Yes, you can install LED lights under your car, a modification known as an under-glow kit. However, the legality of using them on public roads is the most critical factor and varies significantly by state. In many places, certain colors like red and blue are strictly prohibited because they are reserved for emergency vehicles. Even legal colors often have restrictions on when and where they can be illuminated, such as being forbidden while the vehicle is in motion on public roads.
The primary considerations are legality, installation complexity, and purpose. If your goal is purely for off-road or show use, you have more flexibility. For on-road use, you must research your local and state vehicle codes thoroughly.
Key Considerations Before Installation:
- State Laws: Regulations are not federal; each state sets its own rules. The table below outlines the general legality in a sample of states, but you must verify with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the most current statutes.
- Color Restrictions: As a rule of thumb, avoid red, blue, and sometimes flashing white lights.
- Placement: Lights must be mounted securely to withstand road vibrations and weather. Poor installation can lead to wires shorting or lights falling off.
- Kit Quality: Invest in a quality kit designed for automotive exterior use. Cheap kits may not be waterproof (look for a high IP rating like IP67) and can fail quickly.
| State | General Legality of On-Road Use | Common Restrictions & Notes |
|---|
| California | Highly Restricted | Only amber or white lights are permitted, and they cannot flash. Lights on the underside are generally illegal while driving. |
| Texas | Legal with Conditions | Most colors are allowed except red and blue on the front, and lights cannot be flashing. |
| Florida | Legal with Conditions | All colors except red and blue are typically allowed, but they must not be oscillating or flashing. |
| New York | Highly Restricted | Essentially illegal for use on public roads; associated with emergency vehicle impersonation. |
| Arizona | Legal with Conditions | Non-red/blue colors are permitted, but they must be static (non-flashing) and not visible from the front if red. |
| Illinois | Illegal | Under-glow lights are prohibited for use on public roads entirely. |
| Ohio | Legal with Conditions | White, amber, and other colors (except red/blue) are allowed as long as they are not flashing. |
| Georgia | Restricted | Lights visible from the front must be white or amber; rear lights must be red or amber. Undercarriage lights often violate this. |
| Nevada | Legal with Conditions | Permits any color except red and blue, but they must not flash or oscillate. |
| Pennsylvania | Illegal | Laws specifically prohibit additional vehicle lighting not required by statute, effectively banning under-glow. |
Installation involves routing wires from the undercarriage through a firewall grommet to the vehicle's interior, connecting to a switch, and then to the battery. It requires basic wiring knowledge. If you're not comfortable with this, professional installation is recommended to avoid electrical issues.
