California CHP Reminds Drivers: Holiday Lights Prohibited on Vehicles

December 21, 2024 TruthUSA

The state of California has regulations that prohibit drivers from adorning their vehicles with holiday lights.

While attaching festive lights to cars may enhance the holiday spirit for some drivers, such practices are against the law in California, as highlighted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

According to CHP Officer Sergio Moreno, most drivers follow the regulations, but a few have taken to decorating their vehicles with holiday lights while on the road.

“It creates confusion among motorists,” Moreno shared with The Epoch Times.

He pointed out that other drivers might be misled by the lights, assuming they are associated with an emergency vehicle and pulling to the side of the road.

Recently, two motorists in Madera County, located about 22 miles northeast of Fresno, California, were stopped and reminded of these state laws, as reported by the CHP on Facebook on December 11.

“Both vehicles were showcasing their festive light displays while driving, which caught the attention of the Grinch (CHP),” the agency noted.

According to California Vehicle Code 25252, only emergency vehicles are permitted to use a steady burning red warning light that can be seen from the front.

CHP noted that while colorful lights are permitted on private property and during parades, they are not allowed on the roadways.

Officer Moreno stated that typically, officers encounter holiday lights on vehicles when they are off the road.

“Generally, most drivers tend to use common sense and don’t activate [holiday lights] while in motion,” he remarked.

Holiday lights on vehicles are not permitted in California, as reiterated by the California Highway Patrol in Madera County, California, on Dec. 20. (California Highway Patrol) — Holiday lights on vehicles are not permitted in California, as reiterated by the California Highway Patrol in Madera County, California, on Dec. 20. California Highway Patrol

Warnings for the Holiday Season

Another law enforcement agency in California aims to conduct impaired driving enforcement measures this weekend.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced on December 20 a continuous campaign for sober driving starting in Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Canyon Lake that commenced on December 11 and will run until New Year’s Day.

The Sheriff’s Lake Elsinore station is set to have extra officers on patrol searching for potentially intoxicated drivers.

“During the holiday season, families and friends gather to celebrate, and our aim is to ensure everyone returns home safely,” Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Keyser stated on Friday. “Impaired driving is not only hazardous; it is illegal.”

The sheriff’s department has urged residents to be responsible and plan in advance by arranging for a ride or appointing a sober driver.

It’s important to note that impaired driving can occur not only from alcohol but also from prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, marijuana, and other substances that can impair judgment.

Additionally, Riverside County is set to hold another driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement operation in Palm Desert, approximately 20 miles south of Palm Springs, this Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., as the department announced on December 19.

Drivers facing a first-time DUI charge may incur an average cost of $13,500 in fines and penalties along with a suspended license, according to department officials.

“Impaired driving is preventable,” Deputy Paul Abrego stated. “It’s a matter of choice. If you’ve been drinking or using drugs that impair your ability to drive, please make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternative transport.”

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