It depends on where you live. In some areas, blue headlights on cars are illegal because they appear too bright and can cause glare when seen in the rearview mirror of other vehicles. In other areas, they are legal, but they cannot be modified in any way (for example, increasing the intensity).
In most of the United States, it is illegal to use headlights in a bluish-white color. Federal regulations require all headlights on road-legal vehicles to be either white or yellow in color. The regulation does not specifically prohibit blue headlights, however installation of blue headlights on a vehicle can lead to citations for tampering with required lighting and illegal alteration of lighting equipment.
Additionally, several states have outlawed the installation of blue and other colored headlights on vehicles that are registered within the state due to safety concerns.
Why do people put blue headlights on their car?
People put blue headlights on their cars for several reasons. Many people think they look better aesthetically, adding a unique touch to the look of their car. Additionally, blue headlights are often brighter than standard lights, allowing drivers to have improved visibility in darker conditions.
Blue headlights also have a strong performance and reliability, making them an attractive option for drivers who want to upgrade their existing headlights. Finally, many drivers believe that blue headlights have a more powerful and stylish look, making them stand out from other cars on the road.
That said, blue headlights are illegal in some states, so it’s important to be aware of your local laws before embarking on your journey with them.
Can you have colored headlights on your car?
Yes, you can have colored headlights on your car. Most headlights are white, but you can purchase aftermarket headlights with different colors, such as blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple. You must take some precautions when purchasing and installing colored headlights, as some tinted headlights are illegal in some states.
Additionally, if you are replacing headlight bulbs, you must verify that the wattage of the replacement bulbs is not greater than what is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You should also make sure that headlights of any color are properly aimed and adjusted.
Finally, you should always make sure that any colored headlights meet, or exceed, all applicable safety and lighting standards.
What colors can my headlights be?
The colors that you can get for your headlights typically range from shades of white, yellow and blue. The most popular colors for headlights are white and yellow as these colors are seen to create the most effective visibility when driving at night.
Some also opt for blue headlights as these offer a unique look to the car and make it stand out more. However, it is important to note that some states restrict the use of certain colors for headlights due to safety concerns.
Before replacing your original headlights, be sure to check and understand your local laws about the use of colored headlights so that you can remain compliant.
Can LED headlights be blue?
Yes, LED headlights can be blue. In some countries, blue headlights are even allowed on roads. However, blue headlights are not designed for normal driving and should only be used for off-road or show use.
While the light does not impair other drivers’ vision, blue lights can be misconstrued as emergency lighting and may cause panic on the roads. Furthermore, adding a blue or colored tint to your headlights is not just an aesthetic change — it can also cause your headlights to produce less lumens, and therefore a diminished safety benefit.
As a result, blue LED headlights may be appealing but should be used only in specific settings.
Is it illegal to have blue lights on cars UK?
No, it is not illegal to have blue lights on cars in the UK. However, the blue lighting must be in accordance with the UK Road Vehicles (Lighting) Regulations 1989 and must not be visible from the front of the vehicle.
It is only legal for emergency services vehicles such as police cars and ambulances to show blue and/or red lighting from both the front and the rear. So, while it is fine to have blue lights fitted to your car, they can only be seen from the rear and they must not be flashing or rotating.
Any alteration to your car lighting should be checked with the Road Traffic Administration before driving.
What colour headlights can you have UK?
In the UK, vehicles must have white or yellow headlights. White headlights produce a higher and whiter light than yellow headlights and are generally preferred for safety reasons. This is because white headlights help drivers better distinguish colours at night and make it easier to see objects in their path.
It is important to note that some vehicles, such as classic cars, may be allowed to have non-standard coloured headlights, such as pink or blue. However, these cases are rare and drivers should consult their local authority before installing any non-standard headlights.
Additionally, drivers should be aware that non-standard coloured headlights may not be legal in the UK and could result in a fine or other penalties.
Are Osram Cool blue legal?
Yes, Osram Cool Blue headlight bulbs are legal, provided you purchase the E-approval version. Osram also offer standard Cool Blue bulbs which are not suitable for road use, so it’s important to make sure you purchase the E-approval version.
The best way to do this is to buy from an approved Osram retailer or buy directly from Osram’s website, as it guarantees that you are purchasing the legally compliant version. The E-approval version of the Cool Blue is specifically designed to be street-legal, providing visibility and clarity while still keeping its ultra-bright, cool blue aesthetic.
Once fitted, the headlight bulbs will provide a bright white light with a hint of blue. This cool blue effect will last for up to 12 months, although road conditions and usage may affect this.
What do purple lights on a car mean?
Purple lights on a car typically indicate a vehicle belonging to law enforcement, emergency services or other government agency. They are used to quickly identify and make other drivers aware of a responding or on-duty vehicle.
Generally speaking, in the United States, traditional sources of law enforcement, like police or sheriff’s cars, typically feature a single, bright white or bluish-white light on the dashboard and a set of two flashing, red and blue lights on the roof.
In some cases, the top lights may be changed to purple or another color to designate a specialized vehicle, such as an undercover squad car, media relations vehicle, or other law enforcement purpose.
Emergency responders, such as paramedics and firefighters, also use purple lights for their vehicles. In addition to identifying a responding vehicle, purple lights can be used to signal an officer or responder in need of assistance.
Why are LED bulbs not road legal?
LED bulbs are not road legal in many countries because they are too bright or too blue in color and can cause intense glare to other drivers, causing potentially dangerous visibility issues on the road.
They may also have limited wide-angle light dispersion, which could make it difficult to see objects on the side of the road. Additionally, many LED bulbs are not certified by a professional testing organization, so they may not meet the standards of a legitimate automotive lighting installation.
In some areas, local laws may outright ban the use of LED bulbs that are too bright or too blue in color.
What headlight bulbs have a blue tint?
Blue tinted headlight bulbs are a popular option for many drivers who want to give their vehicles a distinct look. These bulbs emit a light that is more closely matched to the color of day: it’s a cooler blueish white light that is similar to daylight.
The blue tinted bulbs provide a more modern look, while making it easier to see in dimly lit or foggy conditions. They are also great for distinguishing your ride when driving at night, providing a unique look that will turn heads.
When shopping for these bulbs, there are several different styles, sizes and colors to consider. HID bulbs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a blueish-white tint for a more modern and stylish aesthetic.
LED bulbs also come in a variety of colors and sizes, offering a bright and efficient source of light that are designed to last for years. Ultimately, it’s up to the driver to find the bulb that is best suited for their vehicle and their own preferences.