Underglow neon lights were once the coolest thing you could install in your car, but tastes and preferences have changed over the years. That said, these lights have made a bit of a comeback in recent years, and we’re all about it.
Traditionally, underglow lights are supposed to use neon tubes, but like many other promising light-technology, they’ve been foreshadowed by LEDs instead.
Despite that, many U.S. states restrict neon lights and have rules in place that prohibit the use of aftermarket lighting to prevent other drivers from getting distracted.
If you’re wondering whether underglow is legal in New York, then stick around because that’s what we’ll discuss in this article.
New York Laws for Underglow Lights
Traffic laws in New York do not specifically discuss underglow or neon lights. As per the 375 (41) Code, aftermarket light installation on vehicles is permitted as long as the light is white-colored.
In this section, we’ll discuss the lights permitted by New York laws for underglow lighting in more detail.
Light Type and Size
There is no specification on the type of light that can be installed on the vehicle. You can install any white-colored light, including neon underglow lights, but the light needs to be stationary or static. In other words, it can’t be flashing or rotating.
There is no specification regarding the size of the underglow light that can be installed in a vehicle in New York.
Permitted Colors
You can use any aftermarket lighting, including neon underglow lighting, but the light should only be white. No other colors are permitted, and the use of any other colors will be considered illegal.
Also, the license plate of the vehicle can be illuminated, but it should only have white-colored light.
Intensity
Any lighting installed on your vehicle, including underglow neon lights, must be subdued.
It should not be intensely bright or distracting for other drivers on the road in any way shape or form.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in New York?
There are no specific laws in New York that prohibit or restrict the use of underglow lights, so we can consider it legal to use underglow lights in vehicles when driving.
But as discussed earlier, except for white-colored light, all other colors are expressly prohibited by the law. So, even if you’re using a modern underglow system that changes colors, then you must ensure that you use only white and no other color.
Also, if you do have an underglow lighting system that can change colors installed in your vehicle and if you happen to be stopped by a police officer, then it is best not to mention that you can change the colors of your underglow lighting, as this can be considered a violation.
Avoid using red, blue or green underglow or any other lights on your vehicle, as these are only for use on emergency vehicles and using these colors on your vehicle can attract penalties and fines.
State of New York Info
The State of New York lies in the northeastern part of the country.
It comprises New York City, a major hub in the country as well as the world for a wide range of industries, resulting in its huge impact on the economy of the state.
Rochester, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo are some other major cities. The state has 62 counties. It ranks 27th in terms of its size among the other states in the country and also has one of the largest populations in the United States.
Population: 19,835,913
Capital: Albany
Registered vehicles: 10,255,099
Total lane miles: 240,489
Number of highways: 31
Underglow light law reference: New York Laws