There always seems to be a connection between cars and Christmas. Back in the day, big rig drivers used to put wreaths on the grilles of their trucks. Occasionally you’d see a Jeep with some old Christmas lights strung inside the cab, wired to an inverter. We all have the Hallmark movie image of the red Christmas truck in our mind’s eye with a Christmas tree in the bed.
However, when LED Christmas lights came on the market, easily powered by a vehicle’s cigarette lighter, the trend of decorating vehicles with lights really grabbed interest of the car community. No one knows who was the first to tape Christmas lights to their entire vehicle, but three years ago the trend did start appearing on social media. The idea spread quickly because it was so cheap, easy to do, and created a rolling Santa Claus Parade float out of any car, even a crappy winter beater.
But the world is filled with trouble-makers and complainers. Rather than lighting up vehicles, some focused on making the lights flash, disregarding rules about emergency vehicles. There’s a negative Nancy in every town that complains about anyone having fun in a way that interrupts their misery. There’s a balance somewhere in there, but who knows where that is.
Some states, like California, have laid down the law. Even freedom-loving Florida’s Bill 253 now makes it a crime to put Christmas lights on a car. The wording of the bill refers to unauthorized lights, non-standard headlights, decorative lights, or strobe lights. The state claims that these lights cause passenger vehicles to resemble a police car, and the charges are criminal, not just a traffic violation. Imagine getting a permanent criminal record because of Christmas lights!
Here at Demaras Racing we are committed to Christmas. This is our fourth year in a row decorating the team truck, and each year it gets a little bigger and better. Maybe next year we’ll buck the trend, avoid tickets, and just cover the truck in waterproof giftwrap and a big red bow on the roof!
It’s tough to be a jolly gearhead in a world full of Grinches.
The green tire tree 🤭😂
Great isn’t it?
Ummmm….Yeah….ok
Pretty lights. I’m not sure how lighted cars are a safety hazard. But it seems officers are on the prowl everywhere.