Are Light Bars Legal?

Light bars are popular off-roading modifications. These bars are often mounted to the grille and/or the top or bottom of a windshield. LED light bars provide bright, direct light. For those who frequently off-road, the extra visibility improves safety.

While light bars are encouraged while driving off-road, it’s dangerous to use them on public roads. This has led states to make light bar use illegal. To avoid getting a ticket, you’ll need to know your state laws regarding off-road lighting.

If you frequently cross state lines in search of off-roading adventures, you may also want to know the laws in other states.

What does the Law Say About Light Bars?

We’ve tried our best to boil each state’s laws down to a plain English version. There are a few general terms that are helpful to know.

Auxiliary Lighting

Many states’ laws don’t specifically cover LED off-roading lights. Most of the time, they’ll classify light bars as “auxiliary lights.” Auxiliary lights fall into three categories: fog lights, driving lights, and off-road lights. These lights can improve visibility, but aren’t necessary the way headlights are.

So, in states where only two auxiliary lights are allowed, a pair of fog lights may be all you can use while on the road.

Light Bar Mounting

Most states also have regulations regarding mounting location. This is mostly to differentiate between fog lights and off-roading lights.

These height restrictions reduce the mounting area so that anything above the grille won’t make the cut. Lifted vehicles will be limited even further since measurements are taken from the surface of the road.

Some street legal light bars mount at or below the headlight heights. For people who frequently drive on public roads that are rural, these can improve safety without breaking laws.

Candlepower

Most people measure light output in lumens. This means that off-road lights advertise the lumen output of their lights. Unfortunately, most states define their legal limits in terms of candlepower.

Candlepower is as outdated a phrase as you’d imagine. To convert candlepower to lumens, multiply by 12.57.

Light Bar Color

One of the few consistencies across state lines are restrictions on color. Forward facing lights can’t be blue, red, or other colors associated with legal agencies. They also can’t flash or spin. Many states specify that lights must be clear and white.

In the United States, amber is used for turn lights, red for taillights or warning lights, and white for front-facing lights.

DOT Light Bar Compliance

Some states defer to the Federal Department of Transportation lighting guidelines rather than specifying their own. DOT compliant lights will have a DOT logo on them. This effectively rules out off-roading lights, which are not usually evaluated by the DOT.

Light Bar Laws by State

Please note: CJ Pony Parts is not a recognized legal authority. We cannot get you out of a ticket. Also, state laws are updated frequently. While we will be updating this list and keeping it as accurate as possible, it’s advised you double-check your state guidelines before making serious modifications.

Can I Be Pulled Over Because of a Light Bar?

If you’re like most people, a lot of your questions boil down to “can I be pulled over?” The answer is “yes.”

Most states have a general statute that says a police officer can pull over a driver for doing anything unsafe. This is meant to cover every strange and unpredictable scenario that could arise.

Most states don’t have a law regarding driving with a bear in your car. But if you were to try to drive with a bear in your car, you could be pulled over. Though no one could have predicted someone would try this, there’s no doubt that it’s unsafe. The “unsafe” law allows a law enforcement officer to respond to that scenario.

Though you could theoretically argue your case in court, there aren’t many success stories. That’s mostly because driving with an LED light bar turned on IS unsafe. Blinding your fellow drivers is an unsafe maneuver, and appealing to a judge or jury probably won’t end with either coming down in your favor.

The Solution? Use a Light Bar Cover

Using a light bar cover is the easiest way to stay on the right side of the law no matter where your travels take you. Even if you accidentally turn your light bar on, a cover makes sure you don’t compromise safety.

In short, a light bar cover is great insurance against future tickets. Not only that, but light bar covers offer fun customization options. Check out some light bar covers here.