Is Underglow Illegal in Colorado?

If you’re thinking about adding underglow lights to your car in Colorado, you’re probably asking one simple question: Is underglow illegal here or not?

The short answer is no, underglow is not completely illegal in Colorado.

But and this part really matters it is heavily restricted. If you don’t follow the rules, you can still be stopped, fined, or asked to remove the lights.

This guide explains everything you need to know in plain English, so you can decide whether underglow is worth it and how to use it safely and legally.

What Is Underglow?

Underglow (also called underbody or neon lighting) is a set of LED or neon lights installed underneath your vehicle. These lights shine onto the ground beneath your car and create a glowing effect.

Many drivers use underglow to:

Customize their car
Make it stand out at car meets
Improve visibility at night

Some kits allow you to change colors, adjust brightness, or add flashing patterns. And that’s where legal problems usually begin.

Why Does Colorado Regulate Underglow?

Colorado’s vehicle lighting laws are designed to keep roads safe. The biggest concerns are:

Drivers getting distracted by bright or flashing lights
Confusion with emergency vehicles
Reduced visibility for other drivers

If another driver mistakes your car for a police or emergency vehicle, it can cause sudden braking, unsafe lane changes, or panic. That’s why certain colors and lighting styles are restricted.

Is Underglow Legal in Colorado?

Yes — underglow itself is not banned statewide. However, how you use it determines whether it’s legal or not.

Colorado law focuses on:

Color
Flashing or blinking
Brightness
Where the lights are visible from

If your underglow violates any of these rules, you can be ticketed.

Underglow Colors That Are NOT Allowed

Red and Blue Lights

You should never use red or blue underglow while driving on public roads.

These colors are reserved for:

Police vehicles
Ambulances
Fire trucks
Other emergency responders

If your underglow shows red or blue—especially from the front—you risk being accused of impersonating an emergency vehicle, which is a serious offense.

Green Lights

Green underglow is also risky. In many situations, green can be confused with traffic signals or special service vehicles. While not always clearly stated, it’s best to avoid green on public roads in Colorado.

Safer Underglow Colors in Colorado

White and Amber

White and amber lights are generally considered the safest options.

These colors are commonly allowed for:

Front-facing vehicle lights
Side marker lights

If you want underglow that attracts the least attention from law enforcement, stick with steady white or amber lighting.

Flashing, Blinking, or Strobing Lights

This is one of the fastest ways to get pulled over.

In Colorado:

Flashing lights are typically associated with emergency vehicles
Blinking or strobing underglow is considered distracting
Color-changing effects can accidentally display illegal colors

Rule of thumb: If your underglow flashes, blinks, strobes, or cycles colors while you’re driving, it’s probably illegal.

Brightness and Visibility Rules

Even if your underglow color is legal, it can still be a problem if it’s too bright.

You may be cited if your lights:

Shine directly into other drivers’ eyes
Reflect strongly off the road
Create glare or visual distraction

There is no single brightness number written for underglow, but officers can still stop you if they believe your lights create a hazard.

If it looks distracting from a distance, it’s too bright.

Front vs Rear Visibility Matters

Where your underglow is visible from is very important.

Front of the vehicle: Should not display red or blue
Rear of the vehicle: Should not display white or blue
Sides: Should not display emergency-style colors

If your underglow spills light in directions it shouldn’t, you increase your risk of a ticket.

Can You Use Underglow While Parked?

Yes, parking makes a big difference.

Using underglow:

At car shows
In private parking lots
In your driveway

is usually safer than using it while driving on public roads.

However, you still need to be careful of:

HOA rules
Apartment regulations
Local nuisance laws

If your lights bother neighbors or violate community rules, you could still face complaints or fines.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over?

If an officer believes your underglow violates Colorado law, a few things can happen:

Fix-It Ticket

Often, you’ll receive a “fix-it” ticket. This means:

You remove or modify the lights
You provide proof
The ticket may be dismissed

Fine

If it’s treated as a standard equipment violation, you may have to pay a fine. These are usually non-moving violations, which means they typically do not affect your driving record or insurance.

Court Appearance

If you believe the ticket is unfair, you can contest it in court. A lawyer isn’t always required, but legal advice can help in complex cases.

Will Underglow Affect Your Insurance?

In most cases, no.

Underglow tickets are usually considered non-moving violations, similar to a broken taillight or expired registration sticker. Insurance companies generally care more about moving violations like speeding or reckless driving.

Practical Tips to Stay Legal in Colorado

If you want underglow and want to avoid problems, follow these tips:

Use white or amber lighting only
Keep lights steady, not flashing
Avoid red, blue, and green colors
Lower the brightness
Turn off underglow while driving if unsure
Use underglow mainly when parked
Check local city rules before installing