You May Want to Consider Reconsidering the Addition of Christmas Lights to Your Vehicle | Carscoops

      Kansas officials clarify why holiday vehicle lights breach state codes and could confuse motorists.

      The Kansas Highway Patrol states that festive car lights breach safety regulations.

      Authorities caution that extra lighting could mislead drivers and resemble police lights.

      Vehicle lighting on public roads is only permitted during authorized parades.

      As the season approaches, decorations are put up, remaining until mid-January or beyond. Holiday displays extend from houses to lawns, and occasionally onto roadways. For some, adorning their vehicle with festive lights may appear to be a playful seasonal gesture, another way to spread joy.

      However, before transforming your car into a moving decoration, it's advisable to reconsider.

      The Kansas Highway Patrol has a contrasting viewpoint on these festive alterations, delivering a crucial reminder. Cars embellished with Christmas lights aren't merely in poor taste; they're illegal, and law enforcement will issue citations for them.

      Are You Allowed to Use Holiday Lights?

      As stated by KHP Public Information Officer Tod Hileman, the regulation is not new. A long-standing safety statute in Kansas outlines the allowed number of lights on a vehicle, where they can be placed, their height, and permissible colors.

      Most states have similar laws regarding lighting, so drivers throughout the U.S. should be aware.

      In an interview with WIBW, Hileman expressed concern that if individuals begin to affix Christmas lights to their cars, what's to prevent someone from adding red and blue flashing lights, which would be recognized by many as indicative of law enforcement or emergency vehicles.

      In simpler terms, the law aims to help drivers distinguish between regular traffic and emergency vehicles.

      Fines, Exceptions, and a Loophole

      The Kansas law categorizes Christmas lights on vehicles as a moving hazard, and violators can anticipate a fine of approximately $75 for each infraction. This prohibition is specific to public roadways, though there is a noteworthy exception: if the vehicle is participating in a parade, such lighting is permitted.

      Hileman mentioned, "There is a law in the state statutes that addresses parades and their guidelines." The Highway Patrol also pointed out that these lighting regulations help discourage individuals from purposefully mimicking emergency vehicles, a concern faced by every state at some time.

      When Decorations Cause Damage

      Aside from legal concerns, there are also practical issues related to affixing those lights to your vehicle. While adhesive clips, tape, suction cups, and zip ties might appear innocuous, they can damage your paint or trim, leaving scratches or scuffs, especially when removed in colder weather.

      Furthermore, if you're considering running cords through windows or routing wires across moving elements, you might be risking future repair costs that won't be outweighed by seasonal joy.

      Sources: WIBW