Wrapping Your Car in Christmas Lights? Don’t Do It in New York!

Decking out your car in Christmas lights could send you straight to the Naughty List in New York State.

The Hot Holiday Trend in The Hudson Valley

It's not just in the Hudson Valley, but across the nation drivers are decorating their cars in bright Christmas lights.

A few TikTok videos popped up on my "For You Page" with different types of vehicles driving around decked out in Christmas lights over the last few days.

I didn't necessarily think it was a hot holiday trend until...I saw it with my own eyes. Earlier this week while driving up Route 9 in Wappingers Falls I saw what looked like a a Honda light up the street.

It looked so cool and I loved to see it, but I always thought lights like that weren't allowed? Maybe it was just a law my parents made up to scare me as a kid, kind of like the car interior light being on while driver.

We all heard that one, right?

So we decided to do a little digging and hopefully save festive drivers from the naughty list.

Is Decorating Your Car With Christmas Lights Illegal in New York?

If you're the person I saw driving with the Christmas lights on the outside of your car, pay attention!

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, putting Christmas lights on your car will get you on the 'Naughty List."

The DMV explains:

The DMV reminds motorists that it is not legal to put decorative lights on their car, truck or SUV, and doing so could lead to a ticket.

Bah Humbug!

However, you can still put other decorations on your car but they "must be secured and not obscure the driver's vision, the vehicle's lights of the license plate."

No Christmas lights, but stick to those cute reindeer antlers that stick out your windows!

Drive Thru Christmas Light Displays Across the Hudson Valley

Since we can't put lights on our cars, why not enjoy a Hudson Valley drive thru holiday light display?

There are a handful to choose from all over the region. From Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival to Peace, Love and Lights at Bethel Woods in Sullivan County.

READ MORE: HV Drive-Thru Holiday Light Shows, Where Can You See Them?

One thing is for sure, there's no shortage of holiday spirit across the Hudson Valley this year!