Are colored headlights legal? Which one is acceptable?
Changing the car’s exterior, such as color, and adding details or parts is very popular because it makes your vehicle unique and personal. However, it is important to know that not all changes are allowed.
Depending on each State and region, there will be different regulations, and once you violate them, you will be fined.
So what about the headlights? Are there any allowed colors? We’ll tell you now!
Need-To-know Headlight Laws
Is it legal to have colored headlights? You should know basic headlight laws first.
One point to note here is that headlights are similar to tinted tail lights; each State and region will have different regulations and requirements.
Therefore, make sure you fully understand the laws where you live.
Type
Halogen
A filament or two filaments are found on a single bulb in halogen lights, which allows for both dim and bright headlamp operation.
But inside the bulb, there is pressurized gas, not a vacuum. A blue tint is applied to some halogen bulbs to make them brighter than they are.
Pros
- Cost-saving option
- Easy-to-find
- Compatible with different car models
Con
- The color is inclined toward a yellow tint
LED
LED headlights release energy as photons, which are light particles.
This technology is now widely used in screen consoles and dashboard lights.
Indicator lights on appliances, powerful flashlights, an increasing number of tail lamps, vehicle stop lamps, etc., have also been equipped with these lights.
Pros
- Various types and sizes
- It emits any colors of the spectrum
Con
- The average price is higher than halogen
Xenon/HID
Xenon, or HID, is frequently mounted on more expensive cars. These headlights contain vaporized metals and a mixture of xenon and argon gasses, which produce an incredibly bright light together.
Pro
- Provide cars with a farther illumination range
Con
- Impair oncoming driver’s vision
Laser
These lights produce light by starting a chemical reaction, a process known as chemiluminescence. Instead of the actual laser beams, you see the light coming from the glowing phosphorus gas.
Pros
- High power efficiency
- Small-size product
Con
- Release the high-temperature heat
Brightness
Although the law may not explicitly state it, there is a maximum legal brightness in the United Kingdom and the United States. Don’t drive around at night with your 100-watt headlights flashing!
Remember that wattage limitations in most locations vary slightly. However, most replacement halogen bulbs have a standard wattage of 55 watts (or up to 65 watts in some areas).
You can anticipate being stopped if your vehicle is higher than this, especially at night.
Both federal and State regulations govern headlight brightness. Headlights are restricted to 3,000 lumens by federal law.
And according to the Code of Federal Regulations, the minimum lumen requirement for automobile headlights is 500 lumens.
This is merely the minimum standard on public roads; many states demand much brighter headlights.
Usage
You must have two working headlights turned on by law whenever it is dark outside, typically from sunset to sunrise.
When visibility is poor or inclement weather, headlights must be turned on in Tennessee and Georgia 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
It is more difficult to see other vehicles in these circumstances. Your taillights will also turn on when you turn on your headlights, greatly lowering the possibility of a rear-end collision.
Daytime headlights are strongly advised (and occasionally required) when there is less than 500 feet of visibility, fog, rain, smoke, snow, or sleet.
Are Colored Headlights Legal?
Are green, red, or purple headlights legal? The answer to this depends on the country/state and the color you use. It’s illegal to use colored headlights other than white and amber in the US.
Depending On Your Area Rules
Are colored headlights illegal? You should check your area’s laws first! Each region and each State will have its regulations, so you need to ensure you know the information not to violate.
The color of the light emitted will not necessarily change if you tint your headlights. It’s best to check the VLT rating (visible light transmission) in your area.
Although tinted headlights are permitted in some states, colored headlights are strictly prohibited.
- Alaska: VLT 70%
- Arizona: VLT 500ft
- California: VLT: 70%
- Colorado: VLT: 27%
- Delaware: VLT 70%
- Florida: VLT 28%
- Georgia: VLT 500ft
- Kentucky: VLT 500ft
- Massachusetts: VLT 500ft
- Michigan: VLT 70%
- New Jersey: VLT 70%
- New York: VLT 70%
- Texas: VLT 500ft
- Washington: 500ft
What Headlight Colors Are Legal?
The colored headlights legal as long as you don’t violate your area’s laws:
- United States: Headlights may be white, yellow, or even bluer Xenon/HID bulbs are permitted.
- United Kingdom: The color of headlights is strictly prohibited in the UK by law.
Either yellow or white light bulbs are required. However, bluer-looking colored bulbs are still permitted within certain parameters. - European Union: In the EU, headlights must typically be yellow or white. Blue-colored lights are allowed up to a certain point.
- Australia: Australian headlight regulations are straightforward and only accept yellow or white headlights, just like in the UK, EU, or US.
What Headlight Colors Are Restricted?
Most countries do not accept changing the color of the headlight. This means if you love bright colors like red (like emergency vehicles), purple, pink, etc., all of them are restricted.
Blue headlights are also licensed but only in certain regions. You may be subject to a ticket if you do not understand the laws of the region where you live or will live.
FAQs
What If I Violate The Light Laws?
Can you have colored headlights? Of course, if you use the legal headlight colors! However, what if you violate the laws?
Usually, violators will have to receive a ticket and pay a fine. Depending on the severity, you could be fined from a few tens of dollars to several hundreds of dollars or even more.
Or the police will have heavier fines for those who are not cooperative.
Do LED Headlights Cause Accidents?
There is not much evidence to support this. However, it could also be a possibility worth considering.
One of this practice’s biggest drawbacks is the glare associated with LED headlights.
The glow can become so intense that it might have an adverse effect on other drivers. Experts are also concerned that it might result in permanent retinal damage.
Do Tinting Headlights Reduce Visibility?
Are purple headlights legal? Are red headlights legal? The answer is no! But why?
The tinting headlights can make it harder to see! How much visibility is impacted depends on how much tinting is used.
To ensure avoidance of risks and accidents, maintain standard brightness. At the same time, do not forget to clean your headlights regularly to avoid dim or low light that will hinder observation.
What Are The Best Colors For Headlights?
In short, the best color for the headlight is white and yellow because they’re approved in most areas.
Moreover, the right light intensity will be safe for the eyes. This reduces the possibility of an accident, especially on dangerous roads.
Conclusion
Are colored headlights legal? It’s dependent on your area’s laws!
However, always remember to choose colors that are convenient for observation. Moreover, the right light intensity is extremely important to ensure traffic safety.