As you hit the open roads of Arkansas, you might wonder: are those neon underglow lights really worth the risk of a ticket? The answer lies in the fine print of the Natural State‘s vehicle lighting laws. While neon underglow lights are legal, there are strings attached – and we’re not just talking about the color palette. You’ll need to navigate a maze of restrictions to avoid getting pulled over. So, what’s the deal with Arkansas’ take on neon underglow lights?
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Key Takeaways
- Neon underglow lights are legal in Arkansas as long as they are not blue or red and do not obstruct the driver’s view.
- Flashing or rotating lights are prohibited, and the light must be white to be permitted for underglow lighting.
- Arkansas restricts certain lighting colors, including red, blue, and green, on vehicles to prevent confusion or distraction.
- The rear registration plate must be clearly legible for a distance of 50 feet to the rear, and auxiliary driving lights must meet specific standards.
- Failure to comply with Arkansas’s neon underglow lights laws may result in fines, points on the license, or even license suspension.
Is Neon Underglow Legal in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you’re likely to spot cars sporting neon underglow lights cruising down the highway, but are they legal?
The answer is yes, but with some restrictions. Arkansas allows neon underglow lighting on vehicles, but it mustn’t be blue or red, as these colors are reserved for emergency vehicles.
Additionally, the light mustn’t be flashing or rotating, and it shouldn’t obstruct your view or the view of other drivers. As long as you follow these guidelines, you can legally install neon underglow lights on your vehicle in Arkansas.
Arkansas Vehicle Lighting Laws
In the realm of Arkansas vehicle lighting laws, you need to be aware of the restricted lighting colors and permitted light intensity.
Specifically, you’re not allowed to display red, blue, or green lights visible from the front of your vehicle, and flashing lights are prohibited except in certain circumstances.
Additionally, there are rules governing the intensity of your lights, including the requirement that your rear registration plate must be clearly legible for a distance of fifty feet to the rear.
Restricted Lighting Colors
Arkansas vehicle owners should be aware that certain lighting colors are off-limits for their vehicles. The state restricts additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, including neon underglow, and prohibits blue, green, and red colors on any aftermarket lights, as these colors are typically used for emergency vehicles.
| Restricted Colors | Reason | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Typically used for emergency vehicles | Prohibited |
| Blue | Typically used for emergency vehicles | Prohibited |
| Green | Typically used for emergency vehicles | Prohibited |
| Any other color | If visible from directly in front of the vehicle | Prohibited |
Permitted Light Intensity
Your vehicle’s lighting system must comply with Arkansas’s regulations regarding light intensity.
The state has specific guidelines for the maximum allowed intensity of lights, including neon underglow lights and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
To ensure compliance, keep the following in mind:
- Candlepower: The maximum allowed candlepower for auxiliary lighting equipment is 300,000.
- Lumen per square inch: The maximum allowed lumen per square inch for LED lights is 0.05.
- White lights: Only white lights are permitted for underglow lighting.
Restrictions on Additional Aftermarket Vehicle Lighting
Beyond the standard vehicle lighting required by federal regulations, many drivers opt to install additional aftermarket lighting to augment their vehicle’s appearance or visibility.
However, you should be aware of the restrictions on these installations. Auxiliary driving lights, for instance, must meet specific standards.
You’ll need to guarantee your lighting equipment is certified and doesn’t impair your view or that of other drivers. Underglow lights, while legal, can’t be excessively bright.
Ornamental light-emitting diodes in white can be used, but fog lamps must conform to federal standards. Always verify with your vehicle manufacturer prior to installation.
Permitted Lighting on Vehicles
When it regards customizing your vehicle’s lighting, it’s essential to know what’s permitted on the road.
In Arkansas, certain lighting configurations are allowed to guarantee safe driving on the highway.
Here’s what you’re permitted to have on your motor vehicle:
- Two side cowl or fender lamps that emit an amber or white light without glare.
- One running-board courtesy lamp on each side of the vehicle, emitting white or amber light without glare.
- Two backup lamps, either separately or in combination with other lamps, on motor vehicles.
Remember to follow these guidelines to avoid any issues with the law.
Prohibited Lighting on Vehicles
In terms of prohibited lighting on vehicles, you need to be aware of restricted light colors, visible light prohibitions, and emergency vehicle lights.
You’re not allowed to display red, blue, or green lights visible from the front of your vehicle, and flashing lights are only permitted on authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, or to indicate turns or hazards.
As regards prohibited lighting on vehicles, there are specific rules governing auxiliary driving lights, license plate illumination, and ornamental light-emitting diodes.
Restricted Light Colors
You’re not allowed to drive a vehicle with certain colored lights on the front, as specified by Arkansas law.
The prohibited colors are:
- Red: a color often associated with emergency vehicles, and reserved for their use only.
- Blue: a color that can be distracting or confusing to other drivers.
- Green: a color that can be mistaken for a traffic signal or other official guidance.
These colors are prohibited because they can be visible from directly in front of the vehicle and may cause confusion or distraction on the road.
Visible Light Prohibitions
Arkansas law regulates the types of lights allowed on vehicles to guarantee road safety and prevent distractions.
You’re prohibited from driving or moving a vehicle on any highway with a lamp or device displaying a red, blue, or green light visible from directly in front of the center.
Flashing lights are also prohibited, except on authorized emergency vehicles or school buses.
Additionally, you can’t operate a vehicle with auxiliary driving lights on public streets or highways unless they’re original equipment installed by the manufacturer.
Verify your vehicle’s lights comply with these regulations to avoid any issues on the highway.
Emergency Vehicle Lights
Emergency vehicles, school buses, and certain other authorized vehicles are exempt from the prohibition on displaying red, blue, or green lights visible from the front center of the vehicle.
As a driver, you should know that flashing lights are only allowed on authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, or to indicate a traffic hazard requiring unusual care.
- Authorized emergency vehicles can display red lights under certain circumstances.
- Flashing lights are prohibited on most vehicles, except to indicate a traffic hazard or on authorized emergency vehicles.
- Red lights are restricted, but allowed on emergency vehicles, school buses, or funeral processions.
Penalties for Violating Arkansas Vehicle Lighting Laws
Violating Arkansas vehicle lighting laws can result in serious consequences. Penalties may vary depending on the specific violation and jurisdiction, but guarantee compliance to avoid fines and penalties, which may include points on your license or even suspension of your driving privileges.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First-time offense | Fine and/or points on license |
| Repeated offense | Increased fine and/or license suspension |
| Hazardous violation | Heavier fines and/or license revocation |
| Failure to comply | Additional penalties and/or court appearance |
Consult with local law enforcement or relevant agencies for specific information on penalties for violating Arkansas vehicle lighting laws.
State of Arkansas Info
You’re likely curious about the laws surrounding neon underglow lights in the Natural State.
Curious about neon underglow lights in Arkansas? Let’s dive into the Natural State’s laws and regulations.
Arkansas has specific regulations for motor vehicles on its highways.
- The Arkansas Department of Transportation is responsible for enforcing Lighting Regulations on state highways.
- Vehicles and Their Equipment, including lighting, must meet specific standards outlined in the Arkansas Code.
- The state’s Lighting Requirements guarantee safe and visible travel for all motor vehicles on Arkansas roads, and the regulations are in place to certify that motorists can drive safely at night.
General Provisions for Vehicle Lighting
When it pertains to outfitting your vehicle with neon underglow lights, you need to ponder the general lighting requirements that govern vehicle lighting.
You’ll need to verify your lights meet beam intensity restrictions, which dictate how bright your lights can shine, and avoid prohibited light colors that are deemed unsafe or distracting.
Lighting Requirements Generally
The rules of the road dictate that your vehicle meets specific lighting requirements to guarantee safe travel and avoid accidents.
Arkansas law requires that your vehicle be equipped with certain lights and lamps to certify visibility on the highway.
- Head lamps: Installed on the front of your vehicle, these lamps must be capable of producing a white light visible from at least 500 feet.
- Tail lamps: Mounted on the rear of your vehicle, these lamps must emit a red light visible from at least 500 feet.
- Stop lamps: Activated when you press the brake pedal, these lamps must emit a red light visible from at least 300 feet.
Beam Intensity Restrictions
Beam intensity plays a crucial role in ensuring your vehicle’s lights don’t blind other drivers or pedestrians.
In Arkansas, there are specific rules governing beam intensity. Driving lights on unless they’re aimed and adjusted to prevent glare, you’re not allowed to use them.
Additionally, lights are prohibited except when a lamp or device thereon emits a white light without excessive glare.
This rule applies to neon lights as well.
A lamp shall be directed and adjusted to prevent glare, ensuring safe travel for everyone on the road.
Prohibited Light Colors
You’re not allowed to use certain light colors on your vehicle in Arkansas, and the rules are pretty specific.
The state has strict regulations to guarantee road safety and avoid distractions.
- Red lights on the front or rear of your vehicle, except for stop lamps, tail lamps, or brake lamps.
- Blue lights, unless you’re a law enforcement officer or an authorized emergency vehicle.
- Any color that can be seen from the front, rear, or sides of your vehicle, except for white or amber lamps on each side that are part of a running board or step.
Prohibited Lighting Colors
Certain colors of underglow lights are strictly prohibited in many jurisdictions, and it’s essential to know which ones to avoid.
In Arkansas, you’re not allowed to install underglow lights that emit red or blue lights on your vehicle. These colors are reserved for emergency vehicles and are prohibited on civilian vehicles.
Your vehicle’s original equipment lighting shall emit only amber or white light. Any underglow lights that mimic the colors of emergency responders are strictly prohibited.
Don’t risk getting pulled over or fined – stick to the approved colors to guarantee your safety and compliance with Arkansas laws.
Permitted Flashing Lights
Now that you know which underglow light colors to avoid, it’s time to investigate the rules surrounding flashing lights.
In Arkansas, flashing lights are permitted in specific situations to guarantee safety on public roads.
- Authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, and funeral processions are allowed to use flashing lights as provided in § 27-49-113.
- You can use flashing lights to indicate a right or left turn, or to indicate a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care.
- The permitted use of flashing lights is specified in Arkansas Code, Title 27, to prevent confusion or distraction caused by certain colored lights and to certify safety.
Historical Background of Arkansas Vehicle Lighting Laws
As Arkansas’s vehicle lighting laws have evolved over time, they’ve been shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including technological advancements, changing public attitudes, and legislative responses to emerging safety concerns.
You’ve likely noticed that vehicle equipment has become more sophisticated, influencing highway safety.
Modern vehicles boast advanced equipment, significantly impacting road safety and prompting ongoing refinements to Arkansas’s lighting laws.
Initially, Arkansas’s provisions focused on ensuring original equipment didn’t obstruct traffic.
Over time, regulations expanded to address auxiliary lights, reflective devices, and other safety features.
As traffic volumes and accident rates changed, lawmakers adapted the laws to promote safer roads.
Understanding this historical context helps you appreciate the nuances of Arkansas’s current vehicle lighting laws.
Auxiliary Lights on Motorcycles
You’re likely familiar with the unique style of motorcycles, which often feature customized lighting configurations.
In regards to auxiliary lights on motorcycles, Arkansas law has specific rules.
In the realm of motorcycle lighting, here are three key points to keep in mind:
- Front visibility matters: Under-glow lighting that can be seen from the front of the vehicle is prohibited while driving on the highway.
- Parking is allowed: You can display under-glow lights when your motorcycle is parked, but not while driving.
- Law enforcement discretion: Police officers have the discretion to stop a vehicle if they suspect a violation of the law, so it’s essential to understand the rules before hitting the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Underglow Lights Legal in Arkansas?
You’re wondering if underglow lights are legal; generally, light restrictions vary by state, but most allow some vehicle modifications for car customization as long as they don’t compromise road safety, and law enforcement enforces traffic laws to guarantee safe driving and to certify responsible behavior.
Is Neon Underglow Legal?
As you cruise down the highway, neon underglow lights catch your eye, adding a sleek touch to car customization. However, you should know that, technically, neon underglow isn’t legal for street racing or night driving, as it can distract from safe light installation and vehicle modification.
What Is the Statute 27 36 221 in Arkansas?
You’re looking into Arkansas statute 27-36-221, which governs vehicle regulations, prioritizing traffic safety by restricting road illumination to prevent distractions. This law outlines light restrictions, ensuring the highway patrol can enforce driving laws, keeping roads safe for everyone.
Conclusion
You might think Arkansas’ neon underglow laws are too restrictive, but they’re actually designed to guarantee safety on the roads. By prohibiting blue and red lights, the state prevents confusion with emergency vehicles. And, by banning flashing lights, they reduce distractions for other drivers. By understanding these laws, you can customize your ride while staying safe and legal on Arkansas roads.
