CAN I GET A TICKET FOR HAVING NEON UNDERGLOW LIGHTS ON MY CAR IN MISSOURI?

Nothing turns heads like a car glowing with underbody lights cruising through Kansas City at night. Neon and LED underglow kits have exploded in popularity — but they’ve also caught the attention of Missouri law enforcement.

So, “Can you get a ticket for neon or underglow lights on your car in Missouri?”

Yes — depending on how, where, and what color you use.

Here’s the real talk. Missouri doesn’t completely ban underglow lighting, but it does have strict rules that determine what’s legal and what’s not. If you have been ticketed for neon or underglow lights in Missouri, call Speeding Ticket KC today.

Our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers can help you to understand the law so you don’t make the same mistake twice, but also we can help you keep your record clean and get you back on the road safely.

MISSOURI LAW ON VEHICLE LIGHTING

Missouri law regulates vehicle lighting under RSMo 307.105 and 307.120, and the rules are clear about what kinds of lights are allowed on public roads.

Here’s what’s required and what’s restricted:

• White or amber lights are allowed on the front of the vehicle.
• Red lights are allowed only on the rear of the vehicle.
• Blue lights are strictly reserved for police, emergency, or authorized vehicles.

That means any neon or LED lighting that emits blue or red light visible from the front or sides of your car can get you pulled over and ticketed.

WHEN ARE UNDERGLOW LIGHTS CONSIDERED ILLEGAL IN KANSAS CITY

You’re most likely to get a citation if your underglow:

• Flashes or strobes (these mimic emergency vehicles).
• Emits red or blue light visible from any angle.
• Creates distracting patterns that interfere with other drivers.
• Is visible while driving on public roads or highways.

Even if your lights are white or amber, police can still pull you over if they believe they distract or confuse other drivers.

Missouri officers often cite drivers under defective equipment laws, which can carry fines and add points to your record if not handled properly.

WHEN ARE UNDERGLOW LIGHTING SYSTEMS CONSIDERED LEGAL IN MISSOURI?

If your lights are a single solid color (not red or blue) and are used responsibly, you can usually get away with them in limited situations — for example:

• At car shows, parades, or parked events.
• On private property.
• While the lights are turned off on public roads.

Some enthusiasts install underglow kits with on/off switches so they can enjoy the look safely without breaking the law when driving in public.

PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL UNDERGOW IN MISSOURI

Driving with illegal or non-compliant lighting in Missouri can lead to:

• A defective equipment citation (usually $75–$150 plus court costs).
• Points on your driving record if the citation is listed as a moving violation.
• Vehicle inspection failure if the lights are permanently installed and visible.
• Increased attention from police, especially if combined with other modifications.

Repeat offenses can lead to more serious charges or license points, depending on the jurisdiction.

HOW TO STAY STREET-LEGAL WITH CUSTOM LIGHTING IN MISSOURI

If you want to customize your ride without risking a ticket:

• Avoid red, blue, or flashing lights.
• Keep all underglow turned off while driving.
• Don’t install lights that are visible from the front or sides of your car.
• Check your local ordinances. Cities like Kansas City, Independence, and St. Louis may have additional restrictions.

REMEMBER: the law gives police discretion. Even if you think your lights are compliant, an officer can still pull you over if they believe they’re distracting or unsafe.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER HELPS YOUR CASE

At Speeding Ticket KC, we handle more than just speeding and license issues. Our attorneys defend drivers cited for equipment violations, including underglow and aftermarket lighting. We can:

• Review whether the stop and ticket were lawful.
• Work to reduce your citation to a non-moving violation.
• Prevent points from hitting your record.
• Handle your court appearance so you don’t have to.

Even “harmless” tickets can affect your insurance or inspection records and they’re often fixable with the right defense.

When you get a traffic ticket in Kansas City, you have two choices: pay it and live with the consequences, or fight it with an experienced Missouri traffic attorney by your side. At Speeding Ticket KC, we help drivers contest tickets, reduce points, and protect their licenses.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC — WE CAN HELP

Our firm has handled thousands of traffic cases throughout Missouri, earning a reputation for quick, affordable results. We know how to challenge radar readings, negotiate with prosecutors, and keep your driving record intact.

Don’t let one mistake cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Call Speeding Ticket KC today for a free consultation with a trusted Kansas City traffic lawyer.

Yes — Missouri police can ticket you for neon or underglow lights, especially if they’re red, blue, flashing, or visible while driving on public roads. You can still enjoy custom lighting, but only when parked or at private events.

If you’ve been cited for underglow, tinted headlights, or any other equipment violation in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our affordable traffic defense lawyers will fight to protect your record, your license, and your wallet — so you can keep your car looking good and legal.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.