ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked about lights, specifically holiday lights, on vehicles.
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“It’s officially the holiday season, and everywhere you look you’re seeing lights on houses, lights on trees… and yes, even lights on cars,” Trooper Steve said. “Every year I get questions about whether it’s legal to decorate your vehicle with Christmas lights, and since I’m out on the roads every day, I figured it’s a good time to break it all down in one place.”
The short answer: Florida does allow some decorations — but there’s a very important law you need to know.
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Under Florida Statute 316.2397, only emergency vehicles can display red, blue or white lights visible from the front of the vehicle.
If you wrap your grille, roof rack or bumper in lights that look even remotely similar to law-enforcement or fire-rescue colors, you could get pulled over faster than Santa sliding down a chimney.
There’s a little more to it, though. Technically, some Christmas lights can be used if they’re not flashing, not strobing, and don’t cover or obstruct your required lights like your brake lamps, turn signals or tag illumination. Everything also has to be secured properly so it doesn’t come loose on the roadway.
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But here’s where I want to be honest with you: Even if a setup is technically allowed, it can be really confusing for other drivers. A string of blinking colors in traffic, especially at night can distract someone just long enough to cause a real problem. And when our roads are already busy this time of year, adding more visual chaos doesn’t help anyone.
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So here’s my take: Keep the holiday cheer going but stick to non-light-up decorations if you want to dress up your vehicle. Magnets, wreaths, bows, antlers — all of those keep you festive without adding any risk out on the roadway.
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