Underglow Laws in Minnesota (2026): Strict Rules Explained
Most people think underglow looks awesome. Seriously, it makes your car stand out at night. But here’s the thing: Minnesota doesn’t care how cool it looks.
The state has some of the strictest underglow laws in the country. If you’re caught driving with these lights on, you could face real penalties. Let’s break down exactly what’s legal and what’s not.
What Is Underglow?
Underglow refers to neon or LED lights installed underneath your vehicle. These lights create a glowing effect on the ground below your car. You’ve probably seen them on the road at night.
Some people call them ground effect lights or rock lights. Whatever you call them, they’re aftermarket modifications. That means they weren’t installed by the manufacturer.
The lights can glow in different colors. Some flash or change colors. Others stay solid. Either way, Minnesota law treats them the same.
Minnesota’s Stance on Underglow: It’s Illegal
Here’s the bottom line. Underglow is illegal in Minnesota while driving on public roads. The law is pretty clear about this.
Minnesota Statute 169.64 governs all vehicle lighting. This law says you can’t have any lighting that’s not specifically required or permitted. Underglow falls into the “not permitted” category.
Wondering if there’s a loophole? Not really. The law bans additional aftermarket vehicle lighting on public roads.
The Main Law: Minnesota Statute 169.64
This statute covers prohibited lights. It’s the main law you need to know about.
The law says no vehicle can have colored lights other than those required or permitted. Unless the commissioner of public safety authorizes it, you’re breaking the rule.
Think of it like this. If your car didn’t come with the light from the factory, you probably can’t add it. This applies to underglow lights specifically.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Color Restrictions in Minnesota
Minnesota is strict about what colors you can show on public roads. The rules are simple but important.
Only white or amber lights can be visible from the front of your vehicle. Only red or amber lights can be visible from the rear. That’s it.
Blue and red lights are completely off-limits. Those colors are reserved for emergency vehicles only. Using them is a serious violation.
So what does this mean for underglow? Even if you somehow argue it’s “permitted,” your color choices are extremely limited. Most people want blue, green, or purple underglow. All of those are illegal in Minnesota.
Hold on, this part is important. The law doesn’t just ban the lights themselves. It bans any colored light “display” on your vehicle that’s not specifically allowed.
Flashing and Bright Light Rules
Minnesota also restricts flashing lights. Only emergency vehicles, school buses, and certain work vehicles can use flashing lights.
Your underglow setup probably has multiple modes. Solid colors, flashing, strobing, or color-changing modes. None of the flashing modes are legal on public roads.
The brightness matters too. Any light projecting more than 300 candlepower must be aimed properly. It can’t hit the road more than 75 feet from your vehicle.
Most underglow kits are bright enough to fall under this rule. But wait, it gets worse. Since underglow isn’t permitted at all, brightness doesn’t really matter.
What Counts as “Operating on Public Roads”?
Sound complicated? Let me break it down. “Operating on public roads” means driving anywhere the public can access.
This includes streets, highways, and roads. It also includes parking lots at shopping centers. Even your neighborhood streets count.
Basically, if other people can legally drive there, it’s a public road. Your driveway? That’s private property. The Walmart parking lot? Public access area.
The Motorcycle Exception You Should Know
Okay, pause. Read this carefully. There’s one small exception in Minnesota law, but it only applies to motorcycles.
Motorcycles can have white ground lights under specific conditions. The bulbs or LED strips can’t be visible to other drivers. The lights must aim downward and can’t flash.
This exception doesn’t apply to cars, trucks, or SUVs. Only motorcycles. Don’t try to use this loophole for your car.
Penalties for Underglow Violations
Now, here’s where it gets serious. Violating Minnesota’s vehicle lighting laws is a misdemeanor under Statute 169.47.
A misdemeanor is a crime in Minnesota. It’s not just a ticket you can pay and forget about. This goes on your criminal record.
The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail. You could also face a fine up to $1,000. Or both.
Most people don’t get the maximum sentence. Honestly, first-time offenders often get just a fine and maybe probation. But the possibility of jail time is real.
What Actually Happens If You Get Caught
Let’s talk about what really happens. A police officer pulls you over and sees your underglow lights.
They’ll probably give you a ticket. You might get a warning if you’re lucky. But don’t count on it.
If you get a ticket, you have to appear in court. This isn’t like a speeding ticket where you just pay online. It’s a criminal charge.
In court, the judge decides your penalty. You might get a fine, probation, or community service. Some judges are stricter than others.
You’re not alone, this confuses a lot of people. Many drivers think underglow violations are just minor equipment tickets. They’re actually criminal misdemeanors.
The “Private Property” Gray Area
Here’s a common question. Can you use underglow on private property?
Technically, Minnesota law only prohibits underglow on public roads and highways. Private property isn’t explicitly mentioned.
Some people install underglow for car shows or private events. As long as you’re not driving on public roads with the lights on, you might be okay.
But wait, there’s a catch. Even installing the equipment could be seen as preparing to violate the law. Some cops might still give you trouble.
My honest advice? If you want to use underglow at a private event, transport your car on a trailer. Don’t drive it there with the lights installed.
Why Is Minnesota So Strict?
You might wonder why Minnesota bans underglow. Several states allow it with restrictions. Why not Minnesota?
The main reason is safety. Colored lights can distract other drivers. They might confuse people about what type of vehicle you are.
Blue and red lights in particular could make people think you’re an emergency vehicle. That’s dangerous. It could cause accidents or interfere with real emergency responses.
Minnesota lawmakers decided the safest approach was banning aftermarket lighting altogether. Less confusion, fewer problems.
Makes sense, right?
How Minnesota Compares to Other States
Minnesota isn’t alone in banning underglow. Several other states have similar laws.
Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington all prohibit underglow. It’s a growing list.
Other states like California, Arkansas, and Ohio allow underglow with restrictions. They limit colors, brightness, and usage.
If you’re driving through multiple states, you need to know each state’s laws. What’s legal in Wisconsin might be illegal in Minnesota.
Can You Remove Underglow Before Court?
Some people think they can beat the charge by removing the lights. Honestly, it might help a little.
Removing the underglow shows the judge you took the violation seriously. It proves you’re not planning to use them again. That could result in a lighter sentence.
But here’s the thing. You still violated the law when you were caught. Removing the lights doesn’t erase that.
The court cares about what you did, not what you do after getting caught. Still, showing remorse and compliance never hurts.
What to Do If You Get Pulled Over
Stay calm if a cop pulls you over for underglow. Don’t argue about whether the lights are legal.
Be polite and cooperative. Turn off the underglow immediately if it’s still on. Hand over your license and registration.
If the officer asks about the lights, you can explain you didn’t know they were illegal. This might help. But don’t lie or make excuses.
You’re probably going to get a ticket. Accept it gracefully. You can fight it in court if you want.
Fighting an Underglow Ticket in Court
Can you fight the charge? Yes, but it’s tough. Minnesota law is pretty clear about underglow being illegal.
Some people try to argue the law is vague. They say it doesn’t specifically mention underglow. This rarely works.
Others argue their lights don’t project onto the road. Or that they meet the brightness requirements. Again, this usually fails.
Your best bet is hiring a traffic attorney. They might negotiate a reduced charge. Maybe they can get it down to a petty misdemeanor.
A petty misdemeanor isn’t a crime in Minnesota. It’s just a fine up to $300. No jail time, no criminal record.
The Argument About Visibility
Some people claim their underglow is “diffused lighting.” They argue the tubes aren’t visible, so it should be legal.
Nice try, but it doesn’t work. The law doesn’t care if the tubes are visible. It cares if the light itself is visible.
If your car is glowing purple underneath, that colored light is visible. That’s what matters. The source of the light isn’t the issue.
This argument has been tried in Minnesota courts. It hasn’t worked yet.
Installation vs. Operation
Here’s an interesting detail. Minnesota law specifically prohibits “operating” a vehicle with illegal lighting.
Does this mean you can install underglow but not turn it on? Maybe, but it’s risky.
If you have underglow installed, a cop might assume you’ve used it. They could ticket you based on that assumption. You’d have to prove you never turned it on.
Personally, I think this is playing with fire. Why install something you can’t legally use?
What About Car Shows and Exhibitions?
Many car enthusiasts want underglow for shows. They don’t plan to drive on public roads with it.
Even for shows, you need to be careful. If the show is at a public venue, you might still violate the law driving there.
Your best option is trailering your car. Load it on a trailer at home with the underglow installed. Unload it at the show venue.
This way, you never “operate” the vehicle with illegal lighting on public roads. It’s the safest approach.
Recent Enforcement Trends
Is Minnesota cracking down on underglow? It varies by area. Some cities enforce the law strictly. Others are more lenient.
The Twin Cities area tends to have stricter enforcement. Police there see underglow as a sign of street racing or modified vehicles.
Rural areas might care less. But don’t assume you’re safe anywhere. Any cop can ticket you if they choose to.
The bottom line? Enforcement is unpredictable. Don’t risk it.
Will the Law Ever Change?
Could Minnesota legalize underglow in the future? Anything’s possible, but don’t hold your breath.
There’s no current push to change the law. No bills in the legislature about it. Most lawmakers don’t see it as a priority.
The trend nationally is actually moving toward stricter laws. More states are banning underglow, not fewer.
If you want underglow legally, you’d need to move to a different state. Or wait for a major shift in Minnesota politics.
Alternatives to Underglow
Want to customize your car without breaking the law? You have options. Interior LED lights are usually legal. They can’t be visible from outside the vehicle.
You can upgrade your headlights, fog lights, or running lights. As long as they meet legal requirements, you’re good.
Custom paint jobs, vinyl wraps, and window tints (within limits) are all legal. You can make your car unique without underglow.
Wheel lighting inside the rims might be legal. As long as the light source isn’t visible and doesn’t project colored light.
Get creative! There are ways to stand out without risking a criminal charge.
Insurance and Registration Issues
Here’s something many people don’t think about. Underglow can affect your car insurance.
If you get caught with illegal modifications, your insurance company might raise your rates. They could even cancel your policy.
Vehicle registration could be an issue too. If your car doesn’t pass inspection due to illegal lighting, you can’t register it.
These are long-term consequences beyond just the criminal charge. It’s not worth the risk.
The Bottom Line on Minnesota Underglow
Let’s wrap this up. Underglow is illegal in Minnesota on public roads. Period.
The law is clear. The penalties are real. You could face jail time and fines.
Don’t try to find loopholes. Don’t argue with cops about it. Just don’t use underglow while driving in Minnesota.
If you must have it for shows, trailer your car. Or move to a state where it’s legal.
Now you know the facts. Stay safe, stay legal, and make smart choices about your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is underglow illegal in Minnesota even if I only use white or amber colors?
Yes, underglow is illegal in Minnesota regardless of color. Even though white and amber are the only legal colors visible from certain angles, the law prohibits aftermarket lighting that’s not specifically required or permitted.
Can I get in trouble just for having underglow installed, even if I never turn it on?
Technically, Minnesota law prohibits “operating” a vehicle with illegal lighting. However, having it installed could lead to assumptions by police that you’ve used it. It’s safer to not install it at all.
What if I drive from another state where underglow is legal?
You must follow Minnesota law while driving in Minnesota. Your home state’s laws don’t matter. If underglow is legal where you live but you drive through Minnesota, you could still get ticketed.
Are there any colors of underglow that are legal in Minnesota?
No. All underglow colors are illegal in Minnesota while driving on public roads. The state doesn’t allow any aftermarket ground effect lighting regardless of color.
Will removing my underglow before court help reduce my charges?
It might help show the judge you’re taking the violation seriously. However, it doesn’t erase the fact that you violated the law. You still broke the law when you were caught driving with it.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got all the info now. Minnesota doesn’t mess around with underglow laws. The state considers it a safety issue and treats violations as criminal offenses.
If you’ve been thinking about installing underglow, think again. The risk just isn’t worth it. Save yourself the headache, the money, and the criminal record.
And if you already have underglow installed? You might want to remove it. Or at least make sure it never comes on while you’re driving in Minnesota.
Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, check with a lawyer who knows Minnesota traffic law.