Underglow is an example of an illegal product in the State of California. Underglows are lighting upgrade kits that turn your car into a night-time eyesore. They usually consist of a series of colored LEDs, which can be placed underneath your car’s headlights. The underflow is mostly used to give a customized look to the vehicle. However, many people use them as unapproved auxiliary lamps. If you live in or frequently visit the state of California, you’ve probably heard about this topic too. Keep reading to know what you need to know about this issue and what your legal rights are as well.
Is Underglow Illegal In California?
Underglow is not currently illegal in California, however, it may be considered a “light-emitting device” or “lantern” under the state’s law, depending on the type and size of the device. If you have any questions about whether or not your Underglow product is compliant with California law, please feel free to reach out to one of our attorneys at Zuckerman Law Group. We would be happy to review your product and advise you on any potential legal issues.
Underglow Illegal In California?
1. Discover the truth about underflow and underflow lights in California. Underglow is not illegal in California, but it does require a license from the DMV.
2. Underglow may be legal in your state but it requires a specific license from your DMV office. It’s important to ask yourself if you really need this type of light kit before you invest money into one because they can become very expensive! If you have any questions about whether or not your Underglow product is compliant with California law, please feel free to reach out to one of our attorneys at Zuckerman Law Group. We would be happy to review your product and advise you on any potential legal issues. Thank you for your question!
3. Underglow is an example of an illegal product in the State of California. Underglows are lighting upgrade kits that turn your car into a night-time eyesore. They usually consist of a series of colored LEDs, which can be placed underneath your car’s headlights. The underflow is mostly used to give a customized look to the vehicle. However, many people use them as unapproved auxiliary lamps. If you live in or frequently visit the state of California, you’ve probably heard about this topic too. Keep reading to know what you need to know about this issue and what your legal rights are as well.
Legal Rights Of A Consumer In California
1. The legal rights of a consumer in California are outlined in the California Vehicle Code. Section 22511 states that it is illegal to sell, install, or use any auxiliary lamp that has not been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Also, it’s illegal to sell any replacement parts for an approved auxiliary lamp that are intended to be used with the lamp.
2. If you misuse your underglow, you can be held liable for violating California Vehicle Code section 22511. If law enforcement officers identify your product as an illegal auxiliary lamp and you fail to stop using it after receiving a citation, then you could face a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
3. There are many ways that you can legally use your underglow. If you have an approved auxiliary lamp and want to install it on your vehicle, then you may do so without giving up your right to use underglow in California. However, if the bulbs on your underglow contain LEDs and/or are color changing lights, then they are not legal for use. If there is no external switch on the side of your light kit that turns them on and off, then it’s most likely not underglow either! If there is no external switch on the side of your light kit that turns them on and off but they do contain LEDs and/or are color changing lights, then they are not legal for use.
4. If you have a question about underglow, please feel free to reach out to us at Zuckerman Law Group . We would be happy to review your product and advise you on any potential legal issues.
Why Is Underglow Illegal?
The legal basis for prohibiting underglow is the California Vehicle Code section 22511. This section states that it is illegal to sell, install, or use any auxiliary lamp that has not been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Also, it’s illegal to sell any replacement parts for an approved auxiliary lamp that are intended to be used with the lamp.
What is an “Approved Auxiliary Lamp”?
An “approved auxiliary lamp” is defined as an auxiliary lamp that has been determined by the DMV in writing to be acceptable for use on a vehicle and which complies with all applicable federal and state laws governing lamps and lighting equipment. An “approved auxiliary lamp” includes any lighted device installed on a vehicle which is intended to illuminate the roadway ahead of an approaching vehicle so as to increase its visibility or otherwise increase driver visibility; but does not include any lighted device which emits only non-directional flashing, oscillating, rotating, or pulsating white light visible for at least 500 feet upon exposure to sunlight when viewed from directly in front of the vehicle upon a level road surface free from highway traffic.
Why Does Underglow Violate California Law?
- Underglow is illegal because it does not comply with the requirements for “approved auxiliary lamps.” Section 22511(a) of the California Vehicle Code states that it is illegal for a person to install, use, or sell any auxiliary lamp which has not been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Next, Section 22511(c) of the Vehicle Code states that it is illegal for a person to sell any replacement lamp or parts for an approved lamp which are intended to be used with the lamp.
- Use a mark or designation which is likely to cause confusion as to source or origin of goods and services. Use a mark or designation which is likely to cause confusion as to affiliation, connection, or association with persons, firms, corporations, or other entities. Use a false description of fact about goods and services. Falsely represent that goods are original when they are not.
- Unfair Competition Law Violation – Underglow Products Are Not Original Underglow products may also violate California’s Unfair Competition Law if they falsely claim that they have been “made in the USA” when they have not been made in the United States. In order for an item to be considered “Made in USA” it must be manufactured entirely within the United States and all components of the product must be manufactured within the United States except for minor components such as screws used in assembly.
Conclusion
Underglow is illegal in California. It is considered as an unapproved auxiliary lamp, and the law prohibits the installation of any auxiliary lamp, which has not been approved by the California state. Hence, underglow is illegal in the state. Underglow is mainly used as an aesthetic item. Many customers use it to increase the visibility of their car at night. However, underglow is considered as an unapproved auxiliary lamp, and it is illegal in the state of California. Hence, you should never use an illegal product.
