As holiday car decorations become increasingly popular on Florida roads, the Florida Highway Patrol warns drivers to be mindful of lighting regulations to avoid fines.Cars adorned with bright, festive lights are becoming a common sight on Gulf Coast roads. However, before adding multi-colored or white lights to your vehicle, officials emphasize the importance of knowing the rules. Javier Ordunez from Cape Coral, Florida, said, “They look like a little galaxy shooting off.”He noted that his holiday car has become a popular photo spot in downtown Cape Coral, with people often stopping to take pictures and wave.In Fort Myers, Isaiah Leyva shared that he has not encountered any issues with law enforcement regarding his decorated car.”I’ve seen a couple cops and they were OK with this. I haven’t got pulled over any time soon,” he said.Drivers in Florida can decorate their cars, but the Florida Highway Patrol outlines specific restrictions. Under Florida Statute 316.2397, drivers are prohibited from using red, red-and-white, or blue lights visible from the front of a vehicle unless they are operating specifically authorized vehicles such as police cars or ambulances.Flashing lights are also generally restricted, except in specific situations, such as hazard warnings or emergency response vehicles. Officials state that non-flashing lights in other colors may be acceptable as long as they do not distract other drivers or create a safety hazard. Ordunez said, “It can be distracting. We know that. That’s why I want to have no flashing lights. I just want to have one solid color.”Lee County deputies also caution that lights that flash, obstruct a driver’s view, or resemble emergency vehicles can result in being pulled over. Leyva said, “If you have them on the steady lights, I think it’s a lot better if you are driving on the road. If they’re flashing, it’s definitely a hazard.”Other statutes regulate whether drivers can alter their lights, too.Statute 316.220 – Prohibits altering the color of headlamp light or obstructing its visibility.Statute 316.221 – Taillamps must emit red light visible from 1,000 feet and cannot be obstructed or altered.Statute 316.224 – Front clearance lamps must be amber, and rear clearance lamps must be red.Statute 316.233 – Limits the number and placement of auxiliary lamps (like fog or spot lamps).Overall, decorative Christmas lights could be allowed if they do not obstruct legally required vehicle lights, change their color, or impair the visibility or safety of the vehicle. As the holiday season approaches, drivers considering decorating their cars are advised to check their lights to ensure they keep the season both bright and safe.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
As holiday car decorations become increasingly popular on Florida roads, the Florida Highway Patrol warns drivers to be mindful of lighting regulations to avoid fines.
Cars adorned with bright, festive lights are becoming a common sight on Gulf Coast roads. However, before adding multi-colored or white lights to your vehicle, officials emphasize the importance of knowing the rules.
Javier Ordunez from Cape Coral, Florida, said, “They look like a little galaxy shooting off.”
He noted that his holiday car has become a popular photo spot in downtown Cape Coral, with people often stopping to take pictures and wave.
In Fort Myers, Isaiah Leyva shared that he has not encountered any issues with law enforcement regarding his decorated car.
“I’ve seen a couple cops and they were OK with this. I haven’t got pulled over any time soon,” he said.
Drivers in Florida can decorate their cars, but the Florida Highway Patrol outlines specific restrictions. Under Florida Statute 316.2397, drivers are prohibited from using red, red-and-white, or blue lights visible from the front of a vehicle unless they are operating specifically authorized vehicles such as police cars or ambulances.
Flashing lights are also generally restricted, except in specific situations, such as hazard warnings or emergency response vehicles.
Officials state that non-flashing lights in other colors may be acceptable as long as they do not distract other drivers or create a safety hazard.
Ordunez said, “It can be distracting. We know that. That’s why I want to have no flashing lights. I just want to have one solid color.”
Lee County deputies also caution that lights that flash, obstruct a driver’s view, or resemble emergency vehicles can result in being pulled over.
Leyva said, “If you have them on the steady lights, I think it’s a lot better if you are driving on the road. If they’re flashing, it’s definitely a hazard.”
Other statutes regulate whether drivers can alter their lights, too.
Statute 316.220 – Prohibits altering the color of headlamp light or obstructing its visibility.Statute 316.221 – Taillamps must emit red light visible from 1,000 feet and cannot be obstructed or altered.Statute 316.224 – Front clearance lamps must be amber, and rear clearance lamps must be red.Statute 316.233 – Limits the number and placement of auxiliary lamps (like fog or spot lamps).
Overall, decorative Christmas lights could be allowed if they do not obstruct legally required vehicle lights, change their color, or impair the visibility or safety of the vehicle.
As the holiday season approaches, drivers considering decorating their cars are advised to check their lights to ensure they keep the season both bright and safe.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.