Underglow Laws in New York (2026): The Complete Legal Guide
Most people think underglow lighting looks cool. And honestly, it does. But here’s the thing: in New York, underglow is heavily restricted. Really restricted. The penalties can be serious too. If you’re thinking about adding underglow to your vehicle or you already have it, you need to know the rules. Let’s break down exactly what’s legal and what isn’t.
What Is Underglow Lighting?
Underglow is decorative lighting installed under your vehicle. These lights sit beneath the car’s body and shine upward or outward onto the road. They come in different colors: blue, green, purple, pink, and more.
Sound cool? Here’s where it gets important. In New York, these lights are heavily regulated. The state has specific rules about what colors you can use, where you can install them, and when you can run them. Most people don’t realize how strict these laws are.
The Basic Rule: What’s Illegal in New York
Let’s start with the simple part: underglow is basically not allowed in New York. Period.
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 375) strictly prohibits certain lighting on vehicles. Any color of underglow that makes your vehicle visible from the side or rear is illegal. This includes blue, red, green, purple, and any other non-white color. White underglow is also illegal under most circumstances.
Wondering if this applies to you? If your vehicle has underglow lights that are visible when the car is running, you’re probably breaking the law. Even if your lights aren’t very bright or you think they’re “just for show,” you’re still violating New York law.
The reasoning makes sense when you think about it. Underglow can confuse other drivers. It can look like emergency vehicle lights. It can distract drivers on the road. So the state doesn’t allow it.
When Underglow Is Illegal
Here’s where things get specific. You need to understand exactly when you can’t use underglow.
Visible From Any Angle
If your underglow is visible from the front, side, or rear of your vehicle while driving, it’s illegal. This is the key issue. You can’t legally display underglow in any color on public roads in New York.
During Night Hours
Underglow is illegal whenever you’re driving at night. This includes dusk and early evening when visibility is low. You also can’t use underglow during the day if it’s visible and distracting.
On Public Roads
The restrictions apply when you’re driving on public roads, highways, and streets. Private property is a bit different, but even then, you could face issues if the vehicle is visible from public areas.
Penalties for Underglow Violations
Okay, this is where it gets serious. New York takes vehicle lighting violations seriously.
Fines and Tickets
If you’re caught with underglow, you could face a fine up to $150 for a first violation. That’s not pocket change. But here’s the tough part: you can get multiple fines if you have multiple lights installed. So if you have four underglow lights, that could add up quickly.
Points on Your License
A violation also adds points to your driving record. Depending on the violation, you could get between 2 to 4 points. This matters because too many points can lead to license suspension. Stay under 11 points and you’re okay, but you’re getting closer with each violation.
Vehicle Inspection Failure
Your vehicle needs to pass inspection in New York. If you have underglow, your vehicle will fail inspection. You won’t be able to legally register your car without removing the lights.
Escalating Consequences
Multiple violations make things worse. The second offense could bring higher fines. Judges have some flexibility in sentencing, but they typically increase penalties for repeat offenders.
Think of it like a traffic ticket, but more serious. A single underglow ticket is a moving violation. It goes on your driving record permanently.
Are There Any Exceptions?
This is the question people always ask. Is there any way underglow is legal in New York?
Emergency Vehicles Only
Emergency vehicles (police cars, ambulances, fire trucks) can legally use emergency lighting. But you’re probably not an emergency vehicle. This exception doesn’t apply to regular drivers.
Private Property
Technically, you might be able to use underglow on private property if it’s not visible from public roads. But this gets tricky. If your driveway is visible from the street, or if the light reflects onto the street, you could still get cited.
Show Vehicles
Some people ask about car shows or display vehicles. Even for shows, displayed vehicles should follow the same rules. Don’t assume a car show gives you permission to break the law.
So basically? No real exceptions for regular drivers. Stay clear of underglow if you want to stay legal.
Why New York Restricts Underglow
You might be wondering why New York is so strict about this. There are actual reasons.
Safety Concerns
Underglow can distract other drivers. Bright, colorful lights under a vehicle pull attention away from the road. This creates hazards for everyone.
Emergency Vehicle Confusion
Red and blue underglow can look like emergency lights from a distance. This confuses drivers and can cause them to brake suddenly or pull over when it’s not necessary. It’s a safety issue.
Traffic Enforcement
Police and traffic officers need clear, standard vehicle lighting to enforce traffic laws properly. Non-standard lighting makes their job harder and creates confusion on the road.
Law Enforcement Concerns
Underglow has been associated with illegal street racing and reckless driving in some areas. Restricting it helps law enforcement crack down on dangerous driving behavior.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. The law isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety.
How to Know If Your Vehicle Is Illegal
Not sure if you have an underglow problem? Here’s how to check.
Visual Inspection
Look under your vehicle. Are there lights mounted under the body? Check all sides: front, back, left, and right. If you see lights installed under the vehicle, you probably have an issue.
Turn On the Lights
Drive your vehicle at night in a safe area. Can you see light coming from under the car? If yes, it’s visible and likely illegal.
Check Your Paperwork
If your vehicle failed inspection and the form mentioned “non-approved lighting” or “underglow,” you’ve got a problem that needs fixing.
Ask a Mechanic
Not sure what you’re looking at? A mechanic can inspect your vehicle and tell you exactly what lighting you have and whether it’s legal.
What to Do If You Have Underglow
You already have underglow and you’re reading this. What now?
Remove It Immediately
The safest option is to remove the underglow completely. Take it to a mechanic or a car customization shop. They can remove the lights and wiring cleanly. This typically costs between $50 to $200 depending on how extensively it’s installed.
Don’t Use It
If removal feels like a big project, at least stop using it. Don’t turn the lights on. Ever. This reduces your risk of getting pulled over and cited.
Get Your Vehicle Inspected
Once the lights are removed, schedule a vehicle inspection immediately. You need the inspection sticker to legally register and drive your car.
Check for Wiring Issues
When underglow is removed, sometimes wiring gets left behind. Make sure the mechanic removes all electrical components. Leftover wiring can cause electrical issues later.
Preparing for Vehicle Inspection
Vehicle inspection is important in New York. Here’s what you need to know.
Inspection Requirements
Your vehicle must be inspected at least once per year. The inspection checks lights, brakes, emissions, and safety features. Underglow will automatically fail you.
Finding an Inspection Station
You can get your vehicle inspected at any authorized DMV inspection station. Gas stations, repair shops, and dealer services can perform inspections.
The Inspection Process
The inspection takes about 30 minutes. The inspector checks all your vehicle’s systems. If everything passes, you get a sticker. If anything fails, including underglow, you get a failure notice.
Cost
Vehicle inspection costs around $7 to $15 depending on your vehicle type. It’s a small fee for staying legal.
What to Bring
Bring your registration, proof of insurance, and vehicle keys. You’ll also need your emissions test results if your vehicle requires one.
Other Vehicle Lighting Rules in New York
Underglow isn’t the only lighting rule you should know about.
Headlight Colors
Your headlights must be white or amber. Yellow is okay. Blue, red, or purple headlights are illegal. This includes HID kits and aftermarket lighting systems if they produce non-white light.
Taillights and Brake Lights
Your taillights must be red. Your brake lights must be red. Some people add extra lighting here. If it’s not red or if it’s too bright, it’s illegal.
Turn Signals
Turn signals should be amber. You can have white turn signals only if they’re internal to the headlight housing. Standalone amber signal lights are the legal standard.
Fog Lights
Fog lights must be white or amber. They can’t be any other color. Fog lights also can’t be brighter than your headlights.
Light Modifications
Any aftermarket lighting system needs to be approved by New York. Most custom lighting isn’t approved. This means most aftermarket light kits are illegal.
The overall rule: stick with factory lighting or approved aftermarket systems only.
Fines and Court Procedures
If you get caught with underglow, here’s what happens.
Getting Pulled Over
An officer might stop you specifically for underglow, or they might notice it during a traffic stop for another reason. Either way, they can issue a ticket.
The Ticket
The ticket will cite you for violating Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 or similar lighting violations. The ticket will specify the fine and the court date.
Court Options
You have choices when you get to court. You can plead guilty and accept the fine. You can plead not guilty and request a trial. You can also try to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced fine.
Legal Help
For serious violations or multiple offenses, consider hiring a traffic lawyer. They know how to navigate traffic court and might be able to get charges reduced.
Payment
Fines must be paid by the deadline on your ticket. Failure to pay results in additional penalties and license suspension.
Recent Changes to New York Lighting Laws
Laws do change. Here’s what you should know about recent updates.
2023-2024 Enforcement Increases
New York has increased enforcement of lighting violations in recent years. More police officers are citing people for underglow. This isn’t a new law, but it’s being enforced more strictly.
DMV Website Resources
The New York DMV website provides updated information about vehicle safety regulations. The official regulations are posted there if you want to verify specific rules.
Insurance Implications
Some insurance companies might deny claims related to modified vehicles if the modifications are illegal. This is another reason to stay compliant with lighting laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use underglow if I don’t turn it on while driving?
No. Even if the lights are installed but not in use, your vehicle can still fail inspection. You need to remove them completely to stay legal.
Are there any colors of underglow that are legal in New York?
No. Underglow in any color is prohibited. This includes white, blue, green, red, and all other colors.
Will I definitely get caught with underglow?
Not definitely, but you could. Police and inspection stations regularly check for underglow violations. The risk increases every time you drive.
What if I just installed underglow for a car show?
Even for displays or shows, you need to follow New York law. Remove underglow before driving to the show on public roads.
Can I install underglow and remove it before inspection?
You could try, but if you’re stopped by police, you’ll get cited. The legal approach is to not have underglow at all.
How much does it cost to remove underglow?
Removal typically costs $50 to $300 depending on how it’s installed. It’s cheaper than fines and points on your license.
Does underglow affect my insurance rates?
If you get cited for underglow, the moving violation affects your insurance rates. Rates typically increase 10-20% after a violation.
What’s the difference between underglow and other lighting modifications?
Underglow is lighting under the vehicle. Other illegal modifications include non-approved HID kits, extremely bright aftermarket headlights, or interior lighting visible from outside. All require compliance with New York law.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: underglow might look cool, but it’s not worth the legal trouble in New York. You’re looking at fines, points on your license, inspection failures, and possible insurance rate increases. The safer choice is obvious.
If you already have underglow, remove it now. If you’re thinking about installing it, reconsider. New York’s laws are clear, and enforcement is increasing. Stay compliant, keep your driving record clean, and enjoy your vehicle legally.
When in doubt about any vehicle lighting, check the official New York DMV website or contact a local traffic lawyer. They’ll give you the straight answer.
References
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 (Vehicle Lighting Requirements): https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/375
- New York DMV Vehicle Safety Inspection Information: https://dmv.ny.gov/registration-tabs-inspections-and-emissions/vehicle-inspection
- New York DMV Official Regulations: https://dmv.ny.gov/
- Traffic Violation Point System in New York: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/license-suspension-points
- New York Penal Law Information: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PL