Today’s cars are super modern and super cool, they have LED lights, screens that look like tablets, and super fun colors. But no matter how modern they are, there is one rule that still hasn’t changed in the United States: you can only use two headlight colors. Either yellow or white, there are no other options.
But it is established by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 108), which is regulated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), so any other color, no matter how cool it looks, is illegal and can result in a fine. Be careful, friend.
Why only those two colors?
Simple answer: uniformity saves lives. Since the first cars, the color of the light has always been key to maintaining order and safety on the road.
The first headlights, for example, were acetylene lamps that gave off a yellowish light… and could explode. Then came electric ones, and with them, the need to set a standard that everyone followed.
Over the years, we’ve gone from halogen to xenon and now to LED, but the color requirement remains the same: either white or yellow. They provide the best visibility, contrast, and safety in difficult conditions (fog, snow, or rain), so if something works, don’t touch it.
White and yellow
Headlights must emit white or selective yellow light. – The law (FMVSS 108)
As we said, they are the ones that stand out best on the road without confusing other drivers.
Amber, for example, is only allowed for turn signals or emergency lights.
Prohibited colors
Blue, red, green, purple, pink… all banned. This isn’t Mario Kart. Those colors can be mistaken for police, ambulance, or fire truck lights. Imagine the chaos if every car had its own rainbow of lights…
And be careful, because it could even be a crime. For example, in Tennessee you can get a $50 fine for it, as it’s considered a Class C misdemeanor.
In other places, you might get a correction order (“fix-it ticket”) or even have your vehicle registration suspended until you change the lights.
Modified headlights
The tuning trend has increased the use of RGB headlights, multicolor halos, or the famous “demon eyes,” which change color with an app or remote control.
They look amazing for shows or exhibitions, but they’re prohibited on the streets. Even bluish white LEDs (from 5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin) are being reviewed because many appear too blue and can blind other drivers.
So, even if some technically meet the standard, check if they’re allowed in your state, because they might not be.
It’s about seeing
Sometimes people forget that headlights aren’t to look cool in front of their friends, but to see well (and to be seen) on the road. White and yellow help distinguish obstacles, signs, and pedestrians better than other colours.
Blue or red, for example, distort depth and make it harder to focus in the dark. So, they’re out.
It can be expensive
Changing headlight colors with filters, tinted films, or similar kits can void the vehicle’s certification, meaning you could fail your inspection, be unable to renew your registration, and even have your insurance refuse to cover damages in case of an accident… Oh-oh…
It is important not forget that lights are meant to protect us, not to show off, it doesn’t matter if you love Fast and Furious, road rules are what they are, and headlights can only be yellow or white. Everything else is for show, not for driving!!