Underglow Laws in Texas (2026): What Actually Gets You Fined
Most people have no idea how strict Texas underglow laws really are. Seriously. You might think that cool neon glow under your car is just a harmless aesthetic. But in Texas, it could actually cost you hundreds of dollars in fines. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know before you get pulled over.
The good news? This isn’t complicated. The bad news? The laws are pretty strict. Stay with me here.
What Is Underglow Lighting?
Underglow refers to any lights you install under your vehicle’s frame or chassis. These lights shine downward and sideways, creating that neon or LED glow effect you’ve probably seen. They’re popular in car culture because they look sleek and modern.
Here’s the thing though. Pretty straightforward, right? But Texas has very specific rules about what’s legal and what isn’t. The state separates underglow into different categories based on color and location.
Basic Texas Underglow Laws
What Colors Are Actually Illegal?
In Texas, the color of your underglow matters a lot. Red, blue, and amber underglow lights are completely banned. No exceptions.
Why? Blue lights are restricted because they could be confused with police vehicles. Red lights can look like emergency vehicles too. Amber is restricted in similar ways. Texas takes this seriously because safety is on the line.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. White underglow is technically legal. But there’s a major catch. Keep reading.
The Location Rule That Changes Everything
Even if you have white lights, there’s a catch. Your underglow cannot be visible from the sides of your vehicle while driving on public roads. This is huge.
Think about it this way. Lights on the undercarriage that shine downward are generally okay. But if those lights are positioned so they shine sideways or are visible from the side of the car, you’re breaking the law. Many people don’t realize this detail until they get stopped.
The rule is designed to prevent any distractions or confusion. Underglow that people can see while driving past you on the highway is a no-go. It sounds simple, but installation matters a lot.
When Underglow Gets You in Real Trouble
Non-Compliance Violations
If you’re caught with illegal underglow, Texas treats this as a non-compliance violation. You’re not looking at felony charges or anything crazy. But the consequences are real.
You could receive a ticket. You’ll have to remove the underglow from your vehicle. And you might face fines depending on the situation and local enforcement.
Okay, pause. Read this carefully. Local police departments enforce these laws differently. Some areas are stricter than others. Austin police might overlook it in some cases. Houston police might be more aggressive. This varies by location.
The Fine Amount
Texas law allows fines up to $200 for improper lighting violations. In some cases, especially if you’re cited for multiple lighting violations, the amount could be higher.
This isn’t pocket change. Plus, you’d need to remove the underglow, which means paying for removal or replacement. The total cost adds up fast.
Some jurisdictions might cite you under additional codes related to vehicle safety. If you cause an accident and your underglow is involved, things get much more serious. You could be liable for damages, increased insurance rates, and more.
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
What About Off-Road Only?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Many people use underglow lights for off-road vehicles or show cars that never touch public roads. If your vehicle is exclusively off-road or used only for shows, you have more flexibility.
But here’s the thing. Even then, you need to be careful. If you ever drive that vehicle on a public street, even once, you could get cited. The law applies to any vehicle driven on public roads.
Parked Cars and Parking Lots
Some people wonder if underglow is okay when parked. Technically, if your vehicle is parked and not running, the lights might not be on. But if they are on and visible in a parking lot, some officers might cite you.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. The safest approach is to avoid underglow entirely if you care about staying legal. If you want the look, keep it for private property or dedicated car shows.
Emergency and Utility Vehicles
Police vehicles and emergency vehicles have different rules. They can use certain colors and lighting that would be illegal for regular drivers. This is intentional. The law reserves specific colors for first responders to maintain safety and clarity on the roads.
If you’re driving a regular passenger vehicle, these exemptions don’t apply to you.
Penalties and Consequences in Detail
Financial Penalties
You’re looking at a fine up to $200 for a first offense. If you get cited multiple times, it could escalate. Some jurisdictions add additional costs like court fees or administrative processing fees.
Think of it like a traffic ticket, but more serious. It goes on your driving record and could affect your insurance rates.
Vehicle Inspection Failures
Texas has an inspection program. If you bring your vehicle in for inspection with illegal underglow, you’ll fail. You won’t be able to register the vehicle until you fix the problem.
Many people find this out the hard way. They install underglow, forget about it, then can’t pass inspection. It’s frustrating because you have to remove everything immediately.
Insurance and Liability Issues
Here’s something people don’t think about. If you’re in an accident and have illegal underglow, your insurance company might dispute coverage. They could argue that illegal modifications contributed to the accident.
This is rare, but it happens. It’s another reason to stay compliant with Texas law.
How to Check If Your Underglow Is Legal
Let’s be practical here. Do you currently have underglow? Here’s how to know if it’s legal in Texas.
First, what color are your lights? If they’re red, blue, or amber, they’re illegal. Full stop. Remove them immediately.
Second, where are they positioned? Can you see them shining from the sides of your car? If yes, they’re illegal. Even white lights violate the law if they’re visible from the sides.
Third, do you drive on public roads? This matters a lot. If your car only ever stays on private property, enforcement is less likely.
If you’re unsure, the safest move is to remove the underglow. It’s not worth the fine and hassle.
What You Should Do Right Now
Don’t panic if you have underglow. Here are practical steps to take.
If your underglow is red, blue, or amber, remove it today. These colors are always illegal in Texas. There’s no gray area here.
If your underglow is white and positioned underneath only (not visible from sides), you might be okay. But if you’re worried, removal is the safest option.
Contact a mechanic or car customization shop if you need help removing it. Most shops can do this quickly and inexpensively. It usually takes less than an hour.
Keep documentation if you have the underglow professionally removed. This protects you if an officer notices residual mounting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have underglow if my car is in a car show? Yes. At a sanctioned car show or on private property, underglow restrictions don’t apply the same way. But the moment you drive on a public road, the law kicks in.
What about parking lots at malls or stores? Parking lots are technically private property, but officers can still cite you there. The safest rule is to avoid underglow entirely on any vehicle that might drive on public roads.
Is blue underglow ever legal in Texas? No. Blue underglow is completely illegal in Texas. It’s reserved for law enforcement vehicles.
Can I get a warning instead of a ticket? That depends on the officer. Some might give you a warning to remove the lights. Others will cite you immediately. Don’t count on leniency.
What if I just bought a used car with underglow already installed? You’re responsible for removing it. The previous owner’s modifications are now your responsibility. Get it off before you drive much on public roads.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line. Underglow laws in Texas are strict because safety matters. The state restricts certain colors and positions to keep roads clear and prevent confusion with emergency vehicles.
If you have underglow right now, check the color and positioning. Red, blue, and amber? Remove it. White lights visible from the sides? Remove it. Plain white lights underneath only? Probably okay, but removal is the safest bet.
Don’t take chances with this one. A $200 fine and removal requirement aren’t worth the risk. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your vehicle legal.
Now you know the basics. Stay compliant, and when in doubt, ask a mechanic or local law enforcement for guidance.
References
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 502 – Vehicle Lighting
Texas Department of Public Safety – Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Texas Administrative Code – Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 25 (Lighting Regulations)