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As the holiday season rolls around, many people enjoy decorating their cars — stringing up Christmas lights, draping tinsel, or illuminating a vehicle in a festive glow. But if you’re in Washington State and planning to cruise around with lights on your car, you should know about WAC 204-21-230. This regulation governs vehicle lighting — and under it, driving a “light‑covered” car can lead to a citation. Washington State Legislative Information+2KOMO+2

🎄 What WAC 204-21-230 Actually Says

Prohibited aftermarket lights while driving

  • WAC 204-21-230 prohibits the addition of aftermarket neon or decorative lighting on a vehicle when that vehicle is in motion on a public roadway. Washington State Legislative Information+1
  • The law aims to ensure that any added lighting does not impair or interfere with required lighting equipment (like headlights, brake lights, turn signals) as regulated under federal standards (49 C.F.R. Part 571.108) and state law. Washington State Legislative Information+1
  • Additionally, flashing or colored lights (especially red, blue, or white flashing lights) are heavily restricted — red/blue are reserved for emergency vehicles; flashing white lights are likewise prohibited (except for authorized emergency or official vehicles). Washington State Legislative Information+1

When aftermarket lights might be ok

  • If the vehicle is not in motion — for example, parked on private property — aftermarket lighting may be permitted, subject to other restrictions. Washington State Legislative Information+1
  • Some exceptions exist — for instance, municipal snowplows or highway‑maintenance vehicles sometimes are allowed special lights (though these are not decorative). Law Files+1
  • But decorative holiday lights (like Christmas string lights) generally do not qualify for any exception under WAC 204-21-230.
  • Distracting to other drivers: A vehicle covered in multicolored lights — possibly flashing or reflecting — can draw attention, impair depth perception at night, or mimic emergency signals (particularly red or blue). This increases risk on busy roadways. KOMO+1
  • Interfering with required equipment: Added lights might obscure or reduce effectiveness of essential lights like brake lights, turn signals, or headlights. WAC 204-21-230 prohibits any addition that impairs these. Washington State Legislative Information+1
  • Legal consequences: The prohibition means law enforcement — such as the Washington State Patrol (WSP) — can stop and cite a driver if decorative lights are illuminated while driving on public roads. KOMO+1

In fact, WSP publicly warned in December 2024 that while “cars covered in Christmas lights may be a stunning sight,” they are illegal under Washington law when driven. KOMO

🦹‍♂️ The Grinch and the Law: Don’t Let Your Inner Grinch Ruin the Holidays

Imagine the Grinch riding through town not in sleigh or reindeer but in a car wrapped in bright holiday lights, zooming around stealing attention instead of presents. While that might bring a smile (or a chuckle) to some holiday fans, under WAC 204-21-230, that car would likely earn the Grinch more than just a frown — it could earn a ticket.

Like the Grinch’s heart that’s “two sizes too small,” the law leaves little room for festive interpretation when it comes to lighting on vehicles. The law prioritizes safety over style — especially on public roads.

If you want to spread holiday cheer while staying compliant, think of decorating a parked vehicle at home, or participating in a permitted parade or holiday event — not driving through Seattle’s streets like a rolling holiday light show.

✅ Practical Advice for Holiday Decorating

  • If you decorate your car, do not drive it on public roads while lights are on.
  • Use holiday lights only when parked — ideally on private property.
  • For public displays or parades, check with local authorities: permitted events may allow decorative lighting under controlled conditions.
  • Avoid using red, blue, or flashing white lights on personal vehicles — these are reserved for emergency or authorized vehicles.
  • If in doubt, think “would this confuse other drivers or obscure my brake lights or turn signals?” If yes — better to skip it.

If you’ve received a citation or have questions about vehicle‑lighting law in Washington — especially around holiday decorating — it’s important to get legal guidance tailored to your situation.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.

Additional Resources

  • Divulging Telegram Messages Under Washington LawExplore how Washington courts handle the privacy of Telegram messages in legal proceedings.https://blanfordlaw.com/divulging-telegram-law/RCW 18.185.005 Overview: Private Investigator Licensing in WAA summary of Washington’s legal definition and licensing framework for private investigators.https://blanfordlaw.com/rcw-18-185-005-overview/Washington Lawyer Evaluations: Understanding RPC 2.3Learn how Washington attorneys can provide evaluations of clients under Rule of Professional Conduct 2.3.https://blanfordlaw.com/washington-lawyer-evaluation-rpc-2-3/WAC 308-19-315: Real Estate Prelicense Education RequirementsCovers the mandatory study requirements for real estate licensing in Washington State.https://blanfordlaw.com/prelicense-study-guide-wac-308-19-315/Puyallup Jail Visitation Rules and RightsUnderstand visitation policies, rights, and legal considerations at the Puyallup City Jail.https://blanfordlaw.com/puyallup-jail-visitation/