Is it legal in Texas to decorate your car with Christmas lights?
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the thick of the holiday season, it's not unusual to see the occasional car donning a bright red nose or reindeer antlers. But what about a vehicle completely decked out in Christmas lights?
Yes, you read that right. Some Texans are jumping on a viral trend of attaching glittering, flashing holiday lights to their vehicles.
Is that festive? Beyond. But is it illegal? We brought that question to the Austin Police Department.
Unsurprisingly, the Texas Transportation Code doesn't have a subsection for flashy TikTok trends. However, it does stipulate ways these holiday decorations could violate state law.
The lights can run the risk of obstructing the driver's view, leading to safety hazards, an APD spokesperson said. Flashing lights on vehicles that aren't affiliated with law enforcement, first responders or maintenance and construction workers violate the Texas Transportation Code.
"Based on this, small lights are typically fine, but larger lights could obstruct the view of other drivers," the spokesperson added. "Flashing lights are not allowed. Any lights/decorations that cover windows, license plates, brake lights, turn signals, etc. could also be in violation."
Beyond code violations, APD also cautioned the personal safety risks that could come from indulging in the trend. Lights fastened to vehicles could get caught in tires, steering wheels and other parts of the vehicle and lead to unsafe conditions.
"If you are driving a vehicle that is decorated and you get into an accident, those decorations/lights could be contributing factors in a crash report," the spokesperson said.
So, not to be the Grinch who stole Christmas, but some decorations are best kept indoors -- or, at least, not near your tires or an exhaust pipe.