ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Nicholas, of Christmas, asked News 6 Traffic Safety Expert Steve Montiero, "Can you put Christmas lights on your car?"
In short, no.
Although 'tis the season to be festive, putting Christmas decorations on vehicles can be distracting.
There are several Florida laws that state where colored lights should be located on vehicles. With Christmas lights, there are a variety of different colors, and most are not allowed on cars.
"Your intentions may be to have that awesome car out on the road with those cool Christmas lights, but having those blue, red and other colored lights on your car can be really distracting to other drivers," Montiero said.
Florida Statute 316. 2397 describes which lights are prohibited on your vehicle and where they can be located. Having blinking lights that are red or blue could result in a non-moving traffic ticket for up to $114.
"Some people would ask, 'Well, what about just clear lights?'" Montiero said. "Believe it or not, every light on your car has a purpose, and when it doesn't come with constant flashing lights, it's not up to us to add them. There are laws that govern police, fire, EMS and construction vehicles on the placement of their emergency lights."
Keep those Christmas lights on your home. You can always add some reindeer antlers to your car!