about defense against traffic infractions.