Underglow lights are a widely popular non-standard customization in the automotive industry. Underglow refers to where the aftermarket lights are placed on the underbelly of your vehicle.
Though these lights are considered cool, they offer no functionality as such. You will discover many colors and types of underglow lights on the market. They are mainly categorized as neon and LED underglow.
In the United States, some states completely prohibit the installation of these lights, while others place a few restrictions on their usage. The laws are put into place for safety purposes as underglow lights can be quite distracting to other drivers.
If you are in Tennessee and want your vehicle to have that underbody glow, you will first have to find out if underglow legal in Tennessee. That’s what we’ll discuss in this article.
Tennessee Laws for Underglow Lights
To find all the relevant excerpts regarding the usage of neon underglow and aftermarket lights in Tennessee, you will have to leaf through the Tennesee Statutes, Title 55, Chapter 9, Part 4.
In accordance with the state’s vehicle code, you are not restricted from installing or using additional aftermarket lighting on your vehicle. However, the code does place certain limitations on it.
Let’s break it down.
- Light type: There is no mention of neon or LED underglow lights. However, there is a section dedicated to the required types of vehicle lighting. It also contains regulations regarding how many auxiliary lights you can use. This is limited to two at a time.
- Color: Sections 55-9-402 and 55-9-414 make references to colors. According to these sections, it is unlawful to have blue strobing lights on civilian vehicles. You must also not display any combination of red, white, or amber lights on the front of the vehicle.
If you violate this section, you will face a Class C misdemeanor.
- Size: There is no clarity in the state code regarding the permitted size of vehicle lighting.
- Intensity: The intensity of any installed lights should be mild so as not to distract or disorient approaching vehicles.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in Tennessee?
Based on the above sections, we can conclude that there is no explicit mention of neon underglow lights in the Tennessee Vehicle Code. We can deduce that they are not considered illegal in the state.
However, there are certain regulations to be followed. You must avoid installing or using any flashing or strobing lights since they are strictly prohibited for non-emergency vehicles.
A combination of colors like red, white, or ambers must also be avoided, as these are only permitted for authorized and emergency vehicles.
As long as you stick to the restrictions mentioned in the code, there is no reason why you cannot have underglow lights on while driving.
However, it is highly recommended that you seek verification with your local authorities before you begin modifying your vehicle. Make sure the laws are the same in your city or county to avoid getting into trouble.
State of Tennessee Info
This southeastern state of the United States borders Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina. It is the 17th most populous state.
The Mississippi River runs along Tennessee’s western border, and the Appalachian Mountains stand tall on the eastern side. The state’s largest city is Memphis, followed by its capital.
Population: 6,456,243
Capital: Nashville
Registered vehicles: 5,855,373
Total lane miles: 203,850
Number of highways: 7
Underglow light law reference: Tennessee Vehicle Code