Thinking about adding underglow to your car? Here is what New York law says, and how to run it legally. If you are ready to install, see our RGBIC underglow kit and the step-by-step install guide.

Is Underglow Legal in New York? (2026 Guide)

Two rules are nearly universal across the US: no red light shown to the front and no blue underglow (both are reserved for emergency vehicles), and no flashing, rotating, or strobing lights while driving. Beyond that, states differ. Here is how New York handles it.

Underglow rules in New York

• Colors: Only white is permitted for aftermarket and underbody lighting. Other colors, including red, blue, green, and amber, are prohibited.
• No flashing: No rotating, flashing, oscillating, or moving lights.
• Driving vs parked: The white-only, no-flashing rule governs on-road use. Non-compliant lighting is typically cited as a violation requiring removal plus a fine.
• Bottom line: New York is one of the strictest states, if you want underglow here, plan on white.

Underglow while parked or on private property

These laws generally govern vehicles on a public road or highway, so on genuinely private property, a private parking lot, driveway, car show, or off-road, underglow use is usually far less restricted. It is not a blanket "legal when parked" rule, though. A car parked on a public street is usually still treated as being on the highway, so the color limits (no red or blue to the front) and equipment rules still apply. Red or blue lighting can also trigger separate police-impersonation laws based simply on having or using it, whether or not the car is moving. When in doubt, keep to compliant colors and check your local ordinances.

How to stay legal with underglow in New York

• Keep the lights steady-burning, never flashing, strobing, or rotating.
• Show no red light to the front, and avoid blue entirely.
• Do not mimic emergency-vehicle lighting or obscure your license plate.
• Confirm the current rule below and check locally before driving with it on.

The law

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Article 9, section 375 (colored and flashing lights) is the governing section per legal summaries. The exact subsection was not verified against the official code here. You can read the referenced law here: New York statute.

Ready to install?

Our RGBIC underglow kit lets you dial in any color and keep it steady, and the install guide walks through wiring it to a switched power source. Free shipping on all US orders.

New York Underglow FAQ

What underglow color is legal in New York?
Only white. All other colors are prohibited for aftermarket and underbody lighting.

Can I have colored underglow in New York?
No. Red, blue, green, and amber underglow are not permitted. New York allows white only, with no flashing.

Can I have underglow on while parked in a lot?
On genuinely private property, such as a private lot, driveway, or car show, underglow use is generally far less restricted. On a public street a parked car is usually still treated as being on the highway, so the color rules still apply, avoid red and blue, and check your local ordinances.

Updated July 2026.