Motorcycle LED Light Laws Across All 50 States
Laws regarding the use of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) are normally enclosed under the lighting requirements of state traffic laws or motor vehicle codes. Most states have definite laws relating to restrictions on the use of accent lighting and other unlawful motorcycle alterations, in terms of type, color, and particularly location on the motorcycle. As a general principle, LEDs are legal so long as they remain concealed and unlit on roads and do not flash or include the colors red or blue for obvious reasons.
Because the laws on LEDs vary significantly by state, riders looking to add colorful lights should first check under the unlawful vehicle modification laws of their specific state to elude potential penalties. So let’s jump right in on a quick rundown by state:
Alabama
The state of Alabama does not have a specific regulation regarding LEDs on motorcycles. But they generalize when it comes to lighting; that way they have all their bases covered under the Alabama Code – Section 32-5-241: ADDITIONAL PERMISSIBLE LIGHTS ON VEHICLES http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/alcode/32/5/9/2/32-5-241
Alaska
Even though there is not a particular code concerning LEDs in this state; there is a clear statement. no person may drive or move a vehicle upon a highway displaying:
(1) a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle;
(2) a flashing or rotating light; or
(3) an alternately flashing light.
On a different chapter they specify the use of blue lights as only by the Police. So staying away from blue and red LEDs specially in a high visibility are of your scooter might be the smarter decision.
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/aac.asp – 13.04
Arizona
The code establishes that no additional lighting equipment should interfere with the headlamps and taillights already installed.
Front lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color, and Rear lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
So keep this in mind when buying and installing your LEDs, location and color is key. http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=28
Arkansas
The statute is very clear with the lighting restrictions. Except for the headlights, no other light source installed on the vehicle can project a beam of light with an intensity greater than three hundred candlepower (300 cp) which in lumens we are talking approximately about 3770 lumens. It should be ok to say that none of you will install this amount of LEDs on the front of a motorcycle, but just in case you do, keep this information in mind.
It also states that it shouldn’t display any red, blue, or green light visible from the front. On a last note, the only flashing lights should be those indicating a turn or the hazard lights. http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/arcode/Default.asp
California
Any incidental visible light projecting to the front of the vehicle shall be predominantly yellow to white. Any incidental visible light projecting to the rear of the vehicle shall be predominantly red. In addition, stay away from blue LEDs as well. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes
Colorado
Blue and red LEDs are prohibited in this state so stay away from these colors. But remember if your tail and brake lights are LEDs your motorcycle is within the parameters. Your scooter may be equipped with not more than two side cowl lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare. https://www.codot.gov/library/traffic
Connecticut
White, amber or yellow, and red are the only allowable colors to be displayed while operated on the road. For a more in depth description here it is:
Any light visible from the front of the vehicle shall be white, yellow or amber.
Any light visible from the forward most edge of the rear tire of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle shall be amber or yellow.
Any light visible from the forward most edge of the rear tire of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle shall be red.
Any light visible from the rear of the vehicle shall be red or amber.
http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=4431&q=523600
Delaware
Under the Title 21>Chapter 43 in Additional lighting equipment your motorcycle shouldn’t have more than 2 side cowl lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare as well as an under glow bar which is restricted to only one. Ensure that none of the lights you install are in flashing mode. Only authorized emergency vehicles can use them.
\http://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c043/sc02/index.shtml
Florida
It is expressly prohibited to show or display any red or blue light visible from the front. As of the side cowls only white or amber lights without glare. http://archive.flsenate.gov/Statutes
Georgia
It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle equipped with a device capable of producing any blue lights. In other words: Blue LEDs are a No Go in Georgia. Any other color should be ok but that is what common sense tells me because the way the law is written. https://dps.georgia.gov/georgias-traffic-laws
Hawaii
No motorcycle may possess any lamp, or illumination device which appear to be the color blue except for law enforcement vehicles. There you have it folks and violation shall be punished by up to $1,000. http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/
Idaho
As with many other states a motorcycle may be equipped with no more than 2 side cowl lights either amber or white. Red light visible from the front is not authorized so other than that and because of the way the law is written there shouldn’t be any issues with other colors. https://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH9.htm
Illinois
Red LEDs are prohibited in this state as well, specifically if visible from the front. According to the way the law is written any other color should be ok to use. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1815
Indiana
There is nothing on the written law that specify the legality of LEDs on motorcycles in this state. To stay up to date on any changes that might occur in the future visit the Archived Indiana Code: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2015/ic/titles/009/
Iowa
Lighting devices installed on or near the front cowl can only be white, yellow, or amber. On or near the rear of the motorcycle shall display any other color than red. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:729215&pdid=714221#321.409
Kansas
All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white or amber. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with neon ground effect lighting, except that such lighting shall not flash, be any shade of red nor shall any portion of the neon tubes be visible. “Neon ground effect lighting” means neon tubes placed underneath the motor vehicle for the purpose of illuminating the ground below the motor vehicle creating a halo light effect. We can see here that Kansas is one of the few states with a clear law regarding aftermarket lighting on motor vehicles. http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2014/b2013_14/statute/008_000_0000_chapter/008_017_0000_article/
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky currently doesn’t have a code or law referring to aftermarket lighting on a motorcycle with the exception of flashing lights which are permitted to warn others of traffic hazards, but not for decoration purposes. http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38038
Louisiana
No red or green light visible from the front of your motorcycle in this southern state. Flashing lights are also prohibited, but other than that you are good to go. http://legis.la.gov/Legis/Laws_Toc.aspx?folder=75&level=Parent
Maine
When it comes to LEDs here the law is pretty much straightforward. White or amber on the front cowl, amber on the sides, and amber or red on the rear. Lights may not be installed where distracts or impairs the vision of the rider. Under glow lighting is permitted for the purpose of participating in shows or other exhibitions but needs off while on the move on a public way. So remember to turn it off when leaving that local bike night gathering. http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Ach17sec0.html
Maryland
The law here is very specific and as long as the LEDs are not blue, red, no flashing, no oscillating, and directed towards the engine and the drive train of the motorcycle Maryland see the LEDs as a safety plus because it gives the rider more visibility. http://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/transportation/title-22/subtitle-2/22-221
Massachusetts
Like many other states here red and blue LEDs are frowned upon and only authorized on emergency vehicles and such. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90
Michigan
No oscillating, flashing or blinking LEDs here in Michigan. According to the way the law is written colors shouldn’t be an issue. The code makes an emphasis in Headlamp Modulators which had cause some motorists to ride away with a fine but according to the law, these modifications are allowed even though it has created confusion. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/Archived_Field_Updates_Table_203934_7.pdf
Minnesota
A motorcycle may display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the motorcycle’s rear brake light. No oscillating, flashing or blinking LEDs. That’s the only information displayed under the code in Minnesota. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169
Mississippi
It is unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer on duty, to use or display blue lights on a motor vehicle. Red lights are prohibited as well. http://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2013/title-63/chapter-7/general-provisions/
Missouri
Motorcycle may be equipped with the following auxiliary lighting: LEDs pods and strips that are non-blinking, non flashing, non oscillating, and directed toward the engine and the drive train of the motorcycle to prevent interference with the driver’s operation of the vehicle. http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/chapters/chapText307.html
Montana
No information whatsoever on LEDs legality under the writing law in Montana. http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/61_9_2.htm
Nebraska
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or move any vehicle upon a highway with any red or green light thereon visible from directly in front thereof. Verbatim out of the code; there is no mention of LEDs legality but according to the law except for these 2 colors any other lights should be fine. http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/61_9_2.htm
Nevada
There is no mention of LEDs in the written law nor authorized colors. http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-486.html – NRS486Sec261
New Hampshire
Blue and red lights are restricted to Law Enforcement and Emergency Response vehicles only. There is no mention of any other colors or restriction on LEDs. http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXI-266.htm
New Jersey
The state does not allow any additional lights other than stock lighting. http://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=303766383&depth=2&expandheadings=off&headingswithhits=on&infobase=statutes.nfo&softpage=TOC_Frame_Pg42
New Mexico
The law does not specify any regulations on the use of LEDs on motorcycles. http://www.taosgov.com/documents/2010_UTO_Compilation.pdf
New York
Absolutely no red, white or blue lights except authorized vehicles under the law. Unlike other states it seems green lights should be ok to use in New York. http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/vehicle-and-traffic-law/vat-sect-375.html
North Carolina
Red and blue lights are prohibited with the exception of Law Enforcement and Emergency Response vehicles. It shouldn’t be surprising giving that this the rule of thumb on most states. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_3.html
North Dakota
The law does not make any reference to after-market lighting on motor vehicles. http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39c21.pdf
Ohio
It’s surprising how many states don’t even mention the legality of LEDs or after-market lighting on motorcycles and Ohio is no different. http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4513
Oklahoma
It seems that only blue lights are unlawful here, of course with the exception of Law Enforcement vehicles. http://www.oscn.net/applications/OCISWeb/index.asp?level=1&ftdb=STOKST47
Oregon
Blue lights are prohibited in this state. The code is very vague when it comes to motorcycles here. http://www.oscn.net/applications/OCISWeb/index.asp?level=1&ftdb=STOKST47
Pennsylvania
No ornamental lights are allowed under the written code in this state, with the exception of auxiliary lighting added to a motorcycle to protect the rider. As you can see there is no specification of what colors to use as long it makes the rider more visible.
Rhode Island
No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device on it displaying a red light visible from directly in front of the center of it. Flashing lights are prohibited, except on an authorized emergency vehicle. http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE31/31-24/INDEX.HTM
South Carolina
The legislature does not specify on LEDs addition to motorcycles in this state. http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title56.php
South Dakota
No mention on after-market lighting in this state’s legislature. South Dakota joins the ranks of states with no law or code when it comes to LEDs regulation on motorcycles. http://sdlegislature.gov/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=32-15
Tennessee
No vehicle operated in this state shall be equipped with any flashing red or white light or any combination of red or white lights that displays to the front of the vehicle except a motor vehicle operated for purposes of an emergency equipment company. Well there you have it stay away from red and white LEDs. https://www.tn.gov/lawsandpolicies/article/55-9-402.-lights-required-on-motor-vehicles-exceptions-regulations-as-to-co
Texas
A person may not operate or move equipment or a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, with a lamp or device that displays a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the equipment or vehicle. No motor vehicle may be equipped with a red, white, or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating light unless authorized by the law. [Under Section 547.306 LED GROUND EFFECT LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON MOTORCYCLE. In this section, “LED ground effect lighting equipment” means light emitting diode (LED) technology that is attached to the underbody of a motorcycle for the purpose of illuminating:
- the body of the motorcycle; or
- the ground below the motorcycle.
- A person may operate a motorcycle equipped with LED ground effect lighting that emits a non-flashing amber or white light
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.547.htm
Utah
This state joins the ranks of the “No red or Blue light that is visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle.” Other than that, the code is vague when it comes to the use of after-market lighting. https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/41-6a-P16.html?v=C41-6a-P16_1800010118000101
Vermont
No specific laws regarding after-market LEDs on motorcycles. http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01243
Virginia
Flashing red, white and blue lights are prohibited but the law make emphasis on “flashing” only. Under the writing code does not prohibit the use of these color on non-flashing mode. http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/
Washington
No specific code regarding LEDs use on motorcycles in the Evergreen State. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37
West Virginia
A motorcycle may be equipped with, and an operator of a motorcycle may use, the following auxiliary lighting:
- Amber and white illumination;
- Standard bulb running lights
- Light-emitting diode pods and strips.
- Lighting under this subdivision shall be:
- No blinking
- No flashing
- No oscillating; and directed toward the engine and the drive train of the motorcycle to prevent interference with the driver’s operation of the vehicle http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=17c&art=15 – 15
Wisconsin
A motorcycle may be equipped with a lighting device that illuminates the ground directly beneath the motorcycle if all of the following apply:
- The lighting device is not visible to approaching vehicles.
- The lighting device does not display a red, blue, or amber light.
- The lighting device does not display a flashing, oscillating, or rotating light.
Very straight forward the code in Wisconsin. http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/347/II/07
Wyoming
No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon capable of displaying a red light or blue light visible from directly in front of the center thereof.
So as long as the LEDs are installed facing the engine and in the underbody you should be within the law. http://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2011/title31/chapter5/section31-5-928
