During the holiday season, the sight of cars adorned with glowing Christmas lights is a common one. However, many in North Carolina are left wondering about the legality of such decorations. WBTV's Jason Puckett delved into this question to provide clarity.

Spread Holiday Cheer Safely with Car Decorations

Festive Decorations Around Town

As the holiday season gets into full swing, it's hard to miss the festive decorations around Lincoln County. Cars are no exception, with many decked out in glowing Christmas lights. This is a fun way to spread holiday cheer, but it also raises questions about the law.

Under North Carolina law, the use of red or blue lights on vehicles is reserved for emergency vehicles only. Lt. James Maye of the Union County Sheriff's Office explained that technically, wrapping a car in lights, especially those that flash or emit red or blue colors, is not allowed. "The primary answer is no, you're not supposed to technically wrap your car with flashing lights or blue or red lights that are pointing in a forward direction," Lt. Maye said.

Will You Get Pulled Over?

While the law is clear, Lt. Maye emphasized that these types of minor infractions are at the discretion of responding officers. Local law enforcement isn't trying to ruin anyone's holiday spirit. "We understand that it's Christmas, people are having a good time trying to celebrate this time of the year. So more than likely, I can say around Union County, you're not gonna have any trouble as long as you don't blend in with an ambulance or fire truck," Lt. Maye said. In other words, while officers technically could pull you over for red or blue lights, it's unlikely they'll do so just because of a festive display.

A Word of Caution

While it's all in good fun, Lt. Maye did offer a reminder to drivers. Be mindful of how bright those lights are, especially late at night when they could distract other drivers.

Adding some holiday flair to your vehicle can be fun, but it's important to keep the following in mind. Red or blue lights on cars are technically illegal in North Carolina. Law enforcement says they're unlikely to stop drivers solely for festive lights, unless the car resembles an emergency vehicle. Be cautious about how bright or distracting the lights may be to others on the road.

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.