Undercar Neons Legal in Ohio?
I have been going through the Ohio Codes extensively and I don't think that neons underneath your car are illegal here. Might take some convincing of some very prejudice cops but here are some quotes that I have found supporting my theory:
"§ 4513.17 Number of lights permitted; direction of beam; flashing, oscillating or rotating lights.
Text of Statute
(A) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlights also is equipped with any auxiliary lights or spotlight or any other light on the front thereof projecting a beam of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power, not more than a total of five of any such lights on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when the vehicle is upon a highway.
(B) Any lighted light or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than headlights, spotlights, signal lights, or auxiliary driving lights, that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power, shall be so directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle. "
Also here is a reply to a question posed to the Ohio State Highway patrol:
"What colors and types (under body, in-car, etc.) of neon lights are legal?
Lights must not rotate, oscillate, or flash, but state law does not prohibit the use of colored neon lights under your car as long as they do not interfere or blind other drivers.
Ohio Revised Code, section 4513.17 prohibits flashing lights on motor vehicles with the exception of emergency vehicles, turn signals, and hazard flashers.
As long as the neon lights are less than 300 candle power they are not in violation of any State law. If the lights are more than 300 candle power they must be directed to strike the pavement the vehicle sets upon at a distance of no more than 75 feet. The lights can not exceed 500 candle power. Colored lights, such as neon lights around a license plate, could be illegal if the light illuminates the plate and changes the colors of the plate. State law requires a white light to illuminate the rear license plate."
I have been severely harrassed by the local cops recently for having a neon license plate frame but it is not in violation according to all text I could find on the subject even the DOT codes. I am in the process of fighting the repair order. Plus I just ordered a set of neons for underneath my car. i have talked with the local highway patrol and they have said that they never pull over anyone for neons unless they are red or blue and on the front of a vehicle.
Just passing on some info...If anyone finds differently please let me know.
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