As the holiday season kicks off, many drivers in Texas are decorating their vehicles with everything from antlers and red noses to colorful Christmas lights, creating festive displays on the road.
But what seems like a fun way to spread holiday cheer could actually violate the Texas Transportation Code, leaving some drivers to reconsider their seasonal decorations.
Is it legal to have Christmas lights on cars in Texas?
While Texas doesn’t have a specific law prohibiting Christmas lights on cars, they could still violate the Texas Transportation Code for other reasons.
Although there are no laws directly addressing holiday lights, adjacent regulations may apply, such as those concerning obstruction of view, safety hazards and the use of flashing lights, which are reserved for law enforcement, first responders and certain vehicles like maintenance or construction trucks.
Based on these regulations, small lights are generally fine, but larger ones could obstruct the view of other drivers. Flashing lights, in particular, are not allowed.
Additionally, any decorations that block your view — such as covering windows, license plates, or essential vehicle features like brake lights and turn signals — could lead to violations.
Beyond legal concerns, there are safety risks as well. Lights or ornaments that become tangled in the tires, steering wheel, or other parts of the vehicle could create hazardous conditions, impairing your ability to drive and increasing the risk of accidents.
Decorations can also damage your car. Strong winds and high speeds may cause lights or ornaments to scratch the paint or crack other parts, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Is it legal to have Christmas lights on your car? What Texas law says