Hey Michigan: Save The Christmas Lights For Your Tree, Not Your Car

Besides the chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, the other best part of this time of year is the holiday decor. Whether it's in your neighborhood or Downtown Grand Rapids, everywhere is dazzling with all the lights on the trees and the buildings. As the classic song goes, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

However, there is one place where your Christmas lights should not be put up, no matter how cool they look. That place is on your car.

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"But I'm Just Getting In The Holiday Spirit"

Okay, I'll be the first to say that I do love a well-decorated car. When you're driving around town and see a car with little antlers and a Rudolph red nose, I can't help but smile. It's spreading the "Christmas cheer" in a harmless and fun way.

However, what isn't harmless and is actually illegal is putting lights up all over your car and driving around like a mobile Christmas tree. Sure, it looks cool, but it also creates a potential driving hazard.

Per Michigan's legislature, Section 257.698:

4) A vehicle operated on the highways of this state must not be equipped with a lamp or a part designed to be a reflector...

Cars with lights on them are reserved for specific vehicles like police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. Plus, having a car that's lit up can make seeing turn and brake lights more difficult. 

Rules about interior lights are a little more flexible. Many cars these days come with some kind of accent lighting on the inside i.e. dashboard or door lights. As long as they are not bright enough to impair the driver of your car or another, they are generally allowed. But be weary that this could lead to a traffic stop.

READ MORE: Michigan Law Says: Clear the Snow Off Your Car or Get Fined |

The loophole in this law is that it is okay to have the lights on your car as long as the lights themselves are not turned on while you're driving. Which I know defeats the purpose, but if you're looking to have your car be the coolest (and brightest!) parked car in Michigan, well that is perfectly okay.