Opa-locka Christmas Light Arrest Puts Miami Holiday Enthusiasts on Edge about Decking Out Cars with Lights

There is no doubt that decorating one’s home with colorful Christmas lights, garlands and wreaths, and, of course, the Christmas tree, is a significant Christmas pastime and tradition for many Miami families. This year, however, some Miami Christmas enthusiasts are taking things one step further, and decking out their cars and trucks with bright Christmas lights. But the recent arrest of a man in Opa-locka, Florida, for driving his BMW decked-out with Christmas lights has put Miami residents and drivers on notice that they may be facing the police if they decorate their vehicles. But, is it illegal to drive a car decorated in Christmas lights in Miami? We answer that question here.

Red and Blue Lights: Prohibited under Florida Laws 

Florida laws specifically establish that, “No person shall drive or move or cause to be moved any vehicle or equipment upon any highway within this state with any lamp or device thereon showing or displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front thereof except for certain vehicles hereinafter provided.” Accordingly, it is unlawful under Florida laws to drive a vehicle that is decorated in red or blue lights. However, you may be pulled over even if you are driving a vehicle decorated in lights with other colors. According to Mike Jachles of the Palm Beach Police Department, for example, said “You can’t have any flashing lights of any kind on your car, except for your turn signal or flashing lights,” because “[i]t could be a distraction.” He also said that even lights on the sides of cars that come with lift kits could be considered unlawful under Florida laws, noting that, “On the sides of your car you can have lights … cars with lift kits with neon or LED lights, they are steady … But if they are flashing, that is illegal.” Accordingly, while Florida laws may not expressly prohibit Christmas light decorations on cars specifically, Florida drivers should be aware that they may be pulled over for having flashing, decorative lights on their vehicles.

Getting Legal Help in Miami if You are Arrested and Charged with a Crime

Driving with Christmas light decorations on your car may not land you with a criminal conviction and lengthy jail sentence, but other actions, such as resisting arrest, or assaulting a police officer, in the course of being pulled over, may result in significant consequences under Florida criminal laws. If you have been charged with a crime in Miami, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal lawyer about your rights and options as soon as possible. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm help those in Miami who are facing criminal charges get justice in the cases against them.

No person should have to face criminal charges in Miami alone. Do not wait to hire a lawyer to fight by your side. Contact AsiliA Law Firm and speak to an experienced lawyer about your case now.

Source:

nbcmiami.com/news/local/is-it-legal-to-deck-out-your-car-with-christmas-lights/3499138/