7.748 — UNDERGLOW & ILLEGAL VEHICLE LIGHTING
Violations of "Statute 7.748" results in an Infraction and a fine of $500, unless modified lighting contributes to a traffic hazard, impersonation of law enforcement, or obstruction of vehicle identification, in which case the charge may be elevated. This charge may also be considered a violation of Statute 4.412, should the lighting be used in a way that could deceive or confuse the public or law enforcement into believing the vehicle is an emergency vehicle.
(a) Definitions
"Underglow Lighting" refers to any auxiliary lighting system installed on the underside of a vehicle, designed to emit light onto the ground beneath the chassis. These systems typically utilize LED or neon lights in various colors.
"Illegal Vehicle Lighting" includes any lighting modification or addition to a motor vehicle that violates state safety codes, federal transportation standards, or interferes with the vehicle’s intended signaling, identification, or visibility as regulated by law.
"Primary Lighting Systems" include headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and license plate lights — all of which must conform to manufacturer specifications and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
"Auxiliary Lighting" refers to any additional lighting installed on a vehicle that is not part of the manufacturer’s required safety equipment, such as fog lights, grille lights, roof-mounted lights, or interior accent lights visible from the exterior.
(b) Elements
To establish the offense of underglow or illegal vehicle lighting, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
The defendant operated or parked a motor vehicle on a public roadway or space accessible to the public.
The vehicle was equipped with lighting systems or devices not in compliance with statutory lighting regulations.
The lighting configuration either (1) mimicked emergency vehicle lighting, (2) obscured or distorted visibility of the vehicle’s signals or license plate, or (3) impaired the safety or visibility of other drivers.
The defendant had knowledge of or failed to correct the illegal lighting after receiving notification, citation, or inspection failure.
(c) Prohibited Lighting
The following lighting configurations are expressly prohibited unless authorized by law or used in a permitted off-road context:
Red or Blue Lights on Front or Sides of Vehicle
These colors are reserved for emergency vehicles. Civilian vehicles may not display red or blue lights visible from the front or side while on public roads.
Flashing, Strobing, or Rotating Lights
Any lighting system that flashes, blinks, or rotates is prohibited unless the vehicle is a licensed emergency, construction, or utility vehicle.
Pulsating Brake Lights or Headlights
Non-standard pulsing lights intended to draw attention are considered illegal unless specifically DOT-approved for motorcycle visibility.
License Plate Obstruction by Light
Any lighting that obscures, discolors, or distorts the readability of the license plate — including tinted light covers or colored LEDs — is prohibited.
Overly Bright Off-Road Lights Used On-Road
Roof-mounted LED light bars, high-intensity fog lamps, and auxiliary lighting must be switched off when the vehicle is on a public road unless conditions justify their use and they do not blind other drivers.
Rear-Facing White Lights (while moving forward)
White lights may not be displayed to the rear of a vehicle except when reversing.
Underglow in Restricted Colors or Motion Effects
The use of red, blue, or flashing underglow is prohibited. Underglow that pulses, moves, or cycles through multiple colors automatically is also banned for on-road use.
Reflective or Illuminated Wheel Well, Exhaust, or Engine Bay Lights Visible While in Motion
Lights that cast a glow from vehicle components in a way that mimics emergency or show-vehicle use on public roadways are illegal.
Headlamp Colours:
You may not utilise any emitted colours other than white or amber, and must comply with SAE Standard J68c
(d) Pemitted Lighting
The following are generally permitted, subject to local jurisdiction:
White or Amber Underglow: Steady, non-flashing lights that are not visible from the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle (i.e., only visible directly underneath).
Interior Lighting: As long as it does not project outside the vehicle or interfere with the driver’s vision.
Show or Parade Use: Lighting systems used in authorized parades, shows, or off-road areas not open to regular traffic, provided the vehicle is trailered or not operated on public roads.
The court may consider the following aggravating factors when determining the severity of the offense:
The underglow lighting was installed in a manner that resembled or resembled flashing emergency vehicle lights, potentially causing confusion with law enforcement.
The violation occurred during a situation where the defendant's vehicle posed a risk of impersonating law enforcement (e.g., during a public event or near an active investigation).
The defendant has a history of traffic-related violations or failed to comply with previous warnings related to illegal vehicle lighting.
(e) Defenses
A defendant may raise the following defenses against a charge of illegal lighting:
Temporary Installation: The lighting system was installed temporarily for a permitted event or parked display and was not active while driving on public roads.
Malfunction: The lighting system activated due to an electrical or control malfunction beyond the driver’s immediate control.
Corrective Action Taken: The lighting issue was corrected within a compliance period after a fix-it ticket or inspection warning.
Legal Lighting: The lighting was within statutory color and brightness limits and did not interfere with other traffic or mimic emergency vehicle lighting.
(f) Aggravating Factors
The offense may be elevated or result in increased penalties if:
The lighting configuration caused or contributed to an accident or traffic hazard.
The vehicle was stopped for impersonating or simulating an emergency vehicle.
The illegal lighting interfered with the visibility or interpretation of brake lights, turn signals, or hazard lights.
The lighting was used to intimidate, distract, or harass other drivers (e.g., strobe effects, sudden high-intensity projection).
The vehicle was previously cited for the same lighting violation and failed to take corrective action.
Last updated