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CHP reminds truckers that those ‘angry eyes’ LED windshield lights aren’t road legal
This week, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a reminder to truckers about legal lighting devices for commercial vehicles.
On October 1, 2025, troopers with CHP’s Mission Grade Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility took to social media to let the trucking community know that the popular animated LED windshield eyes are not in compliance with regulations due to their color.
“Just a reminder that the only authorized lights on the front of your vehicle are white and amber. Angry eyes, although cool, are not road legal. Let’s keep it safe and compliant!” CHP said.
"Eye light" in trucks refers to programmable, flexible LED display screens, often shaped like "devil eyes," that are attached to windshields to display custom animations, text, and graphics. These lights use app and remote control for customization, are typically powered by USB, and can be found on Amazon and specialized retailers. However, using such "angry eyes" or animated lights on the front of the vehicle is illegal in some jurisdictions, as only white and amber lights are permitted by law.
What they are:
How they are used:
Key features:
Legal Considerations:
Aftermarket "eye lights" on semi trucks are generally illegal because they are not compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCS) and state laws, which mandate that lights must be steady-burning, a specific color (like red or blue), and must not distract or blind other drivers. Using these lights can result in penalties like fines and a requirement to remove them.
Why "Eye Lights" Are Illegal
This week, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a reminder to truckers about legal lighting devices for commercial vehicles.
On October 1, 2025, troopers with CHP’s Mission Grade Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility took to social media to let the trucking community know that the popular animated LED windshield eyes are not in compliance with regulations due to their color.
“Just a reminder that the only authorized lights on the front of your vehicle are white and amber. Angry eyes, although cool, are not road legal. Let’s keep it safe and compliant!” CHP said.
"Eye light" in trucks refers to programmable, flexible LED display screens, often shaped like "devil eyes," that are attached to windshields to display custom animations, text, and graphics. These lights use app and remote control for customization, are typically powered by USB, and can be found on Amazon and specialized retailers. However, using such "angry eyes" or animated lights on the front of the vehicle is illegal in some jurisdictions, as only white and amber lights are permitted by law.
What they are:
- Flexible LED Displays: These are ultra-thin, flexible LED screens that can be bent, folded, and shaped to fit the contours of a windshield.
- Customizable Content: Users can control the display using a mobile app or a remote, allowing for a wide range of animations, designs, and scrolling text.
- "Devil Eyes" and Other Designs: The term "eye light" often refers to designs that resemble glowing "devil eyes" or other animated patterns, but the displays can be programmed to show a variety of custom effects.
How they are used:
- Vehicle Personalization: Drivers often install them on their trucks to express their personal style or to create a unique and eye-catching look for their vehicle.
- Marketing and Advertising: The programmable nature of these displays also makes them suitable for commercial use, such as in bars, restaurants, or for business advertising.
Key features:
- App and Remote Control: Effortless control is available through dedicated mobile apps and included remote controls.
- USB Power: The devices typically use a USB plug for power, making them compatible with car chargers and power banks.
- Weatherproof: Many are designed with features like IP65 waterproof rating and glue-dropping technology for durability in various weather conditions.
Legal Considerations:
- Restricted Road Use: It's important to note that animated LED displays on the front of a vehicle, such as the "angry eyes" mentioned, are generally not legal for road use.
- White and Amber Lights: Law enforcement agencies remind drivers that only white and amber lights are authorized for the front of vehicles.
Aftermarket "eye lights" on semi trucks are generally illegal because they are not compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCS) and state laws, which mandate that lights must be steady-burning, a specific color (like red or blue), and must not distract or blind other drivers. Using these lights can result in penalties like fines and a requirement to remove them.
Why "Eye Lights" Are Illegal
- Federal Regulations (FMCS):
Regulations require that all lights on commercial vehicles be "steady-burning," meaning they must not be flashing or blinking. - State Laws:
Individual states have laws prohibiting certain colors and types of lights. For instance, Florida prohibits civilian vehicles from showing red, red-and-white, or blue lights visible from the front, reserving these colors for emergency vehicles. - Distraction and Safety Hazards:
The primary reason these lights are illegal is their potential to cause distraction and safety risks for other road users. They can be overly bright and create a blinding effect on other drivers. - Non-Compliance:
Aftermarket lights, including many "angry eyes" or "eye lights," do not meet the DOT and FMCSA standards for visibility, brightness (candela), and light pattern. - Penalties:
Equipping a truck with non-compliant lights can lead to fines and mandatory removal of the offending lights.
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