Ground effect lights, better known as underglow, is a form of accessory lighting modification that helps illuminate the surface beneath a vehicle. These non-standard lighting fixtures use either LED or neon lights.
Other than enhancing the look of your car, they help to make it more visible at night. Every state in the country has laws regarding automotive accessory lights, but these laws don’t always specify underglow lights.
However, you can get a clear picture of their legality by examining some of the associated restrictions that apply to these systems. Whether or not underglow lights are legal varies across the country.
In this article, we’ll discuss the legality of underglow lights in Mississippi.
Mississippi Laws for Underglow Lights
According to Mississippi’s vehicle code, there are no restrictions on installing auxiliary aftermarket lighting on vehicles. However, it does impose limitations on what colors you can use when the vehicle is in motion.
Since there is no outright prohibition of neon underglow lights in the state, we can assume that they are legal as long as the restrictions mentioned in the state’s code are followed.
Below are details from sections 63-7-20 and 63-7-23 of the Mississippi Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 7 regarding the restrictions and usage of aftermarket lights.
Light Type and Size
Besides the mention of required vehicle lighting, there is no direct reference to underglow lighting in the state’s code.
There is, however, mention of the number of permitted auxiliary lights and lamps. If it’s a fog lamp, the vehicle should not have more than two auxiliary lights.
The Mississippi code has no provisions regarding the permitted size of auxiliary lights. However, the distance between the auxiliary light and the ground should be between 12″ and 42″.
Permitted Colors and Intensity
These specifications have to do with the visibility and positioning of your aftermarket lights. For instance, lights visible from the front end must be amber or white, and those mounted on the sides and the rear end must be amber or red.
Additionally, your license plate needs to be illuminated in white only. Flashing lights of any color are also prohibited.
The luminosity of the lights used should not be intense. They should scatter in a way that is not distracting to others on the road.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in Mississippi?
There are no relevant laws that prohibit or restrict the installation of underglow neon lights in Mississippi.
We can conclude that as long as such lighting systems should not be in use while the vehicle is in motion on a public road, it is legal to affix them to the undercarriage.
Make sure to only use the permitted colors to avoid strobing lights. Definitely avoid red or blue lights as it can result in a misdemeanor. You may face a fine of up to $500 if you violate this rule.
State of Mississippi Info
Nestled in the southeastern United States, Mississippi is named after misi-ziibi, the Ojibwe word for “great river”. The state stands at 31st in population and 32nd in size.
The state is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama, Louisiana, and the Mississippi River, and is popular as the birthplace of blues music and the site of many crucial events of the civil rights movement.
Population: 2,949,965
Capital: Jackson
Registered vehicles: 2,015,915
Total lane miles: 162,088
Number of highways: 9
Underglow light law reference: Mississippi Code