Is it legal to drive with Christmas lights on your car in Massachusetts?
AMESBURY - An old school car covered in Christmas lights is catching the attention of neighbors in Amesbury. "It's a 1985 Camaro," said Jacob Gilleo, who's driving his colorful car decked out for the holidays.
"It feels pretty cool, everyone flashing their lights at me," Gilleo said. "It gets lots of looks and attention at night."
During the holiday season, the 20-year-old car enthusiast has found a way to give back the best way he knows how. "Ever since I was young, I've always loved anything with a motor," said Gilleo.
Turning his passion for four wheels into the gift that keeps on giving. "I just wanted to do something cool, looks cool, decorative," said Gilleo.
Putting his Camaro on display for all to see. "People will drive by take pictures it's fun to see people react to it as it drives by," said Gilleo.
Police say driving with colorful lights is illegal
But at night, Gilleo's car now stays put. Police warn bright lights are bad news for drivers.
Gilleo learned that the hard way, getting pulled over for the lights and he's not alone. A driver in Swansea cruising with colorful lights too was also pulled over. Both were let off without a ticket.
The Amesbury Police Department says driving with colorful lights is illegal. According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, red and blue lights are reserved for emergency vehicles, amber lights are for service vehicles like tow trucks, and aftermarket lights like undercarriage neons are prohibited.
"I've made some mistakes in the past, so I've learned from those," Gilleo said. "I choose to do everything safely now."
Gilleo now has a close relationship with Amesbury police. His car was even featured in a parade this past weekend with its lights shining bright.
"I think it's going to be a tradition to dress up my car like a tree, make everyone smile," Gilleo said. "There were countless people that absolutely loved the car."