What To Know Before Installing Underglow Lighting in Ohio

Underglow lighting offers Ohio vehicle owners a popular way to personalize their cars, trucks, or SUVs. Drivers exploring custom upgrades or searching for Columbus automotive services often ask about the legal side of accent lighting before scheduling an installation. When Ohioans decide to add glow effects under their vehicles, they must understand both the state’s rules and the practical details. Before installing underbody lights, drivers should examine Ohio laws, technical requirements, and safety considerations to ensure their customizations stay compliant and look great.

Ohio Laws Governing Underglow Lights

Ohio allows underglow or neon accent lights on vehicles, but imposes specific restrictions. Rule 4501:2-1-09 of the Ohio Administrative Code establishes general vehicle lighting standards. Under that rule:

• No vehicle shall have lights mounted on the front that are any color other than white or amber, except for proper turn signals, warning lamps, or back-up lights.
• At the rear, lights (excluding required lamps like tail, brake, turn, reverse) generally must be red; again, with exceptions for approved auxiliary lighting.

Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.17 limits flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights on motor vehicles. Such lights are prohibited except where required by law (e.g., emergency vehicles, road service, hazard conditions). 

Local city or county ordinances may impose additional constraints. For example, some Ohio jurisdictions require that neon underglow lights:

• “Remain covered and unlit on public roads” if they are not in use. 
• Do not use colors or lighting that might mislead or distract other drivers.

What Is Allowed and What Is Not

Based on state law and common local interpretations, here is what underglow installers can and cannot do in Ohio:

Allowed:

• Installing underbody LED or neon lighting in any color, including red or blue. Ohio does not ban any particular color for underglow in general usage. 
• Using colored accent lighting under the vehicle or along non-primary lighting surfaces, provided it does not interfere with legally required lighting or blind other drivers. Installing lights that are sufficiently dim or directed such that they do not exceed certain power or brightness thresholds (e.g., 300 candlepower in many local interpretations). 

Not allowed or restricted:

• Flashing, rotating, or oscillating underglow is illegal unless the vehicle is performing its duties as an emergency, safety, or permitted service vehicle. 
• Lights on the front of the vehicle must be only white or amber (outside of standard signals or lamps).
• License plate illumination must be white. Colored lighting cannot replace or alter the required white license plate light.

Technical and Practical Considerations

Beyond the legal side, Ohio vehicle owners should plan carefully before installing underglow lighting:

• Brightness limitations. Lights over a certain luminous intensity (often around 300 candlepower) might run afoul of state or local laws. Exceeding brightness thresholds may also cause glare or distract other motorists.
• Proper aim and placement. Lights should illuminate underbody surfaces or pavement immediately beneath the vehicle, rather than shining outward into other drivers’ eyes. Installing hidden mounts, shields, or directional LEDs helps maintain compliance and reduce glare.
• Wiring, durability, and waterproofing. Underglow lighting systems face exposure to water, road debris, salt, and vibration. Using automotive-grade wiring, weatherproof connectors, and sealed LED strips is essential.
• Electrical load and installation quality. Proper fuses, power supplies, and installations ensure that underglow lighting does not overload a vehicle’s electrical system or cause shorts or failures. The same wiring and waterproofing best practices used for interior lighting upgrades apply to underglow kits, so professional installation can help prevent shorts or damage.

Why Compliance Matters

Ohio classifies many violations of lighting laws as minor misdemeanors. While such offenses typically incur small fines, repeated infractions or serious interference with road safety can lead to more severe penalties.

Staying within the law not only avoids fines but also ensures safety for drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement. A well-installed underglow system enhances visibility and aesthetics without becoming a distraction.

Summary

Before adding underglow lighting to a vehicle in Ohio, drivers should take time to understand both state and local rules. Ohio law permits accent lighting under the car, but it restricts flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights and limits the colors that can shine from the front of the vehicle to white or amber. License plate lights must remain white, and many cities also set brightness limits or require that underglow be hidden from direct view. Careful installation, utilizing waterproof components, proper wiring, and downward-facing LEDs, ensures the system remains safe and compliant.

For anyone who prefers professional help, Pickups Plus Cars’ Lewis Center location offers expert installation and custom automotive solutions. Their team can recommend high-quality equipment, handle wiring and waterproofing, and ensure every underglow upgrade meets Ohio’s requirements. By choosing a trusted shop like Pickups Plus Cars and following these legal and technical guidelines, Ohio motorists can enjoy the bold, custom look of underglow lighting while avoiding fines and enhancing road safety.