Florida State Laws on LED Lights on Vehicles
by Anne Davis
Light-emitting diode, or LED, headlights have begun to come standard on motor vehicles. Their lower power consumption, durability, and flexibility in packaging are attractive incentives for their installation. However, individual states enact legislation regulating vehicle components like headlights, including the type of light inside the headlight; the state of Florida is no different. State statutes are specific about headlight requirements, but they do not outline that a vehicle's headlights may not be LED. However, this does not guarantee you won't get a ticket and thus have to argue that legal point in traffic court.
General Headlight Requirements
According to 2007 Florida statute 316.220, every motor vehicle on the road must have at least two headlights, one on each side of the front of the vehicle, that show a white light. Colored lights are not allowed, according to 2007 statute 316.2397.
Headlight Use Requirements
According to 2007 Florida statute 316.217, every vehicle operated upon a highway within the state must have uncovered headlights at all times between sunset and sunrise, and during adverse weather conditions like rain, smoke, and fog. This, however, does not preclude the necessity for drivers to drive with due regard for the safety of others on the roadways and use headlights whenever they are necessary, regardless of the time of day.
Headlight Violations
According to Florida legal code, the only violations that exist pertaining to headlight display, statutes 316.215-316.220, involve the absence of headlights, improperly displayed headlights (if the headlights are covered, tinted, or otherwise obstructed), or not displaying a white light in the headlights. No violation code exists in the Florida legal code for having white LED headlights.
References
Writer Bio
Anne Davis writes pieces on domestic and international travel, automotive maintenance, education and health. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and history, and is pursuing graduate study in a related field.
