Does California Prohibit The Use Of Blue Interior Lights?

Alabama regulations prohibit the installation of red lights in front of vehicles and advise car owners to avoid all blue and red lights in any part of the vehicle, as they are for emergency vehicles. Instead, white or amber under-glow colors can be used. California does not have any law prohibiting driving with interior lights on, but it is considered unsafe. Vehicles must have only two brake lights and red brake lights.

In California, interior LED lights are legal if they meet certain criteria, such as having a valid Certificate of Conformity. All lamps and reflectors visible from the front, sides, or rear of a vehicle, except headlamps, may have any unlighted color, provided the emitted light from all lights is not blue or red. In New York, blue underglow is illegal.

Blue lights on non-police vehicles are prohibited, and any blue display lights under the car are not allowed. However, it is legal to have LED lights inside your car, as they illuminate the inside. Contrary to popular belief, blue LED dome lights are not illegal in BC, as they mimic police lights.

California Vehicle Code Section 24003 prohibits the use of blue, green, red, or other colors of bulbs for headlights, as they typically do not emit enough light to be seen. Peace officers may also have flashing blue warning lights visible on the front, sides, and rear, as well as steady or flashing police lights above the roofline. Red, blue, violet, and green aftermarket and underglow lights are strictly forbidden, and license plate lights must always be white.


📹 What color lights are legal on cars in California?

00:00 – What color lights are legal on cars in California? 00:43 – Are purple lights illegal? 01:14 – Are green clearance lights legal?


Are LED lights banned in California?

Starting in 2025, California will only allow the purchase of LEDs, with some exceptions, to protect the state from energy shortages. The federal government has adopted regulations similar to California’s, resulting in most GSLs being no longer available for sale in the US. In addition, HIDs can be sold in California, but most incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent products will be eliminated or soon eliminated. The state has also passed legislation eliminating the sale of most incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent products. Some exceptions may exist for heat-resistant incandescent light bulbs.

Is it OK to have blue headlights?

Blue headlights, xenon gas or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, are often considered an upgrade over halogen bulbs and LEDs. However, they fall within legal headlight specifications and can only be problematic when improperly installed. Improper installation usually involves the angling of the lights, which can interrupt another driver’s line of sight. Scientifically, blue light produces a beam that penetrates the eye’s lens, causing glare, visual distortion, and tired eyes.

Are blue lights legal in California?

California law prohibits the use of blue, green, red, or other colors for headlights due to their insufficient light output for visibility and night assistance. High-intensity discharge (HID), LED, or Xenon headlights, which appear blue, actually emit a bright white light. However, LED and HID lights are legal if they are an OEM feature on a vehicle, not aftermarket parts, and have a white color (between 5000k-6000k) and are not too high or low to the ground. If you’re concerned about aftermarket LED headlights passing inspection, DOT-approved or ASE-certified headlights can be purchased.

Can I have blue interior car lights?

Blue dash lights on a car dashboard are generally considered illegal, and any visible blue light from the outside of the vehicle is considered illegal. If you’re unsure, consult a police officer. It’s important to avoid impersonating an emergency vehicle and check your state’s car lighting laws for a better understanding. Consider using a dimmer instead of a rotary LED or 12V remote dimmer to ensure safety.

Can you have a blue license plate light in California?

Installing bright or colored lights over license plates can violate state regulations, as it can obstruct the plate number visibility. Most states allow white license plate lights, and using other colors or styles, such as red, blue, or flashing lights, is unlawful. To stay in line with the law, stick with white lights and use LED bulbs for longevity, energy efficiency, and brightness. Vehicle searches are legal if there is probable cause or reasonable belief that the person could be committing a crime, such as traffic stops for a malfunctioning license plate light or other traffic violations. If you say no, an illegal search could be challenged later in court.

Are smoked lights legal in California?

California law permits the use of smoked taillights, similar to the regulations governing headlight tinting, but with specific provisions. California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 24600 stipulates that taillights must emit a red light that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.

When did California stop using blue license plates?

California’s plates have evolved over the years, starting with plain blue with gold lettering in the 1970s. From 1982 to 1987, the state issued a more elaborate design with white numbers, a sun graphic, and art deco fonts. This design was awarded “Plate of the Year” in 1983 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. Since 1987, California has returned to a basic design with no special graphics, blue numbers embossed, and red “California” printed on a plain white background. Since 2011, the bottom row of California plates has included the DMV web address “dmv. ca. gov”.

Can I have a blue light on my car?
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Can I have a blue light on my car?

Many people desire to transform their stock vehicles into unique pieces of equipment, but not everyone can install strobe tube kits on their vehicles and operate them on the road. The legality of aftermarket strobe lights on highways varies from state to state, but common themes include regulations dictating the brightness, positioning, and color of strobe lights. If a vehicle is found to be in violation, substantial fines or penalties may be imposed.

Emergency strobe lights that are red or blue are generally disallowed, with exceptions. The general rule is that civilian vehicles should not appear to have the same features as police vehicles. Additionally, there is a cap on the brightness of LED strobe lights, typically set at 300 candles, which can vary depending on location. The general idea is that civilian vehicles can have strobe lights, but they should not be bright enough to compete with other major vehicle lighting components.

What LED lights are legal in California?

California allows aftermarket LED headlights, as long as they are white, have amber turn signals, and are within the 2, 513-lumen limit. However, California bans headlight bulbs exceeding 2, 513 lumens and lights outside the white or yellow color spectrum. Blue, purple, or red lights are illegal as headlights in California. High-intensity (HID) lights are not explicitly banned in the California Vehicle Code, but the California Highway Patrol enforces the white-yellow color law and brightness limit law. Many aftermarket HID lights, especially colored ones, would be illegal under California’s headlight restrictions.

Are interior lights illegal in California?

It is a common misconception that driving with interior lights on at night is illegal. However, there is no direct law prohibiting this practice in any state in the United States.

Can I have amber lights on my car California?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can I have amber lights on my car California?

The code in question prohibits the display of a flashing amber warning light on a vehicle unless an unusual traffic hazard exists.


📹 Ask Trooper Steve: Is driving with your interior dome light on illegal?

I JUST DON’T WANT TO SEE ANY BLUE LIGHTS STROBE WITH IT ON. I JUST DON’T WANT TO SEE ANY BLUE LIGHTS …


Does California Prohibit The Use Of Blue Interior Lights?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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