What Is the Neon Light Policy on Cars in North Carolina?
Neon lights attached underneath and inside vehicles are a cosmetic add-on that produce an eye-catching glow that can be seen from a great distance. Neon accent lights used in interior applications may also be noticeable to other traffic. Because of its high visibility, neon lighting on a motor vehicle must be used in compliance with certain restrictions in the state of North Carolina.
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Red Light Restriction
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North Carolina prohibits the installation or use of a red light on the inside or outside of a motor vehicle. "Red light" is defined as an operable red light not sealed in the manufacturer's original package that is operated by a battery or the vehicle's electrical system, and is designed for emergency vehicle use. The statue also bans "any forward facing red light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture of the vehicle." This would exclude using red neon on vehicles as there is the possibility of viewing their light from the front of the vehicle.
Blue Light Restriction
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North Carolina makes it unlawful to install or use a blue light on the inside or outside of a motor vehicle, unless that vehicle is a publicly-owned vehicle or is any other vehicle used by law enforcement personnel while in the performance of their official duties. Any forward-facing blue light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture is banned, in effect outlawing the use of blue neon.
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Purpose of Restrictions
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The banning of blue and red neon lighting in or on vehicles in North Carolina is motivated by the need to promote public safety. Interior and exterior red lights are reserved for emergency vehicle use, such as ambulances and EMT vehicles. Interior and exterior blue lights are reserved for law enforcement vehicle usage. Banning red and blue neon lighting on private vehicles eliminates any possibility of confusion among the general public or authorities about whether that vehicle is an emergency or police vehicle, and if traffic should yield to it.
Extra Lights Permitted
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North Carolina does permit some forms of additional vehicle lighting. The Vehicle Code states that, "Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps, except that a motorcycle shall not be equipped with more than one spot lamp." Two auxiliary driving lamps are also permitted on the front of the vehicle. Any other light-projecting device used on a vehicle (such as neon lights) with an intensity of more than 25 candlepower, must be mounted so that its beam will spread no more than 50 feet from the vehicle.
Other Neon Colors
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North Carolina vehicle law bans the use of certain colored lighting on private vehicles, but doesn't totally ban the use of neon "ground effects" type lighting. That leaves drivers the freedom to use other colors of neon lighting to accessorize their vehicles. Manufacturers produce neon under-body lighting kits in a variety of colors besides red or blue. Among the commonly available colors are green, white, purple, orange, and pink.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit blue neon light image by ELEN from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Matthew Hurley
Oct 01, 2010
Does this mean that if I am a member of a volunteer fire and Rescue department that I cannot display on my private vehicle red lights on the undercarriage?
