February 19, 2026 7:24 PM

Christmas Lights on your Vehicle Bring Cheer… but it’s Illegal

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Christmas lights on cars and trucks have been spotted throughout Southern California this time of the year, but driving with the lights on raises legal questions.

The answer is its illegal and California Highway Patrol will get you, and could be ticketed if those lights are on.

I totally understand people want to be festive and share their holiday spirit but there’s so many distractions already out on the roadway add Christmas light shouldn’t be one of them.

But it’s illegal to drive non-emergency vehicles covered with multi-colored lights, according to the California Highway Patrol. Section 25252 of the California Vehicle Code, which says “red lights” in the front are for emergency vehicles only. According to the CHP, non-emergency vehicles can only display a white or amber light on the front. White Christmas lights are okay or just take out the red and blue lights.

Driving with holiday lights is illegal in most states, according to various sources.

When is it OK to cover your car with holiday lights you ask?

Multi-colored lights on vehicles are allowed in parades and on private property, the CHP said.

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Cajon Pass
7:24 pm, Feb 19, 2026
temperature icon 37°F
overcast clouds
Humidity: 81 %
Pressure: 1007 mb
Wind: 6 mph
Wind Gust: 12 mph
Clouds: 99%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:30 am
Sunset: 5:36 pm
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