Spreading Cheer Without Compromising Safety
Festive lights and garlands are a highlight of every holiday season. Some of us even take that holiday joy on the road by decorating our vehicles. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season, but it comes with a few risks if not done carefully. As a team offering Burr Ridge roadside assistance every day, we’ve seen what can go wrong when tinsel meets traffic. So let’s talk about how to keep your car cheerful and road-ready.
Holiday car decor doesn’t have to interfere with your visibility or your vehicle’s safety features. With the right approach, you can share the holiday spirit without giving your car—or the drivers around you—a reason to panic and cause accidents. Before you wrap your ride in string lights, let’s go over what’s safe, what’s legal, and what to leave in the attic.
Dos and Don’ts of Vehicle Decorations
Choose Weatherproof and Road-Safe Materials
Holiday weather isn’t kind to cheap decor.
- Use plastic, vinyl, or rubber decorations that can handle rain and wind.
- Avoid paper, cardboard, or anything that will disintegrate or blow off on the highway.
- Skip battery-powered lights unless you can fully secure the battery pack.
Stick-on decals, magnetic signs, and clip-on antlers or noses are safer bets than anything tied loosely to your roof.
Don’t Cover Critical Views or Features
This one’s simple: if it blocks your line of sight, don’t use it.
- No garlands across your windshield or rear window.
- Keep side mirrors and headlights completely clear.
- Avoid placing anything on your hood that could come loose while driving.
We’ve provided Burr Ridge roadside assistance for people who thought their reindeer nose was secure until it flew off into traffic. Don’t be that person.
Keep Lights Legal
Those twinkle lights might look cute, but in some places, they’re not legal on moving vehicles.
- Avoid red or blue lighting that can be mistaken for emergency vehicles.
- Don’t use flashing or strobing lights while driving, they can be a hazard.
- If you’re using battery-powered lights, double-check that wires won’t interfere with doors or windows.
If you’re unsure about local regulations, check your state’s DMV website before lighting things up.
Secure Everything. Seriously—Everything
One loose wreath on the highway is all it takes to cause an accident.
- Use zip ties, bungee cords, or strong magnets—never tape or string.
- Double-check that decorations can withstand wind at highway speeds.
- Shake-test everything before you drive: if it moves, remove it.
Don’t Decorate Under the Hood or Near Exhaust
It sounds obvious, but we’ve seen it. Holiday spirit doesn’t belong near heat sources or moving parts. Keep decor away from your engine bay, tailpipe, and wheel wells.
What Happens When Decorations Go Wrong?
Drivers can get pulled over for illegal lighting. Light installations on your vehicle can also blow fuses or damage paint. Flying decorations can even cause accidents. But Burr Ridge roadside assistance calls around the holidays can be avoided with a few zip ties and a second look in the mirror.
Keep in mind:
- Distracting decor can lead to fines, or worse, collisions.
- Overloading your roof with inflatables can affect your handling.
- Hanging items from your rearview mirror isn’t just tacky, it’s unsafe.
If your festive fun leads to a flat tire or electrical issue, that’s where we step in. But we’d rather see you enjoy the holidays without needing us.
O’Hare Towing Service: Burr Ridge Roadside Assistance You Can Count On
At O’Hare Towing Service, we’ve helped countless drivers during the holiday season, some with car trouble, some with tangled garland stuck in a wheel well. Our Burr Ridge roadside assistance team is here whenever things go sideways, whether that’s a battery that died under too many lights or a car that skidded while dodging a rogue wreath.
We’re more than just a tow truck. With Burr Ridge roadside assistance available day or night, we’ll help you stay merry and mobile:
- Tire changes
- Jump-starts
- Lockouts
- Fuel delivery
- Local towing and recovery
So if your decorations cause a hiccup—or if winter driving does—call O’Hare Towing Service. Burr Ridge roadside assistance is what we do best, and we’re ready to help you get back to the fun part of the season.
Drive safe. Decorate smart. And keep the holiday cheer rolling.
FAQ
Can I put Christmas lights on my car while driving?
Most states do not allow active decorative lights on moving vehicles, especially flashing or colored ones. Check local laws before installing any lights on your car.
What are safe ways to attach decorations to a car?
Use zip ties, suction cups, magnetic mounts, or automotive-grade adhesives. Always test attachments before driving to ensure nothing will fall off.
Are reindeer antlers on cars legal?
Yes, antlers and other clip-on accessories are usually legal as long as they do not block mirrors, windows, or lights.
How fast can I drive with decorations on my car?
Stay at or below city driving speeds when your car is decorated. Decorations can become unstable or fly off at highway speeds.
Can holiday car decorations damage the paint?
Yes, some adhesives, magnets, or decorations can scratch or peel paint. Choose soft materials and test on a small area before full use.
Is it safe to decorate the inside of my car for the holidays?
Interior decorations are fine if they don’t block your view or interfere with driving. Avoid hanging anything from the rearview mirror.