If you are not trending, are you even living? Well, a fair warning to those who are driven by trends, as Pennsylvania bans ‘trending decoration cars.’ And if you are caught driving around with these trending decoration cars, you will have to pay the consequences, or rather, $500 fines. While most of us may have finally been bitten by the festive bug, we’re not so sure that this new trend is what it’s cracked up to be. Discover more about this decoration ban in Pennsylvania below.
Battle of the Christmas lights
In less than one week, millions of people worldwide will be celebrating Christmas Day. However, some people may have caught Christmas fever early on, and as the ‘festive bug’ continues to bite more unsuspecting victims, more and more Christmas traditions are coming to life across the world. In fact, some Americans may have already put up their Christmas decorations as early as November 1st.
One of the most prominent decorations is Christmas lights, which traditionally symbolise hope and joy. In recent years, the battle of the Christmas lights has emerged, with households competing to see whose is bigger, brighter, and better. Now, one of the latest trends involves decorating one’s car with Christmas lights.
Unfortunately for those driven by trends, if you are caught driving with a ‘trending decoration car,’ you will pay the price. In fact, Pennsylvania has gone as far as to ban these trending decorative cars. Find out more below.
Pennsylvania bans ‘trending decoration car’
In most states, it is illegal to decorate your car with twinkling lights, including New York. Among the states that have banned this new festive trend is Pennsylvania. Authorities have cleared up any potential confusion among road users who are trying to spread some Christmas joy by driving around in cars decorated with Christmas lights.
According to the Pennsylvania code § 175.66, any ornamental lamps or lights that are not usually equipped in a car are prohibited. The York County police department added in a statement:
“So please save your lights for your home and don’t decorate your vehicle with them. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.”
This ban is in the best interest of all road users’ safety. The York County Regional Police Department added that these lights distract other drivers and compromise overall road safety, potentially causing an accident or worse.
$500 fines arrive during festive seasons
Seeing as this festive trend has been deemed prohibited, it is not unexpected that being caught driving around with Christmas lights on your car will have significant consequences. In another police statement, it was made clear that:
“Nothing can be altered in color from how it came off the line at the manufacturer. We have an early Christmas present for you if you choose to be one of those who decide to do something different for the holidays.”
Hint: In this case, you won’t be receiving a lump of coal for being naughty. Instead, you may face fines up to $500, and worse penalties if your twinkling car was the cause of an accident. Police departments from other states have also shared their grievances about this festive trend, all stating that it is illegal.
In conclusion, with the festive season already being ridiculously expensive, why risk paying the consequences for a festive trend? Rather, keep the battle of the Christmas lights on your own turf, and make your festive statement in a way that will not end up in a fine. This problem is not limited to the U.S., as other reports have indicated that the North Wales Police Unit also had to remind drivers of the consequences. Safety is key, which is why drivers will face slower roads in some cities as well.