Underflow lights are definitely one of the more aesthetic exterior upgrades that you can install on your car, especially if you’re into drifting or tuner culture in general.
These lights sit under the body of the car and create a halo effect, which is quite nice to look at. However, not every American state allows neon underglow lighting in cars for road safety reasons.
If you’re an Illinois resident, you’re probably wondering — is underglow legal in Illinois? That’s what we’ll discuss in this article.
Illinois Laws for Underglow Lights
Unfortunately, for people in the Prairie State, all types of accessory lighting are banned. Since there’s no mention of LED or neon underglow lights in the law, it is safe to assume that these are illegal to use or install.
The only kind of aftermarket lights that you can legally install are running board courtesy lamps on either side of the car and up to two fender or side cowl lamps. These need to be amber or white colored.
All rules, regulations, and laws regarding lighting in vehicles can be found in Article II Light and Lamps of Chapter 12 Equipment of Vehicles in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Illinois Laws for Underglow Lights
Illinois not only prohibits underglow lights, but it also prohibits the use of any rotating, oscillating, or flashing lights in vehicles.
Flashing lights, in particular, can only be used by official vehicles. These include law enforcement vehicles, rescue vehicles and ambulances, with the exception of turn indicators.
Even possession of such lighting systems is illegal — you could potentially end up being charged with a Class A misdemeanor simply for possessing the lights, regardless of whether or not you switch them on or use them.
Fines and Penalties for Driving with Underglow
The use of any lighting equipment outside the purview of the Illinois Code can get you a citation, and as mentioned earlier, a Class A misdemeanor suit.
The use of green, blue, and red lights, either separately or in combination with each other or with white lights, can be treated as the highly serious offense of impersonating an emergency or police vehicle, leading to heavy fines and penalties.
State of Illinois Info
Illinois is a part of the Midwest region in the United States. It is the 6th most populated state.
It has several industries and businesses along with mining operations, tourism, agriculture, and other areas adding to the economy.
The state is also quite centrally located regarding transportation and connection between different parts of the country.
Illinois also has over 100 counties and several major cities. The state is full of plains, forests, hills, and rivers.
Population: 12,671,469
Capital: Springfield
Registered vehicles: 4,617,096
Total lane miles: 306,658
Number of highways: 24
Underglow light law reference: Illinois Vehicle Code, Chapter 12