Is Underglow Legal In Texas? The Lighting Law Guide
Underglow is a type of aftermarket lighting that’s installed on the underside of your vehicle, creating a glowing effect underneath. If you’re looking for a cool way to customize your vehicle, you may be wondering, “Is underglow legal in Texas?” While the state does not have any specific laws prohibiting underglow, Texas does have a number of regulations on vehicle lighting. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Texas underglow laws!
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Texas Underglow Laws
Is underglow legal in Texas? Underglow laws vary from state to state, with some banning certain colors while others completely restrict the use of underglow. Luckily, in Texas, underglow is legal, but there are some rules you’ll need to follow if you want to avoid a ticket.
Underglow typically comes in LED strips that can be solid colors or color-changing (RGB) with some dynamic effects like chasing, pulsing, or reacting to music. While there are no laws against installing underglow, the state does restrict flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights, which can be a major distraction on the road.
What Underglow Colors are Legal in Texas?
Texas law doesn’t clearly outline legal underglow colors for cars and trucks, which means anything that isn’t prohibited falls into a legal gray area. However, there are some general guidelines to follow:
- Avoid red lights that are visible from the front. Red lights are only for emergency and other authorized vehicles.
- Blue lights are also restricted for civilians as they are reserved for law enforcement and other emergency vehicles.
- Amber and white lights are your safest bet if you’re driving on the street. While there aren’t any explicit laws banning other colors, you may still get pulled over and cited for anything but the standard colors. If you want to show off your RGB lights, save until you’re parked at a show, meet, or private property.
Texas Vehicle Lighting Laws
Aside from underglow, you may be interested in installing other aftermarket lights to upgrade your ride. But before you make any upgrades, make sure you check out these key Texas vehicle lighting laws:
- A non-emergency vehicle cannot use a red light that is visible from directly in front.
- Flashing, rotating, or alternative lights are restricted to authorized vehicles.
- You can add at most two additional driving lamps to the front of the vehicle. They must be mounted on the front, between 16 and 42 inches above the ground.
- Red, white, and blue lights are for emergency vehicles only.
- Your vehicle must have at least two, red tail lamps that are visible from the rear.
- Stop lamps must be visible from at least 300 feet under normal sunlight.
- Turn signals in the front must be white or amber, while those in the rear must be red or amber.
Even if state law allows certain features, some cities have stricter limitations. Additionally, enforcement often depends on interpretations. Some officers may cite “distraction,” “impersonation of an emergency vehicle,” or violation of general light rules even if the statue isn’t very precise on one specific lighting setup. Essentially, to avoid a ticket, stay away from exotic or conspicuous lighting when driving on public roads.
Are Rock Lights Legal in Texas?
Rock lights are LED lights that are mounted in the wheel wells, often used off-road to illuminate rocks and terrain, or simply as accent lighting. While Texas law doesn’t explicitly mention rock lights, these lamps fall under the auxiliary/aftermarket rules.
In essence, when installing rock lights:
- You may not use flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights for a non-emergency vehicle.
- You may not use any red lights that are visible from the front.
- You may not use blue lights, which are reserved for law enforcement.
- Stick to amber or white.
Although there is no law against rock lights, running them on the street can be risky. Some officers may view them as distracting, unauthorized lighting.
Are Smoked Tail Lights Legal in Texas?
Smoked or tinted taillights are a popular modification for vehicles, but are they legal in Texas? Smoked taillights are darkened with a tint or spray for the express purpose of looking cool. Unfortunately, they can reduce the brightness of the lights significantly.
Texas requires tail lamps to be red and visible from at least 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle. Stop lamps must be visible for at least 300 feet in normal sunlight, and turn signals must be red or amber and visible at the required distance. Since smoked taillights almost always reduce brightness, they are typically not legal in Texas. Even a light tint is risky.
When and Where the Lamps Can Be Used
Auxiliary driving lamps are allowed, but only up to two extra. They must be mounted 16 to 42 inches above the ground and cannot project glare into oncoming traffic. Additionally, they must be either white or amber without any flashing or strobing effects.
Other aftermarket lamps, such as underglow, rock lights, light bars, etc., are allowed, but only if they follow color, brightness, and placement restrictions. In general, avoid any exotic colors when driving on public roads.
Are They Legal on Motorcycles?
Yes, underglow is legal on motorcycles. Texas law explicitly states, however, that only white or amber underglow lights can be mounted on a motorcycle or moped.
Penalties for Violations
In Texas, lighting law violations fall under the Transportation Code, so penalties are usually handled like other equipment violations. If you break the rules, you may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $200. You’ll also have to remove the lights.
However, if the aftermarket lights contribute to a crash, the penalty may increase. You may also be liable in a civil claim for damages.
Common lighting violations that lead to tickets include:
- Driving with no headlights at night.
- Red light visible from the front on a non-emergency vehicle.
- Blue lights on a non-law enforcement vehicle.
- Flashing/strobe lights on non-authorized vehicles.
- Tinted/smoked taillights that aren’t bright enough.
- More than four front-facing lamps illuminated at once.
Is Underglow Legal in Texas? Conclusion
If you’re looking to customize your car or truck, Boggus Tipton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you. Whether you’re looking for underglow, rock lights, or other vehicle modifications, you can count on us for all your car and accessory needs.
Come check us out today to see why we’re the preferred dealership of Brownsville! We have a huge inventory of new and used cars and can help you find the perfect new ride! While we’re located in Brownsville, we serve the entire area, including McAllen, Harlingen, Weslaco, and beyond. We even serve cities farther away, such as Corpus Christi and Houston. Whether you need custom accessories for your vehicle or repairs such as general auto repair, service for your air conditioning, or new tires, we can help.
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