This holiday season, more people are eager to decorate their cars with Christmas lights to capture the festive mood. However, drivers in New York State will need to know if they are allowed to decorate their cars with Christmas lights as per the law. Before wrapping your car with festive trimming in this state, you need to consider what the DMV and New York State Police have mentioned in their guidelines issued this season.
How is New York State reacting to Christmas lights on a car?
Of all the vehicle trimmings that make the cut in this state, Christmas lights do not make the cut at all. In fact, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles has strongly asserted that it is illegal to decorate all cars with Christmas lights. All vehicles, including SUVs and trucks, cannot legally be decorated with these festive lights.
The reason why such lights are banned is that they seem to be a safety issue. According to state law, only white lights are allowed on non-emergency vehicles, and any revolving, flashing, or moving lights are prohibited.
Decorative lighting on the vehicle is considered unsafe in this state, including LED strands, flashing lights, multicolor bulbs, and all other externally illuminated decorations. Therefore, any driver found with decorative lighting on their car can be given a traffic ticket, even if the vehicle is not a moving vehicle, but one parked on the road.
What does the DMV have to say about safety this festive?
The DMV, as well as State Police, have been urging drivers to remain on high alert about such rules and make wise decisions when choosing to show how to spread the festive cheer. Drivers have been warned to avoid being distracted this holiday season. The Have a Plan app will be great to ensure that impaired driving does not occur in this state. The app will help drivers call a designated driver when the need arises.
Seasonal reminders are being issued throughout the state
While the state has issued a warning about the possibility of traffic fines should Christmas lights be placed on cars, the state is also warning citizens in the state to remain vigilant during this Christmas season. Drivers are reminded to clear snow off their cars before driving as well. Drivers who drive with snow on their windows, mirrors, and roofs are harming other road users. Drivers who choose to warm their cars up before driving should read what experts have to say about what they are really doing when they warm up their cars.
Car decorations that can be used to spread festive cheer include decorations that do not:
- Obstruct the driver’s view
- Cover headlights and taillights
- Block license plates
- Become loose when driving
Generally accepted car Christmas decorations include magnetic signs and bows, reindeer antlers, and wreaths — as long as these decorations are not lighted and do not obstruct the driver’s vision or license plate. However, all of these festive items should not obstruct the driver’s view in any way.
New Yorkers can spread festive cheer this Christmas
According to the official statement from the New York State DMV, drivers in New York can still spread festive cheer this December, but they have to ensure that they take the necessary precautions and avoid breaking the law. Christmas lights should preferably not adorn any vehicle during the Christmas period or at any other time during the year. Drivers should also take heed of the law that could cause them to be ticketed for driving with ice or snow on their car.
By following these important rules and the guidelines set by the DMV, motorists can have a very merry and ticket-free December. (Are Christmas Lights on Cars Legal in New York? What Drivers Need to Know)