Headlights are an important safety feature on all vehicles. They allow drivers to see the road ahead clearly at night and in low visibility conditions. While traditional headlights emit white or yellow light, some drivers choose to install colored headlight covers or bulbs that alter the headlight’s color. This raises questions about what colored headlights are legal in different states. In Florida, purple headlights fall into a gray area when it comes to legality. Here’s what drivers need to know about whether purple headlights are allowed in the Sunshine State.
Florida Headlight Laws
Florida follows federal regulations regarding required headlight colors. According to Florida state statute 316.220, headlights must emit white or amber light. Other colors like blue, green, or red are prohibited. The statute does not specifically mention purple headlights. This leaves room for interpretation on whether they are legal or not.
Additionally, Florida requires that headlights must be in proper working condition and aimed correctly. Drivers can be ticketed if their headlights are misaligned, cracked, or too dim. The headlight covers and bulbs must not obstruct the beam or light output. Anything that reduces headlight intensity or effectiveness is likely to attract the attention of law enforcement.
Why Drivers Install Purple Headlights
While purple headlights operate in a legal gray area in Florida, many drivers still choose to install them. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Aesthetics – Purple headlights are a popular automotive accessory used to customize the look of a car.
- Increased visibility – Some drivers believe the unique color helps their vehicle stand out on the road compared to standard white/yellow lights.
- Reduced glare – Purple is thought to create less glare than white light for oncoming traffic.
By using purple bulbs or tinting headlight covers, drivers can alter the appearance and possibly the safety effects of their headlights. But the legality remains questionable.
Are Purple Headlights Street Legal?
Whether purple headlights are street legal in Florida depends on several factors:
Light Brightness
Headlights are required to produce adequate illumination in low light conditions. Purple bulbs or tints could potentially reduce brightness below legal limits, making them prohibited. However, brighter purple bulbs that meet brightness standards may comply with the law.
Material Used
The type of material used to tint headlights purple also impacts legality. Plastic film or transparent tint is more likely to be permitted than opaque paints or coatings that obstruct light output. Reflective chrome or metallic tints usually do not modify light color enough to cause issues.
Law Enforcement Discretion
Currently, the use of purple headlights falls into a legal gray zone. Law enforcement officers have discretion in deciding whether to issue citations for them or not. Some may prohibit them, while others may permit them if they meet brightness and safety standards.
Court Rulings on Purple Headlights
To date, purple headlights have not been directly addressed through Florida court rulings or attorney general opinions. So there is no definitive legal precedent on whether they are allowed or not. However, some related cases can provide insight:
| Case | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Bess v. State of Florida (2018) | Ruled blue headlight covers illegal in Florida |
| Rogers vs. State of Florida (2020) | Ruled red underglow lights illegal in Florida |
Based on these rulings prohibiting blue and red lights, it seems likely a court would also find purple lights in violation of Florida statutes. But until a specific case is brought forth, the legality remains unclear.
Penalties for Using Purple Headlights
If cited for illegal headlights in Florida, some potential penalties include:
- Fine of $30 to $100
- Receiving points on driver’s license
- Required to remove illegal lighting
- Possible license suspension
Fines and points can increase for repeat offenses. Drivers may be required to prove the offending lights have been removed or modified before the vehicle is allowed back on the road.
How to Make Purple Headlights Legal
For drivers who want purple headlights in Florida, there are some steps that can be taken to increase legality:
- Use bulbs and tints that don’t reduce brightness below legal lumen output levels
- Only use transparent or lightly tinted covers instead of opaque coatings
- Aim headlights properly to avoid glare and visibility issues for other motorists
- Make sure headlights are in good working order with no cracks or damage
- Consider installing an amber bulb along with the purple to comply with the white/amber requirement
However, even with these precautions, purple headlights are not guaranteed to be permitted in Florida. The safest legal option is to keep headlights white or amber.
Conclusion
While no laws specifically prohibit purple headlights in Florida, their legality remains questionable. Without legal precedent or attorney general opinions affirming they are allowed, drivers take on a degree of risk using them. To avoid hefty fines, points, or suspension, the safest option is to comply with the state’s white or amber headlight requirement. Drivers seeking a unique headlight appearance may want to consider other options, like smoking out the lens or installing color changing halos around standard headlight bulbs.
