Underglow laws - Toyota Yaris Forums

Snyprwlf47 · 12-11-2008, 10:52 PM

I searched for a topic on this but couldn't find anything so here it is.

In the state of West Virginia the law on exterior lights that are not on the roof is that "Blue FLASHING lights are reserved for police vehicles" If I have aqua underglow that is steady then would I be fine for fines at least( I know its still a magnetic but im already a cop magnet so im not to worried)

Also does anyone know the laws for their states/countries?

This thread makes or breaks my decision to get underglow!

TinyGiant · 12-12-2008, 12:14 AM

in NH we cant have any underglow on on the road. only off road with the car in park.

i heard in ME you cant even have it installed on the car.

i think its completely stupid as far as laws go.. make the car more visible. I would also encourage it on motorcycles to increase their visibility too ..

bzinn 1 · 12-12-2008, 01:33 AM

they are illegal to have "on" while driving as it is a distraction.I always wondered why a semi truck can light up like a space ship but I cannot.

Gideon · 12-12-2008, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzinn 1

I always wondered why a semi truck can light up like a space ship but I cannot.

You've always wondered why a vehicle more than quadruple your size can have clearance light/side marker lights which actually serve a purpose, but you can't have neon underglow?

WolfWings · 12-13-2008, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzinn 1

they are illegal to have "on" while driving as it is a distraction.I always wondered why a semi truck can light up like a space ship but I cannot.

Because they're mounting industry-standard 'running lights' but just mount dozens or hundreds of them. There's a reason you don't see blues, greens, purples, or generally even whites on Semi-spaceships except as part of reflective tape. Red? Amber? Yellow? Hell yeah! But those are, literally, a 'running light' in that case.

Also, non-commercial vehicles are often limited in various states to the maximum number of lights they can have projecting light in various directions. 'Running lights' don't count since they're so low-powered also.

Also, realize that underglow doesn't make you more visible at all if there's water or ice or snow on the road. It makes your vehicle a huge patch of glare that, yes, everyone can see coming, but your vehicle then prevents anyone else from seeing the road clearly around you which is the larger issue. It doesn't matter if I can see you, or if you can see clearly, if I can't see the lane markings on my side as a side-effect.

TinyGiant · 12-12-2008, 01:44 AM

probably the same law makers that give hybrid escalades tax credits and yaris with 35mpg (almost twice the mpg) no tax credit

pixiedixie862 · 12-12-2008, 02:17 AM

What i am aware of, here in california underglow is illegal when your driving with it on. Im sure its probably similar in many states.

PHXDEMON · 12-12-2008, 07:33 AM

I am pretty sure underglow being on while driving is illegal in all 50 states.

MadMax · 12-12-2008, 09:30 AM

I am pretty sure all states have their Motor Vehicle Code online...I know Texas does, I had to look up to see if the Christmas lights I put on my Jeep are legal (they are, as long as they are not flashing while I drive!

). West Virginia does as well!

Do a little research and know for sure! And once you find the applicable code, print off a copy and keep it in your car just in case. I've done this with one of my motorcycles which has two headlights but only one low beam. Texas law only requires one headlight on a motorcycle, so the lone low beam is illegal although some police officers think it is burnt out (which it isn't, it is designed that way) and therefore in violation of the Texas Transportation Code (which it is not).

Oh, and unless there is a law prohibiting it, it is legal. But be sure you do intensive research and some of the statutes are vague but may still be applicable!

One last comment, be sure to check your local (e.g. city) laws as well!

Cheers! M2

Chupacabra · 12-12-2008, 09:36 AM

why anybody would even consider neon lights/underglow or whatever is beyond me.

Snyprwlf47 · 12-12-2008, 02:51 PM

Its really gonna suck when I put it on and I go outta state>.< unless its Texas.

ddongbap · 12-12-2008, 04:39 PM

BEYOND what the law says, just don't do it.

cali yaris · 12-12-2008, 04:59 PM

In California, it's illegal to have underglow and other specialty lighting, even if you aren't using them, and regardless of color.

josevenezolano · 12-12-2008, 05:06 PM

In Venezuela you can have them on all the time.. Over here there's not laws.

Rich k · 12-12-2008, 08:45 PM

Underglow is illegal in NYS, as it distracts other motorists. Not sure if its a primary offense (i.e. one that the cops can use in and of itself to pull you over)

Midon · 12-14-2008, 08:16 AM

If you want them get them. Just don't have them on when you drive. All the states have laws saying you can not run any extra lights on a Private owned vehicle while driving. That's why all the products sold say "For Off-Road Use Only". I plan on installing blue LED under lighting, But I guarantee you it will only be on when I'm showing the car off at a show, or parked.

coheed · 12-14-2008, 11:58 AM

Here in NC you can have any color but blue and red on while you drive, if you are parked you can have any color on.

Praitaq · 03-16-2009, 04:47 PM

Kansas Law States:

Chapter 8 article 17 section 8-1723 subsection F of kansas state law states

"Any motor vehicle may be equipped with neon ground effect lighting, except that such lighting shall not flash, be any shade of red nor shall any portion of the neon tubes be visible. "Neon ground effect lighting" means neon tubes placed underneath the motor vehicle for the purpose of illuminating the ground below the motor vehicle creating a halo light effect."

this means that the neon ground effects are legal in your state provided they meet the guidelines put forth by the provision above. good luck

Source(s):
kansas state laws

12-11-2008, 10:52 PM	#1
Snyprwlf47 The Martian Drives: 07 Yaris 3dr Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cannelton, WV Posts: 208	Underglow laws I searched for a topic on this but couldn't find anything so here it is. In the state of West Virginia the law on exterior lights that are not on the roof is that "Blue FLASHING lights are reserved for police vehicles" If I have aqua underglow that is steady then would I be fine for fines at least( I know its still a magnetic but im already a cop magnet so im not to worried) Also does anyone know the laws for their states/countries? This thread makes or breaks my decision to get underglow! __________________ "The lead car is absolutely unique, except for the one behind it which is identical." – F1 commentator Murray Walker.

12-12-2008, 12:14 AM	#2
TinyGiant Tiny Giant Clothing View User's Garage Drives: 2008 Blazing Blue Yaris 3D LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rochester, NH Posts: 3,394	in NH we cant have any underglow on on the road. only off road with the car in park. i heard in ME you cant even have it installed on the car. i think its completely stupid as far as laws go.. make the car more visible. I would also encourage it on motorcycles to increase their visibility too .. __________________ Sold the yaris... rocking an 89 vw cabriolet now :)

12-12-2008, 01:44 AM	#6
TinyGiant Tiny Giant Clothing View User's Garage Drives: 2008 Blazing Blue Yaris 3D LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rochester, NH Posts: 3,394	probably the same law makers that give hybrid escalades tax credits and yaris with 35mpg (almost twice the mpg) no tax credit __________________ Sold the yaris... rocking an 89 vw cabriolet now :)

12-12-2008, 02:51 PM	#11
Snyprwlf47 The Martian Drives: 07 Yaris 3dr Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cannelton, WV Posts: 208	Its really gonna suck when I put it on and I go outta state>.< unless its Texas. __________________ "The lead car is absolutely unique, except for the one behind it which is identical." – F1 commentator Murray Walker.

12-12-2008, 04:59 PM	#13
cali yaris ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canoga Park, CA Posts: 14,859	In California, it's illegal to have underglow and other specialty lighting, even if you aren't using them, and regardless of color. __________________ Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.

12-12-2008, 01:33 AM	#3
bzinn 1 Drives: 2008 Yaris HB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: University Place,WA Posts: 828	they are illegal to have "on" while driving as it is a distraction.I always wondered why a semi truck can light up like a space ship but I cannot.

12-12-2008, 02:17 AM	#7
pixiedixie862 Drives: Scion xA Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: G-Hills, So Cal Posts: 247	What i am aware of, here in california underglow is illegal when your driving with it on. Im sure its probably similar in many states.

12-12-2008, 07:33 AM	#8
PHXDEMON View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Red Liftback Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 885	I am pretty sure underglow being on while driving is illegal in all 50 states.

12-12-2008, 09:30 AM	#9
MadMax Drives: 2008 Yaris Liftback (Sprocket) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas! Posts: 2,799	I am pretty sure all states have their Motor Vehicle Code online...I know Texas does, I had to look up to see if the Christmas lights I put on my Jeep are legal (they are, as long as they are not flashing while I drive! ). West Virginia does as well! Do a little research and know for sure! And once you find the applicable code, print off a copy and keep it in your car just in case. I've done this with one of my motorcycles which has two headlights but only one low beam. Texas law only requires one headlight on a motorcycle, so the lone low beam is illegal although some police officers think it is burnt out (which it isn't, it is designed that way) and therefore in violation of the Texas Transportation Code (which it is not). Oh, and unless there is a law prohibiting it, it is legal. But be sure you do intensive research and some of the statutes are vague but may still be applicable! One last comment, be sure to check your local (e.g. city) laws as well! Cheers! M2

12-12-2008, 09:36 AM	#10
Chupacabra Banned Drives: 2009 Yaris liftback Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 350	why anybody would even consider neon lights/underglow or whatever is beyond me.

12-12-2008, 04:39 PM	#12
ddongbap Banned Drives: yw calls me douche and racist. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: hay Posts: 2,183	BEYOND what the law says, just don't do it.

12-12-2008, 05:06 PM	#14
josevenezolano View User's Garage Drives: Toyota Yaris HB 2008 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Venezuela Posts: 173	In Venezuela you can have them on all the time.. Over here there's not laws.

12-12-2008, 08:45 PM	#15
Rich k Drives: 07 3dr white Yaris 5spd stock Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dutchess NY Posts: 130	Underglow is illegal in NYS, as it distracts other motorists. Not sure if its a primary offense (i.e. one that the cops can use in and of itself to pull you over)

12-14-2008, 08:16 AM	#16
Midon Mod Freak Drives: 88 MR2 GT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Gainesville, TX Posts: 147	If you want them get them. Just don't have them on when you drive. All the states have laws saying you can not run any extra lights on a Private owned vehicle while driving. That's why all the products sold say "For Off-Road Use Only". I plan on installing blue LED under lighting, But I guarantee you it will only be on when I'm showing the car off at a show, or parked. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3160999

12-14-2008, 11:58 AM	#17
coheed Drives: 08 BB LB Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maiden, NC Posts: 785	Here in NC you can have any color but blue and red on while you drive, if you are parked you can have any color on.

03-16-2009, 04:47 PM	#18
Praitaq Drives: Car Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Place Posts: 14	Kansas Law States: Chapter 8 article 17 section 8-1723 subsection F of kansas state law states "Any motor vehicle may be equipped with neon ground effect lighting, except that such lighting shall not flash, be any shade of red nor shall any portion of the neon tubes be visible. "Neon ground effect lighting" means neon tubes placed underneath the motor vehicle for the purpose of illuminating the ground below the motor vehicle creating a halo light effect." this means that the neon ground effects are legal in your state provided they meet the guidelines put forth by the provision above. good luck Source(s): kansas state laws __________________ Proud Owner of an '08 Black Sand Pearl Hatch! Welcome to the REVOLUTION!