Given that light bars are designed to improve visibility, it would make sense that they would be beneficial when used on regular highways.
However, the light emitted by these units is often too intense for oncoming drivers, leading to accidents.
As a result, many states have passed regulations limiting their use or banning them outright.
While light bars can be a valuable tool for off-roading, it is important to use them with caution and only when necessary.

By being mindful of the potential risks, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. In New York, light bars are not technically illegal but are heavily regulated. There are specific requirements that light bars must meet to be legal in New York, and most light bars do not meet these requirements.
As a result, many light bars are not legal in New York, and those that are legal are often expensive and difficult to obtain.
The Legality of Light Bars in New York
auxiliary lights that exceed 32 candlepower is not permitted on state highways.
Just so we’re on the same page, auxiliary lights are installed to improve visibility, like fog lights, driving lights, and off-road lights.
Next, you have to understand candlepower. It is a measure of brightness that is most commonly expressed in lumens.
To change candlepower to lumens, you multiply the figure by 12.57.
New York laws require a light bar’s candlepower to be no less than 32.
In conclusion, light bars are illegal in the state of New York.
There are a few reasons why light bars are illegal in New York.
- The first reason is that the light emitted by these units is often too intense for oncoming drivers, leading to accidents.
- The second reason is that New York laws require a light bar’s candlepower to be no less than 32. Most light bars do not meet this requirement.
- The third reason is that light bars can be a valuable tool for off-roading, but they should only be used cautiously and only when necessary. By being mindful of the potential risks, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Verdict
But don’t install this illegal bar on your car, or you will get annoying speeding tickets.
If worse comes to worst, drive with legal lights and be extra careful when overtaking other traffic, as this can cause an accident which may lead to getting banned from the road entirely!