Are the bright LED headlights on that car legal? Your California traffic question answered
The California Vehicle Code states drivers have to dim their headlights by using the low beam setting when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet and when behind another car within 300 feet.
But what if your headlights are so bright that other drivers confuse them for your high beams?
A reader asked The Sacramento Bee’s service journalism team, which focuses on helping the community navigate daily life: Are bright lights on vehicles legal? They make it hard to see when aimed at the opposing driver.
Here’s what California Highway Patrol said surrounding California headlight laws:
What color can my headlights be in California?
Officer Ricardo Ortiz, a spokesperson from California Highway Patrol, said the California Vehicle Code has information concerning headlights on vehicles as well as other vehicle lighting requirements.
The vehicle code states drivers must have white or yellow lights shining from the front of the vehicle.
The lights visible from the back of a vehicle must be red except:
- Stoplights on vehicles made before Jan. 1, 1979, can be yellow.
- Turn signals can be yellow.
- Front side lights can be yellow.
- Reverse lights must be white.
- The back facing portion of a front-mounted double-faced turn signal lamp can display amber to the rear while the headlights are lit.
- A reflector that meets the requirements of vehicle code 24611 must be red, white or both.
How bright can your headlights be in California?
Many newer vehicles are manufactured with LED headlights, according to Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that works with consumers.
Compared to traditional halogen headlights, LED headlights can produce a brighter, almost blue-like light, the Consumer Reports website states.
“Many oncoming drivers mistakenly think an oncoming vehicle has its high beams on, when in reality the car just has LEDs or HIDs,” Jennifer Stockburger, a director at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, stated on the website.
Though drivers can mistake them for high beams, Ortiz said LED lights are legal in California.
“Most new vehicles are sold with them,” Ortiz said. “The lights cannot exceed 2,513 lumens.”
For reference: There are about 800 lumens, which measure brightness, in a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Can I be cited for LED lights on my car?
According to Shouse California Law Group, if a driver is caught driving with their high beams on, the fine is around $238.
The driver will also get one point on their state driving record, which can lead to license suspension if the points accumulate, the law website states.
“It is at the discretion of the officer whether to issue a citation for lighting equipment,” Ortiz said.
While LED lights can be mistaken for high beams or blue lights, Ortiz said “I personally do not know of any incidents of (citations for) that happening.”
For colored headlights, Ortiz said penalties and fines can vary on local jurisdictions.
