Is It Legal to Manufacture Underglow Lights? A Complete Guide to U.S. Automotive Lighting Laws and Procurement Tips

As car culture continues to grow globally, personalized vehicle modifications have become a popular way for young drivers to express themselves. Among the hottest aftermarket products, underglow lights stand out for their stunning visual appeal. However, for manufacturers and cross-border e-commerce sellers, a crucial question emerges:

Is it legal to manufacture underglow lights? Can they be sold and used legally in the U.S. market?

This article will explore U.S. regulations to answer whether underglow light manufacturing and usage is legal, and provide compliance tips for exporters and buyers.

1. Is It Legal to Manufacture Underglow Lights? — From the Federal Law Perspective

✅ Short answer: Manufacturing underglow lights is legal in the U.S.

At the federal level, there is no law prohibiting the manufacturing of underglow lights. As long as your product complies with general electrical safety and technical standards such as:

FCC Certification (ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and no interference with communications),

RoHS Compliance (restriction of hazardous substances),

UL or similar safety testing (ensuring electrical and operational safety),

then manufacturing and selling underglow lights is legally allowed under federal regulations.

However, note that federal laws focus on product safety, while the legality of vehicle lighting usage is governed by state and local laws.

2. Federal-Level Legal Framework

U.S. federal transportation laws, such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), do not specifically regulate underglow lights. As long as the underglow lights do not interfere with key safety functions like brake lights, turn signals, or headlights, installation itself is not illegal.

3. State-Level Laws and Restrictions

Underglow lighting regulations vary widely across U.S. states. Below are common types of state-level rules:

1. States That Completely Ban Underglow Use on Public Roads

Some states prohibit the use of underglow lights while driving on public roads, for example:

Illinois: Bans any form of underbody lighting on public roads.

Michigan: Installation is allowed, but lights must be off while driving.

 2. States That Allow Use with Restrictions

Most states allow underglow lights but impose restrictions on color and lighting effects.

California:

  Permits underglow lighting;

  Prohibits red, blue, or flashing lights;

  Light sources must not be directly visible or interfere with other drivers;

  Lights may not imitate law enforcement vehicles.

Florida:

  Permits use of underglow lights;

  Strictly bans red or blue lights;

  No flashing or rotating lights allowed (reserved for emergency vehicles).

Texas:

  Allows underglow lighting;

  Red or blue lights prohibited;

  Lights may not mimic emergency or police vehicles.

3. States with Strict Color Restrictions

Many states prohibit certain light colors and patterns:

Red: Reserved for brake lights and emergency vehicles;

Blue: Reserved for police vehicles;

Flashing/Rotating lights: Reserved for emergency, fire, and rescue services.

 Conclusion: Underglow lights are generally legal to install, but their usage is subject to state-specific restrictions on color, brightness, position, and purpose. Always check with your local DMV before use.

4. Compliance Responsibilities for Manufacturers and Sellers

While manufacturing is legal, failure to provide compliance guidance may lead to liability for manufacturers and sellers. Key areas of concern include:

❗ Common Legal Risks:

1. Avoid using red and blue lighting;

2. Do not offer flashing, rotating, or pulsing effects;

3. Ensure lights face only downward and the source is not exposed;

4. Recommend use in private spaces only (e.g., car shows, private events);

5. Include instructions for users to disable lights near law enforcement.

✅ Compliance Tips:

Clearly label packaging/manuals with notices such as:

“For off-road or show use only. Check local regulations before use on public roads.”

Set default lighting to safe, static colors;

Include multiple lighting modes (e.g., “Static Mode,” “Show Mode,” “Night Mode”);

Ensure basic certifications are available: FCC, RoHS, CE(recommended);

Offer regulatory support: add QR codes or links to state law summaries.

5. Bliauto’s Compliance Philosophy and Product Design

As a professional automotive lighting manufacturer, Bliauto is committed to designing products that are safe, legal, and visually appealing. Our underglow lighting products incorporate key compliance features:

1. Multi-mode intelligent control: Safe static colors by default; full RGB customization available;

2. Clear bilingual compliance labeling: English/Chinese usage warnings;

3. Comprehensive certifications: Supports FCC, RoHS, CE, etc.;

4. Regional customization options: Disable certain colors or effects by destination;

5. Legal information access: We offer state-by-state law guides for our partners.

6. Practical Tips for Buyers and Exporters

If you're a buyer, e-commerce seller, or distributor targeting the U.S. market, take the following steps:

✔️ Actionable Advice:

1. Clearly state compliance guidance on product pages:

   e.g., “Check with your state law to determine street-legal use”;

2. Avoid misleading terms like “street-legal everywhere”;

    Use “May be limited to off-road or show use in some regions”;

3. Confirm compliance features with factories:

   Ask if red/blue lights can be disabled;

4. Keep certification documents (e.g., FCC, RoHS) for customs and audits.

7. Conclusion

Manufacturing underglow lights is legal in the U.S., but their on-road use is strictly governed by state-level laws. As manufacturers and traders, we must care not only about product quality but also about legal compliance.

At Bliauto, we believe that compliance is the foundation of sustainable growth. We welcome global partners to join us in promoting innovative and legally compliant automotive lighting solutions.

Want to access our 50-state legal guide, request export templates, or customize product modes for compliance?

Visit our website at [Bliauto.com](https://bliauto.com) or contact our sales team today!