What Is Neon Underglow?

What is Neon Underglow?

When first hearing this term, some may think it’s a hazardous byproduct from a large, brightly lit storefront, but that is not the case at all. Neon underglow can be purchased in a lighting kit for anywhere from $50 to $300. It is installed on the undercarriage of a vehicle and designed to produce a neon effect on the pavement under the car. Sold in a variety of colors (some illegal), the neon tubes are mounted out of sight and positioned to cast a glow both under and to the sides of the car. Many think it gives the car an image of floating on the lights.

What Are the Benefits?

There are no practical benefits to installing neon underglow on your car. The lights don’t help the driver see better in the fog or pouring rain; they are purchased for aesthetic purposes only. Owners, usually drivers in their 20s, believe the underbody glow effect makes their rides look cool, and proudly display their neon in parking lots as they cruise. Some drivers even take the risk and light up their neon while driving down public streets, often at the risk of being cited.

Link to the Car Stereo

As if illuminating the pavement under the car with an eerie glow were not enough, innovative owners have figured out how to wire neon underglow to their car stereo so the light flashes in tune with the music, usually the bass. Using this feature, however, should likely be kept to the confines of a parking lot, as flashing lights of any color will probably attract the quick attention not only of other drivers, but of the local police.

Legal or Not?

All 50 states have laws pertaining to vehicle lighting. The height and altitude of headlights, minimum and maximum height from the pavement for taillights, even mandatory rear license plate lights are all regulated by statute in each state. But all of these laws are considered nonmoving violations and many drivers view them as petty “fix-it” tickets. Twenty law enforcement agencies across the country said they consider the use of the Neon Underglow illegal.

Dangerous Results

Even in states where neon underglow is considered legal, or is just overlooked by the cops, keep in mind that the glow projected on the pavement from these lights can be a dangerous distraction for other drivers. For those who wish to invest in this lighting system, it would be best to enjoy the glow only while on private property.

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