Underglow lights used to be all the rage back in the early 2000s, and they’re slowly going up in popularity all over again, thanks to formula drift. For those not in the know, these lights cast a halo effect around the vehicle.
These lights can easily be purchased online. But before installing these, especially if you live in Wisconsin, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state vehicle laws about underglow neon lighting and how they must be used.
In this article, we’ll discuss the legality of underglow lights in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Laws for Underglow Lights
The use of auxiliary aftermarket lights, including underglow neon lights, is governed by the rules and regulations stipulated in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Chapter 347.
As per the Wisconsin state code, installing and driving with neon underglow lights is not illegal, but there are certain restrictions that you must adhere to.
Light Type and Size
There are no restrictions in terms of the types of underglow lights that can be used on a vehicle in the state.
The law does not have any restrictions regarding the size of underglow lights that can be installed on a vehicle.
Colors and Intensity
Any lights installed on the vehicle, visible from the rear of the car, should be red colored and those that are visible from the front of the vehicle should be amber or white-colored. Using blue-colored lights is not allowed.
The license plate of the vehicle must be illuminated with a white-colored light. The use of underbody neon glow lights is permitted on motorcycles as long as the colors are not red, amber or blue.
Any underglow or aftermarket lights installed on the vehicle must not be overly bright. It is not permitted to use flashing lights. Additionally, they should not rotate, flash or oscillate.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in Wisconsin?
There are no specific laws in the state of Wisconsin that prohibit or restrict the use of underglow neon lights or other aftermarket lights. It can be concluded that it is legal to use these lights while driving as long as you follow the restrictions:
- You cannot install light of any other color other than amber or white when viewed from the front of the vehicle, any color other than red-colored light when viewed from the rear of the vehicle or any flashing light.
- You can install and use underglow lighting on a motorcycle as long as the device does not display blue, red or amber-colored light, the light is not visible to oncoming vehicles and the light is not rotating, flashing or oscillating.
- The rear license plate of a vehicle must be illuminated with a white-colored light.
- Only authorized emergency vehicles, such as fire department vehicles and ambulances, can display red rotating, flashing or oscillating lights.
- Only law enforcement vehicles can display blue and red rotating, flashing or oscillating lights.
- Vehicles can have flashing amber or white-colored lights only if they are being used for the purpose of the warning.
According to Article 347.30, in Wisconsin, violating the vehicle lighting regulations is punishable by a fine of between $10 to $200.
State of Wisconsin Info
Situated in the north-central region of the country, the state of Wisconsin comprises 72 counties.
In terms of area, it is the 25th-largest state. It was the 30th state to join the union in 1848.
It borders Lake Superior, Minnesota, Iowa, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Illinois. Milwaukee is its largest city. It has a diversified economy, including dairy agriculture.
Population: Madison
Capital: 5,726,398
Registered vehicles: 5,616,271
Total lane miles: 239,318
Number of highways: 5
Underglow light law reference: Wisconsin Vehicle Code