Back in the early 2000s, underglow lighting was all over the tuner scene, although it faded in popularity, only to make a resurgance in recent years. However, just because they’re easily available for you to purchase doesn’t mean they’re legal.
As long as your lights are concealed below your car’s chassis and the fluorescent tubes are not visible openly, most states permit their usage. Which brings us to the question: Is underglow legal in Maryland?
The answer is yes. It is legal, albeit with certain specific restrictions in place. Find out what these restrictions are in this article.
Maryland Laws for Underglow Lights
The use of neon underglow lights is governed by the Maryland Code and is outlined under Title 22: Equipment of Vehicles, Subtitle 2: Lamps and Other Lighting Equipment. It does not restrict the use of neon underglow lights or even LED ones.
However, you should absolutely avoid using flashing or oscillating lights. You must also avoid using blue or red colors as they are prohibited in this state. This is because they resemble police vehicles, ambulances, and other legal authority vehicles.
Keep in mind that your lights must not obstruct visibility for both yourself and other drivers on the street.
- Light type: Both LED and neon lights are permitted for vehicles in Maryland for public driving. It is also permitted to use two fender lamps on the sides that emit white or amber light. They must be located near the front of the car.
- Size: The size of the lights is not mentioned in the Code and we can assume there is no specific restriction on their use. However, ensure that you have one running board light on each side of the vehicle that emits white or amber light.
- Permitted colors: Avoid using red or blue lights that are visible from the front of the vehicle. Only red is permitted for usage on the rear of the car and the license plate lights can only be white.
- Intensity: There are no specific restrictions for the intensity of lights used but keep in mind that your lights must be non-strobing and stationary.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal In Maryland?
Yes, it is legal to use underglow lights, provided they aren’t blue, red, or any other emergency colors.
It is a punishable offense to drive with flashing lights or oscillating ones. It is also not legal to drive with a white light that is directly visible from the rear end. Any reflectors or other lighting devices used must only be red or amber in color.
The rear lamp can only be white or amber and the lights around the registration plate must strictly be white. The side cowl lamps can also only reflect white colors and must be located near the front of the vehicle.
It is also worth noting that when your vehicle is in motion, you are not permitted to use any backup lamps. You are permitted to have one or more backup lamps for your car, but they must not be illuminated unless the existing ones are not usable.
State of Maryland Info
Bordering the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware, the state of Maryland is the 7th state in the United States.
Though among the smallest states, it is densely populated.
It is home to a stunning diversity of landscapes ranging from forested hills to sandy dunes.
Population: 5,884,563
Capital: Annapolis
Registered vehicles: 1,977,742
Total lane miles: 68,889
Number of highways: 14