North Dakota Neon Underglow Laws

North Dakota neon underglow usage is governed by the state's Code. All relevant laws, rules and regulations pertaining to vehicle lighting including car underglow in North Dakota have been provided below. Make sure to examine the regulations carefully and do not use any restricted lights.

In North Dakota neon underglow lighting is governed by North Dakota Code, Title 39: Motor Vehicles, Chapter 39-21: Equipment of Vehicles.

Is neon underglow legal in North Dakota?

North Dakota law does not restrict additional vehicle lighting, and makes no explicit mention of neon underglow. Therefore it’s our conclusion that in North Dakota neon underglow is not illegal as long as you avoid these restrictions:

  • red or green colors must not be visible from the front of the car
  • license plate illumination must be white
  • no flashing lights may be used

There are no relevant ND laws which specifically restrict or prohibit installing underbody lighting, meaning it may be legal to use it while driving.

In addition to red and green we also recommend avoiding colors blue and violet on car underglow and all aftermarket lights installed on your car, as these colors are typically used on emergency vehicles.

North Dakota vehicle lighting laws

Below are all relevant excerpts from North Dakota Vehicle Code that limit, restrict or allow certain aftermarket lights to be installed on vehicles.

39-21-04. Taillamps.

[…] Either a taillamp or a separate lamp must be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate […]

39-21-26. Special restrictions on lamps.

2. No person may drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red or green light visible from directly in front of the center thereof. This section does not apply to any vehicle upon which a red light visible from the front is expressly authorized or required by this chapter [emergency vehicles].

3. Flashing lights are prohibited except on an authorized emergency vehicle, schoolbus, snow-removal equipment or on any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn, or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.

Penalties

39-21-46. Scope and effect of equipment requirements – Penalty

1. It is unlawful for any person to drive or move, or for the owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which the actor knows does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this chapter, or which the actor knows is equipped in any manner in violation of this chapter, or for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter for which a fee or penalty for its violation is not otherwise provided. 2. A person who drives or moves, or any owner who causes or knowingly permits to be driven or moved upon a highway, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which that person knows is in such unsafe condition as to endanger a person is guilty of an infraction.

As per section 39-06.1-05, violation of vehicle equipment regulations typically results in a $25 fine.

Our information about car neon underglow laws in North Dakota was last updated in 2024 and checked in 2025. We always aim to have up to date and correct information, but if you notice errors be sure to contact us. Thank you!
Check our data with your local law enforcement or other relevant agencies! North Dakota underglow laws in certain cities or counties may be different from state legislation. While we do our very best to provide the most accurate information about LED and neon street glow usage we will not be held liable for any potentially incorrect or misinterpreted info.
Underglow law references:

North Dakota Code, Title 39: Motor Vehicles, Chapter 21: Equipment of Vehicles.

State of North Dakota Info

North Dakota

North Dakota is the 39th state of the United States. It is located in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States, with its northern border running along the borders with the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and with the states of Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. The state capitol is located in Bismarck and the largest city is Fargo. Currently, North Dakota is the 19th most extensive but the 3rd least populous and the 4th least densely populated of the 50 United States.

Capital: Bismarck

Population: 699,628

Area: 70,700 sq mi (183,272 km2)

Cities ▼

Cities in North Dakota: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, West Fargo, Mandan, Abercrombie, Devils Lake, Jamestown, Watford City, Medora, Wahpeton, Cando, Aneta, Valley City, Oriska, Tioga, LaMoure, Zap, New Town, Gardena, Stanley, Pembina, Bottineau, Cavalier, Rugby, Alamo, Beulah, Mylo, Flasher, Killdeer, Wolford, Kenmare, Mountain, Amenia, Grafton, Parshall, Reeder, Washburn, Bowman, Towner, Frontier, Trenton, Minto, Mayville, Oxbow, Tower City, Munich

Counties ▼

Counties in North Dakota: Adams, Barnes, Benson, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Divide, Dunn, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Grant, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McHenry, McIntosh, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Oliver, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Random, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Sargent, Sheridan, Sioux, Slope, Stark, Steele, Stutsman, Towner, Traill, Walsh, Ward, Wells, Williams

Wikipedia

State website


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