Thinking about underglow for your car in Vermont? Here is what the law says, and how to run it legally. Ready to install? See our RGBIC underglow kit and the install guide.

Is Underglow Legal in Vermont? (2026 Guide)

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

Underglow rules in Vermont

• Colors: No red, blue, or amber underglow. The license plate must be lit white.
• Brightness: Aftermarket lights face a low candlepower limit, and excessively bright lighting can fail state inspection.
• Driving vs parked: Usable while driving only within the color and brightness limits.

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 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) still apply, and red or blue lighting can trigger separate police-impersonation laws regardless of whether the car is moving. Keep to compliant colors and check your local ordinances.

How to stay legal with underglow in Vermont

• 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

Vermont Statutes Title 23, Chapter 13 (operation of vehicles, equipment and lighting), including sections 1243 and 1252. You can read the referenced law here: Vermont statute.

Ready to install?

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

Vermont Underglow FAQ

Is underglow legal in Vermont?
Underglow is legal with restrictions, and tight color and brightness limits can affect state inspection. Keep the lights steady, show no red to the front, and avoid blue.

What underglow colors are illegal in Vermont?
No red, blue, or amber underglow, and aftermarket lights face a low brightness cap. Flashing or strobing of any color is not allowed.

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.