South Portland, ME Police: Holiday Lights Don’t Belong on Moving Cars

The South Portland Police Department is getting into the holiday spirit, but they also want drivers to remember one simple rule this season. Christmas lights may look great on a house or in a parade, but they should not be turned on while a car is being driven.

In a friendly Facebook post titled “Holiday Lights ≠ Headlights!”, the department said they enjoy festive decorations just like everyone else. Lately, though, officers have been spotting more cars wrapped in colorful string lights and bright, blinking ornaments. It may look cheerful, but it can be unsafe once the vehicle hits the road.

Maine law does not allow “auxiliary lighting” on a moving vehicle. This includes decorative lights, underglow, blinking Christmas strings, and other colorful add-ons. These lights can distract other drivers or make it harder for people to see brake lights and turn signals. Even steady decorative lights can pull attention away from the road.

The police explained it in a simple way. If your car looks like Santa’s sleigh, that is fine. Just make sure all the extra lights stay turned off while you are driving on any public road. You can still use them for parades, photo sessions, or displays as long as the car is not moving.

The department ended the post with a warm message, wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. They hope people enjoy the lights around town and keep the roads safe for all.

Feel free to go all Clark Griswold with the lights on your house, but when it comes to your car, you might want to find a safer way to be festive.