Cars have become more than just a means of transportation. For many, a car is a reflection of personality, wealth and style. One way to help your car reflect your individuality is to customize it with different exterior accessories, like spoilers, body paint patterns and underglow lights. In the case of the underglow lights, however, accessorizing must be limited to certain circumstances and certain environments.
No Red or Blue
Whether for love of country or just love of the color blue, Florida law states that it is expressly illegal for red or blue lights to be shown on non-law enforcement vehicles. This law includes headlights, lights visible within the car, lights in the rear and lights underneath. Anyone displaying red or blue lights underneath their car will be stopped, the lights confiscated and the driver subject to fine or arrest. Exceptions to this law include fire safety vehicles, ambulances and unmarked police cars.
No Track Lights or Round Shaped Lights
Additionally, Florida law prohibits track lights, which are lights that give the appearance of a dotted line beneath the vehicle, and circular lights, also known as glow pads, on cars traveling on public roadways. Displaying these types of underglow lights is a noncriminal code violation. Be wary when selecting proper illumination, since these lights are still sold in stores. Stores sell these items as a showpiece designed to be used only off of public roads and highways. An exception to this rule is vehicles over 80 inches in overall width. For these vehicles, a track light is allowed along the side as long as the lights are directed toward the front. These lights serve a safety purpose, letting other cars clearly see the width of the vehicle while driving at night.
Read More: Police Lights & Their Purposes
No Neon
Perhaps the most popular underglow lights, neon lamps, are sold at many auto stores as a complement to the car’s interior and exterior. Activating neon lights on the underside of your vehicle is also a noncriminal offense that can result in a citation. The reason behind this deals with vehicle recognition. Vehicle lights that are bright and visible from the sides could be mistaken for an oncoming vehicle and compromise the safety of others on the road. Currently, there are no exceptions to this rule on public roads and highways in Florida.
Tips
In Florida, you cannot place blue or red underglow lights on your car unless you work in law enforcement.
References
Writer Bio
Sean Russell has been writing since 1999 and has contributed to several magazines, including "Spin" and "Art Nouveau." When not writing, Sean helps maintain community gardens in Silver Lake and Echo Park, California. Russell also worked extensively on the restoration and rejuvenation of public parks in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi after damage from 2004-2005 hurricanes.