Wrapping your car in Christmas lights? Don't do it in New York!

Outfitting your car with Christmas lights could land you straight on New York State's Naughty List.

Hudson Valley's hot holiday trend

Not just in the Hudson Valley, but across the country, drivers decorate their cars with bright Christmas lights.

A few TikTok videos have appeared on my “For You” page in the last few days that show different types of vehicles driving around decorated in Christmas lights.

I didn't necessarily think it was a hot holiday trend until I saw it with my own eyes. As I drove up Route 9 in Wappingers Falls earlier this week, I saw what looked like a Honda light illuminating the road.

It looked so cool and I loved seeing it, but I always thought lights like that weren't allowed? Maybe it was just a law my parents made up to scare me as a child, like if a car's interior light came on while I was driving.

We've all heard that, right?

So we decided to do a little research and hopefully get festive riders off the naughty riders list.

Is it illegal to decorate your car with Christmas lights in New York?

If you're the person I saw driving with Christmas lights on the outside of your car, pay attention!

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, putting Christmas lights on your car will land you on the “Naughty List.”

The DMV explains:

The DMV reminds motorists that it is not legal to install decorative lights on their car, truck or SUV and doing so may result in a traffic ticket.

Bah humbug!

However, you can still place other decorations on your car, but they must be “safe and not obstruct the driver's view, the vehicle's lights, or the license plate.”

No Christmas lights, but stick with it Cute Reindeer antlers sticking out of your windows!

Drive through the Hudson Valley through Christmas light displays

Since we can't add lights to our cars, why not enjoy a holiday light-filled drive through the Hudson Valley?

Across the region there are a handful to choose from. From Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival to peace, love and lights in Bethel Woods in Sullivan County.

READ MORE: HV Drive-Thru Christmas Light Shows, Where Can You See Them?

One thing is for sure: There will be no shortage of holiday spirit in the Hudson Valley this year!