The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and one of the most popular customs is decorating with Christmas lights. For many, this includes not just decking the halls but also decorating the car with festive decorations, such as glittering lights.
However, if you’re planning to add some glitter to your ride in Washington State, you might be asking if it’s legal to hang Christmas lights on your vehicle. The answer is based on state regulations, safety concerns, and common sense.
Let us go over all you need to know about decorating your vehicle for the holidays.
Washington’s Vehicle Lighting Laws
In Washington, the legislation sets precise car lighting restrictions aimed at ensuring road safety and preventing confusion. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.37.260 specifies the sorts of lights that can be used on cars, and these restrictions apply both during the day and at night. It also defines what constitutes “emergency” and “non-emergency” lighting.
According to these laws, lights that are “visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle” are not permitted to generate confusion with traditional traffic signals. This implies that any additional lights you install on your vehicle—whether white, colored, or flashing—cannot interfere with the visibility of your headlights, brake lights, or turn signals. The idea is to make sure that other drivers understand your vehicle’s intentions when driving.
Can I Put Christmas Lights on My Car?
In Washington State, you can decorate your car with Christmas lights, but there are some key restrictions. First and foremost, these lights cannot disturb other drivers or hide your vehicle’s main lights. Christmas lights, particularly those that twinkle or flash can confuse the road if they are too bright or flash in an unpredictable pattern.
When decorating your car, here are the main things to consider:
Position the lights so that they do not obscure the vehicle’s headlights, taillights, or turn signals. The law demands that your vehicle’s basic safety lights remain fully visible and operational at all times. Lights covering the grill or external mirrors are normally acceptable, but make sure they don’t obscure crucial signals or distract other drivers.
Safety Concerns: The most crucial part of vehicle ornamentation is safety. Make sure the lights you utilize are securely mounted to your vehicle. Loose or dangling lights can fall off and create a hazard on the road. To avoid electrical issues, make sure the power source for the lights is properly installed.
Brightness and Flashing Lights: Flashing lights on your car may be misunderstood as emergency lights, which is unlawful unless you drive an emergency vehicle. While static holiday lights are typically acceptable, blinking or flashing lights may attract unwanted attention and confuse other drivers. Keep the flashiness to a minimum, and avoid using bright, flashing lights that may distract other drivers.
Parking Lot Displays: Parking lots are one of the most visible places for your car’s Christmas lights. Parking lots typically have lower speed limits, but it is still necessary to ensure that your vehicle’s lights comply with the requirements while parked. If you are participating in a parade or other celebratory event, you should verify with the event organizers about the car decoration restrictions.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
While it is allowed to decorate your car with Christmas lights in Washington State, it is critical to follow the standards for safety, visibility, and distraction prevention.
If you want to show off your holiday zeal with a car full of Christmas cheer, be sure your lights are firmly fastened and do not interfere with other drivers’ ability to see your headlights and brake lights. Also, be aware of flashing or overly bright lights that could be misinterpreted for emergency lights.
When done correctly, your automobile can become the talk of the town throughout the holiday season while also keeping everyone safe on the road. As usual, be careful of local rules and restrictions, especially in high-traffic areas, and enjoy the holiday season responsibly!