Is It Legal to Decorate Your Car With Christmas Lights in Missouri?

I love seeing people go all out for the holidays, even decorating their vehicles with lights, but is it legal?

Can You Legally Decorate Your Car for Christmas in Missouri?

Whether it’s a Jeep, SUV, or a regular-sized car, I love seeing holiday lights on vehicles. It adds a little extra fun when driving around town or on the highway. With so many bright, twinkling, and colorful light options, you might wonder: Is it legal to decorate your car with Christmas lights in Missouri?

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Missouri Law on Vehicle Holiday Lights

If you get caught, you could actually receive a ticket. As festive as it is to decorate your car this season, Missouri law makes it illegal. According to Ultra Light Buzz:

“No. These decorative lights typically violate vehicle lighting laws that restrict the colors and types of lights permitted on vehicles.”

There are a few exceptions. If your vehicle is in a parade or parked and on display, go ahead and decorate to your heart’s content. But if your car is moving, outside of a parade, the lights cannot be on.

Safety Concerns of Decorative Lights

These lights can be distracting not only to you but to other drivers, creating a safety hazard. Even if your intentions are purely festive, it’s illegal to drive a decorated vehicle in Missouri.

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I know it doesn’t seem fair, but there’s a silver lining: upcoming parades in the Tri-State area will feature lots of beautifully decorated cars and trucks. It might only be for a short time, but at least you can enjoy the holiday lights without risking a ticket.