There seem to be more and more pickup trucks and jeeps driving on streets, roads and highways with an off-road light bar mounted on the roof and the lights illuminated. This is illegal.

Off-road light bars themselves are not illegal, but driving on any public roadway with the lights on is not allowed. Although they are legal to purchase and install for off-road use, they are illegal to use while driving on a highway. They are designed for and can be used only for off road driving.

A light bar displaying flashing or rotating amber lights is permissible for a vehicle engaged in a hazardous operation, such as a pickup truck with a snowplow, but the flashing/rotating amber lights are only allowed to be used while engaged in hazardous operation, such as plowing a driveway or a parking lot. They are not permitted on a public highway regardless of whether the lights are steady or flashing. Furthermore, revolving, flashing, rotating, or oscillating white lights on any vehicle other than an authorized emergency vehicle is also illegal.

What is required or allowed under Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) are:

— Headlamps: Two of equal power and white in color (one lamp for a motorcycle); Other overhead light bars are not permitted while operating on a public highway

— Tail lamps: Two of equal power and red in color (one lamp for a motorcycle)

— Turn signals, front: Amber

— Turn signals, rear: Red or amber

— Hazard lights (four-way flashers): Amber in front, red or amber in rear

— License plate lamp: White

— Back up lamp: White

Vehicles that have under glow lighting that come in multiple colors, LED strips, grill lights, and rim lights, are also not permitted while driving on a public highway.

A violation for driving on the highway with a lighted overhead light bar or displaying any colored lights on their vehicle if it is not authorized for emergency vehicles would be cited under VTL section 375(41)(1) and is punishable with a fine of up to $150 and/or up to 30 days in jail, plus applicable surcharges.

A word to the wise: Be cautious when purchasing any after-market accessories for your vehicle. Know or learn whether it is allowed by VTL and if it is, like an overhead light bar, know when and where you are allowed to operate with the light(s) illuminated.