Interpretation ID: 16653.ztv

Mr. Filmore Bouldes
5607 High Ridge Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Dear Mr. Bouldes:

We have received your letter postmarked November 25, 1997, which asks the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "if it's legal to use any other colors, on the front approach of your vehicle, other than yellow and clear/can you use blue, red etc. inside or outside of your vehicle?"

We assume that you mean the color of front lamps, such as headlamps, parking lamps, turn signal lamps, and fog or other supplemental lamps. The question of colors that you are permitted to use for lamps on the front of your vehicle must be answered under the laws of the states in which the vehicle will be licensed and operated. I am sorry that we are not conversant with state laws, but the Michigan Highway patrol will be able to furnish you an answer. However, we believe that most states restrict the use of blue or red front lighting to emergency vehicles.

This agency's motor vehicle lighting standard requires vehicles to be manufactured with front lamps that are white (headlamps), or amber (parking and turn signal lamps) in the color of light they emit. Federal law does not prohibit the owner of a vehicle from personally changing these colors, but state laws very likely will.

If you have any further questions, you may refer them to Taylor Vinson of this Office (202-366-5263).

Sincerely,
John Womack
Acting Chief Counsel
ref:108
d.1/13/98