Are colored headlights safe and legal?

Most cars have standard headlights that emit a yellowish light. However, there are lamps in different colors on the market. They are marketed as "blue" or "super blue" and there is a great deal of uncertainty about their safety and legality.

Yes... but no

First, understand that "blue" headlights aren't actually blue. They are bright white. They only appear blue because the light you're so used to seeing from car headlights is actually closer to yellow than white. This color of light refers to the three types of headlights currently in use:

• LED headlights: They may appear blue, but they are actually white.

• Xenon headlights: They are also called HID lamps and may appear blue but actually emit white light.

• Super blue halogenA: Blue or super blue halogen lamps also emit white light.

This means that they are legal to use. The only headlight color legal in any state is white. This means that you cannot use any other color headlights.

Each state has its own specific laws governing what color headlights are allowed and when they should be used. Most states require that the only colors allowed for lights on the front of a vehicle are white, yellow, and amber. The rules are just as strict for tail lights, brake lights and turn signals.

Why not other colors?

Why can't you use other colors for headlights than white? It's all about visibility. If you used blue, red or green headlights, you would be less visible to other drivers at night. You will also have less visibility when driving at night, and driving in fog with colored headlights will be incredibly dangerous.

So you can definitely install "blue" or "super blue" headlights because the wavelength of the light is actually white. However, no other colors can be used.