Underglow lighting has become a popular way to customize vehicles and give them a stylish, futuristic glow. Whether you’re into car shows or just want to stand out on the road, adding LED strips or neon lights under your car can seem like a fun upgrade. But before you install underglow on your vehicle in Colorado, it’s important to understand the law.
So, is underglow illegal in Colorado? The short answer is: underglow is not outright illegal, but it’s heavily restricted. If you plan to add underglow lighting to your car, you’ll need to follow some strict rules to avoid fines or trouble with law enforcement.
This article breaks down what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to underglow lighting in Colorado.
What Is Underglow Lighting?
Underglow, also known as ground effect lighting, refers to the lights installed underneath a car that illuminate the ground below. These lights are usually LED or neon tubes that come in a variety of colors and may be fixed or programmable to change, flash, or blink.
Underglow is a common mod among car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders who want their vehicles to have a distinct look. But while it might be visually appealing, it can also pose safety and legal concerns, especially when certain colors or patterns mimic emergency vehicles.
Is Underglow Illegal in Colorado?
In Colorado, underglow lighting is not specifically banned, but several restrictions apply. These restrictions are in place to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles and to avoid distracting other drivers.
In simple terms: you can have underglow lighting on your car, but how you use it, what color it is, and when it’s on makes a big difference.
Let’s go through the key rules.
Colorado Underglow Lighting Laws: Key Rules to Know
Prohibited Colors
Colorado law restricts certain colors of lights that can be visible from a vehicle:
- Red and blue lights are prohibited on non-emergency vehicles.
- Green lights are generally not allowed either.
- These colors are reserved for emergency and law enforcement vehicles only.
Why this matters: If your car is showing red, blue, or green underglow on public roads, it can be mistaken for a police car, fire truck, or ambulance — and that’s illegal.
What you can use: In most cases, white or amber lights are considered acceptable, especially if they are not flashing and are not distracting.
No Flashing or Blinking Lights
Any type of flashing, blinking, rotating, or oscillating light is prohibited unless your vehicle is authorized (like an emergency vehicle or tow truck with proper permits).
Even if your underglow system has cool features like pulse or fade effects, those can get you pulled over if they look like flashing lights.
To stay legal, use solid, steady lighting only.
Brightness and Visibility Limits
Underglow lights in Colorado must not be excessively bright or cause glare for other drivers. There’s no specific lumen or candela limit mentioned in the statute, but any lighting that creates a driving hazard can lead to a citation.
Additionally:
- Front-facing lights (including underglow) must be white or amber and should be visible from at least 100 feet.
- Rear-facing lights must not show white (except for reverse lights). Red is allowed only for tail lights and brake lights — not underglow.
Usage While Driving
Colorado does not have a law that completely bans underglow while driving, but law enforcement strongly discourages using it on public roads.
The safest choice: Use underglow only when parked or at car shows, not when driving around town.
Using underglow while the vehicle is in motion increases the chances of being pulled over, especially if an officer thinks the lighting violates state regulations or creates a distraction.
Legal Risks of Improper Underglow Use
If you don’t follow Colorado’s underglow rules, you could face penalties, including:
- A ticket for illegal lighting or equipment
- A “fix-it” citation, where you’re required to correct the issue and prove it to the court
- Possible vehicle inspection requirements
- Being stopped repeatedly by law enforcement, even if you think your setup is legal
Most underglow violations are treated as non-moving violations, which usually won’t impact your driving record or insurance. But it’s still a hassle — and could cost you around $100 to $200 in fines.
What About Underglow on Private Property?
You might be wondering — what if you just want to use underglow in your own driveway or at a car show?
Here’s the good news:
- On private property, Colorado traffic laws don’t apply the same way.
- You can generally use any type of underglow lighting on private land, like your home driveway, a show venue, or a private event space.
But there are a few exceptions:
Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs)
Some neighborhoods with HOAs may have rules against visible lighting or vehicle modifications. You could get a warning or fine for violating these community rules — even if state law allows it.
Public Nuisance Laws
If your lights are too bright or disruptive, you could face complaints or citations under public nuisance laws. This is rare, but it can happen — especially in quiet neighborhoods.
Local Ordinances
Some cities or counties in Colorado may have additional rules about vehicle lighting or outdoor light pollution. It’s a good idea to check with local authorities if you’re unsure.
Can Underglow Increase Your Insurance Rates?
In most cases, a ticket for underglow lighting in Colorado will not affect your car insurance. That’s because it’s usually considered a non-moving violation, similar to a broken tail light or expired registration.
However, if the underglow is part of a pattern of citations, or if it leads to an accident, then it could become a factor.
Also, it’s worth checking with your insurance company before installing underglow, especially if your vehicle is leased or insured under a modified policy.
Practical Tips to Stay Legal in Colorado
Here’s a checklist to help you avoid trouble if you’re planning to install underglow lighting on your car in Colorado:
- Use only white or amber lights for underglow
- Avoid red, blue, or green lights — especially in the front
- Do not use flashing, blinking, or pulsing effects
- Install lights so they don’t reflect directly into other drivers’ eyes
- Keep underglow turned off while driving, unless you’ve confirmed it complies with all state and local laws
- Stick to using underglow at car meets, shows, or while parked on private property
If you ever get stopped by police, stay calm and polite. Most officers issue fix-it tickets for minor underglow violations, giving you a chance to correct the issue and avoid serious penalties.
Conclusion: Is Underglow Legal in Colorado?
So, is underglow illegal in Colorado? Not exactly — but it’s very restricted.
If you follow the rules — stick to white or amber lights, avoid flashing or prohibited colors, and use it responsibly — then you can enjoy underglow without worrying about getting pulled over.
But if you go too flashy or use underglow while driving on public roads, you risk getting fined or even having to remove the lights.
To stay safe and legal, the best practice is to treat underglow as a show feature, not a road feature. Use it at car shows, in private areas, or when parked — and avoid attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement.