Is It Illegal to Decorate Your Car for the Holidays in Minnesota?

Our Christmas decorations are up and the tiny tree I have at my desk at work is set up too! I'm in the holiday spirit, as are a lot of people. Some people get so into the holiday spirit that they want to decorate their car, too.

I've seen pictures of these cars all decked out in Christmas lights and it looks so cool. I've also seen people around town with wreaths on the grill of their cars or cars dressed up as Rudolf.

But is any of that even legal to do in Minnesota?

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Can You Have a Wreath on Your Car in Minnesota?

So far this year I've only seen one car with a wreath on the grill. In the past, I've seen those Rudolf cars too. Are you breaking the law by decorating your car like that?

A site called Scrap Car Comparison writes, "Technically, it’s not illegal to buy decorative accessories for your car and brighten things up a bit, inside or out."

In other words, if you'd like to decorate with a wreath or a red nose, go for it!

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Can You Decorate Your Car with Christmas Lights in Minnesota?

But what about decorating your car with Christmas lights?

I've seen pictures of some really impressively decorated cars with lights ALL OVER. However, Minnesota state law does say that that's illegal to do.

Minnesota law restricts the type of lights and color of lights that you're allowed to use on your car. For example, for colored lights, the law says:

Unless otherwise authorized ... no vehicle shall be equipped, nor shall any person drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device displaying a red light or any colored light other than those required or permitted in this chapter.

Flashing lights, blue lights, and bright lights (like a headlamp or a spotlight) are also not allowed.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. As it says, "unless otherwise authorized". So parades with decorated cars are totally ok as long as it has been approved.