What Car Decorations Are Allowed in Texas?
Texans spend a lot of time in cars, so it makes sense that we like to personalize them. Stick figure family decals are a fun way to identify yourself to the world, and nothing says “holiday spirit” like reindeer antlers. But at the end of the day, cars are still dangerous, high-speed projectiles, so safety must come first.
Regulations don’t always spell out every possible do or don’t when it comes to car décor, but several general safety statutes offer guidance. To help you navigate the rules, here’s everything you need to know before you hit the road in Texas with decked-out wheels.
Exterior Lighting Rules
Vehicle lights are essential for visibility and signaling, so decorations can’t block or change the color of any required lamps or reflectors, such as headlights, taillights, or turn signals. According to Texas law (§ 547.305), no light may project a beam brighter than 300 candlepower directly on the roadway less than 75 feet from the vehicle, and spot lamps must be aimed so they don’t blind other drivers by shining into windshields, windows, or mirrors.
Flashing red or blue lights are strictly off-limits to avoid confusion with emergency vehicles, but other flashing decorations fall into a gray area. A subtle light-up wreath on the front of your Jeep probably won’t cause issues, but a fully lit Christmas tree strapped to the roof might.
Visibility Regulations
Windows are prime real estate for personalization — think custom business decals, spirit stickers, or even “promposals” scrawled in window markers. But the Texas Transportation Code makes it a misdemeanor to drive with an obstructed view.
The exact amount of window that must be covered for it to be considered “obstructed” is up to an officer’s discretion, but in general, avoid blocking the windshield or front side windows. Even sunscreen devices, including tints or shades, are carefully regulated: Only the top 5 inches of the windshield may be tinted, tints must allow at least 25% light transmission, and reflectivity cannot exceed 25%.
Exterior decorations, such as large bows, also cannot obstruct the driver’s view; even interior decor, such as ducks on your dashboard or Mardi Gras beads hanging from a rearview mirror, can technically be considered obstructions (§ 545.417).
License Plate Visibility Regulations
Novelty license plate frames are a popular way to add flair, but they must never cover or obscure the plate. Texas law (§ 504.945) prohibits attaching or displaying a license plate that is altered or obscured in any way, and the rear plate must remain clearly illuminated at night (§ 547.322). If your frame, sticker, or plate cover makes it difficult to read the numbers or state name, it’s best to remove it.
General Safety Sense
The ingenuity of Texans knows no bounds, and lawmakers have covered all their bases by prohibiting vehicles from being equipped in an unsafe manner (§ 547.004).
Bottom line: Have fun but use common sense. If your ride starts to look more like a parade float than a means of transportation, it’s probably time to scale back. And remember, these are statewide regulations. Local ordinances may add further restrictions, so check your city’s rules before debuting any new décor.
Add some holiday cheer to every other area of your life with our complete guide to decorating for Christmas.
