Holiday Lights Not Allowed on California Cars, CHP Reminds Motorists

California Highway Patrol officers in Madera County, California, pulled over two drivers this month to remind them adding holiday lights to cars is illegal in the state. California Highway Patrol

Adding holiday lights to vehicles might bring some drivers extra cheer this time of year, but they are illegal in California, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding the public.

Most motorists adhere to the rules, but some have added holiday lights to their cars while driving, said CHP Officer Sergio Moreno.

“It confuses motorists,” Moreno told The Epoch Times.

Motorists might see the lights and pull over to the side of the road, believing the lights belong to an emergency vehicle, he added.

Two drivers in Madera County, about 22 miles northeast of Fresno, California, were stopped and reminded of the state restrictions, the CHP posted on Facebook Dec. 11.

“Both vehicles were displaying their festive light decorations while operating in the roadway, which got the attention of the Grinch (CHP),” the agency wrote.

Only emergency vehicles are authorized to display a steady burning red warning lamp visible from the front, according to the California Vehicle Code 25252.

Multi-colored lights on vehicles are allowed on private property and in parades, the CHP said.

Officers mostly see the lights on cars when they are off the roadway, according to Moreno.

“For the most part, most of the motorists tend to practice common sense and don’t activate [holiday lights] while they’re driving,” Moreno said.

Adding holiday lights to cars in California is off. limits, the California Highway Patrol in Madera County, California, said Dec. 20. California Highway Patrol

Holiday Season Warnings

Another California law enforcement agency planned to hold impaired driving enforcement activities this weekend.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced Dec. 20 an ongoing sober driving campaign in the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Canyon Lake that began Dec. 11 and will end on New Year’s Day.

The sheriff’s Lake Elsinore station planned to have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“During the holiday season, we see families and loved ones coming together to celebrate, and our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely,” Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Keyser said in a statement Friday. “Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal.”

The sheriff’s department urged people to act responsibly and plan ahead by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver.

Impaired drivers can also be stopped for driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, marijuana use, and other drugs that can cause impairment.

Riverside County also planned to host a driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement operation in Palm Desert, located about 20 miles south of Palm Springs, Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., the department announced Dec. 19.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, said the department.

“Impaired driving is preventable,” Deputy Paul Abrego said in a statement. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or consuming drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”