The California Highway Patrol is warning motorists against the increasingly popular practice of decorating their vehicles with Christmas lights over the holiday season, pointing out that it is against the law to do so.
As more individuals follow directions they find online in YouTube and TikTok videos, these adorned cars are becoming more and more prevalent on Californian and international roads. On such platforms, videos of people being stopped for those decorations are also become more frequent.
Authorities have been posting about car decorating along with the customary seasonal reminders to use a designated driver when drinking at Christmas parties, even though many of the social media posts from official CHP accounts center on more positive Yuletide topics like taking part in holiday parades and gathering gifts for the agency’s annual CHiPs for Kids toy drive with partnerships throughout the state.
Hayward CHP shared a story on its Facebook page last week about a sergeant stopping a driver due to the car’s external Christmas lights. Earlier this month, the Madera County CHP office posted a similar message on their Facebook page, stating that some drivers were using multicolored lights to illegally decorate their cars. They referenced Section 25252 of the California Vehicle Code as the basis for this. Images of two decorated cars that were stopped by police were included in the post.
“Drivers may become confused by the festive light decorations that resemble an emergency vehicle. According to the post, only emergency vehicles are permitted to have a red warning bulb that is visible from the front and burns steadily (25252 V.C.). “A car’s front lights can only be white or amber in color. This law keeps drivers from becoming disoriented and makes it obvious when an emergency vehicle is approaching, requiring them to yield.
Other states have similar laws in place as well.
The article also mentioned that automobiles are only permitted to have these multicolored holiday lights when they are being driven in Christmas parades or on private property.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.