Neon underglow lights are often used by car owners to embellish their vehicles and add to the style. As the name suggests, underglow lights are usually attached to the underside of the vehicle so they can light up the ground beneath.
There are 2 kinds of underglow lights to choose from — neon and LED (light-emitting diode). For a very long time, neon underglow lights were the most commonly used variety, but in the last few years, neon tubes are slowly being replaced by LED.
Typically, the use of underglow lights on cars is governed differently in different states. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the legality of underglow lights in West Virginia.
West Virginia Laws for Underglow Lights
The use of underglow lights on cars in West Virginia is governed by the rules and regulations stipulated in the West Virginia Code, which indicates the type of aftermarket lighting that can be installed and used on vehicles in the state.
Find below the specifications for underglow laws in West Virginia:
Light Type and Size
There are no specifications regarding the type of underglow lights that can be installed or used on cars.
The Code does not have any guidelines regarding the size of underglow neon lights that can be used on vehicles in the state.
Permitted Colors
In West Virginia, you can only install amber or white neon underglow lights that are visible when you’re standing in front of the vehicle. And, the light that is visible from behind the car must only be red colored.
The license plate of the vehicle must be illuminated in white. The state allows the use of amber or white-colored underglow neon lights on motorcycles.
Intensity
Underglow neon lights installed on cars in West Virginia must be subdued so that they don’t distract or impair the vision of other motorists on the road. The law prohibits the use of rotating, flashing or oscillating lights.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in West Virginia?
West Virginia allows the use of underglow neon lights on vehicles and it is legal to install and drive with them in the state.
But there are certain restrictions that must be followed for underglow neon lights and other aftermarket lights. These include:
- You must not use rotating, flashing or oscillating lights, especially blue and red colored lights as they are reserved for emergency and police vehicles.
- Any marker lamps, reflectors and rear clearance lamps mounted on the side or front of the vehicle must display/reflect amber-colored light.
- Any lights or reflectors that are mounted at the rear of the vehicle must be red-colored except the turn signal and brake lights.
- The rear license plate of the vehicle must be illuminated in white.
- You can install 1 running board courtesy lamp or less than 2 fender lamps or side cowl lamps on either side of the vehicle, which emits either an amber or white light without producing any glare.
- You can use white or amber-colored neon underglow lights, standard bulb running lights, LED strips or pods on your motorcycle, as long as they are not rotating, flashing or oscillating lights.
State of West Virginia Info
The state of West Virginia lies to the south of the United States in the Appalachian region. It shares borders with Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The capital is the state’s largest city.
It is only the 38th most populous state and is relatively small in terms of area. It has a rugged landscape with protected woodlands. The Mountain State joined the Union in 1863 as the 35th state.
Population: 1,855,413
Capital: Charleston
Registered vehicles: 1,657,362
Total lane miles: 80,167
Number of highways: 6
Underglow light law reference: West Virginia Code: Article 15