CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Paint jobs, spoilers, decals and car wraps are all ways car enthusiasts personalize their vehicles. However, some people are asking how far they can go with their customization.
One person on Reddit asked if they could change the color of their headlights to blue or purple.
THE QUESTION
Is it legal in North Carolina to have headlights that aren’t the standard color?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, it's illegal to have colored headlights in North Carolina.
WHAT WE FOUND
A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Transportation told WCNC Charlotte that there is no official statute on the books in North Carolina regarding headlight colors on motor vehicles.
However, all states have to abide by the headlights standard set by the federal code by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. According to Motor Vehicle Standard No. 108, which pertains to headlights, lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment may only be white or yellow.
If they’re not, you won’t pass inspection in North Carolina.
And listen up drivers, not only are you not allowed to change the color of your headlights, but you also have to be aware of how bright they are.
North Carolina law says all cars must have headlights bright enough to illuminate 200 feet in front of the vehicle. However, when using high beams, the driver must dim, tilt, or reflect their lights if another car is within 200 feet. Failure to do so could result in a $10 fine.
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