Is it Illegal to Put Christmas Lights on Your Car in Louisiana?

Shreveport looks extra festive this year! It has officially started, we're seeing those cute reindeer antlers and the big red nose on cars, a fun way to share some holiday cheer with our fellow merry neighbors. Have you spotted the vehicles totally decked out in Christmas lights yet?

I will forever remember thinking I was about to get pulled over when I saw flashing red and white lights in my rearview mirror, only to realize the car behind me was just a regular vehicle, merry and bright, covered in Christmas lights. It begs the question every year: Is that even legal in Louisiana?

Although you may feel like spreading maximum holiday joy through colorful lights, can you end up with a hefty ticket from Caddo Parish or Bossier City law enforcement?

The Legal Loophole and the Officer's Discretion

The tricky part about decorating your vehicle in North Louisiana is that the Louisiana Revised Statutes don't explicitly mention "Christmas lights" or "reindeer noses." Since there isn't an outright ban, does this mean we can cover our cars in all the beautiful lights possible?

Not exactly. The laws governing vehicle lighting focus on general restrictions that holiday decorations often violate:

No Flashing Lights (LA Rev Stat § 32:327): This is the biggest hurdle. Flashing, revolving, or alternating lights are strictly prohibited for ordinary vehicles because they mimic the lighting reserved for authorized emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance, etc.). Even if your lights flash green and yellow, it can still lead to a stop.

Color Restrictions (LA Rev Stat § 32:327): This is critical, especially in the front. Red lights visible from the front of your car are generally banned for civilian vehicles. Likewise, blue lights are reserved strictly for law enforcement. If you have multi-colored strings that show red or blue toward the front, you're giving an officer a clear reason to pull you over.

Obscuring Plates or Required Lamps (LA Rev Stat § 32:333): Anything, lights, wreaths, snowmen, that obscures your required tail lights, brake lights, headlights, or especially your license plate is explicitly banned.

The Bottom Line for Shreveport Drivers

While there's no law titled "The Christmas Light Ban," the final decision often comes down to an officer's discretion and whether your festive vehicle creates a hazard.

According to legal interpretations of state laws:

The most common reason for a ticket is distraction or confusion. If your lights are so bright, numerous, or flashing that they distract other drivers on the I-20 or confuse them about whether you are a police car or an emergency vehicle, you can and likely will be pulled over.

To stay on the "nice" list this year and avoid the traffic stop, follow these unwritten rules when decorating your car:

Keep it Steady: Absolutely no flashing or strobing lights.

Avoid Red and Blue: Don't have red or blue lights visible from the front of your vehicle. Stick to white or amber lights in the front.

Don't Block the Essentials: Ensure your decorations don't cover your headlights, turn signals, brake lights, or license plate.

Common Sense: If you think your lights are distracting or blinding, turn them off while driving, or keep them to a minimum.

Want to guarantee you don't get a ticket? Save the extravagant, flashing displays for your house.