Maryborough man starts petition to allow Christmas lights on cars

A Maryborough man has launched a petition to change the law so that Queenslanders can bedazzle their cars with Christmas lights in December without getting fined thousands of dollars.

Hayden McIntyre and the Grinch pose in front of their festive vehicles

A Maryborough car owner with a healthy dose of the Christmas spirit says he fears losing the magic of Christmas, as anyone caught adorning their cars with Christmas lights is hit with a fine or police warning.

Support worker Hayden McIntyre has 3000 lights on his Commodore wagon.

In Queensland, fitting excess lights to a vehicle that do not provide purpose can strip a car of its roadworthiness.

Drivers also face the possibility of losing up to 20 points and being fined up to $3226.

Mr McIntyre started a petition on change.org.au in early December to change the law so that non-flashing Christmas lights could be used on cars in December.

Hayden McIntyre and the Grinch pose in front of their festive vehicles

“It just brings everyone together,” Mr McIntyre said.

The petition, which already had 330 signatures after three days by Friday afternoon, details the proposal for a temporary allowance, the safety guidelines behind it, and the community benefits that come with being festive.

“While we understand the importance of road safety, we believe a balanced approach can be taken to allow holiday decorations on vehicles without compromising safety,” the petition reads.

“Many drivers who participate in this tradition are mindful of regulations and avoid using lights that could cause distractions, such as flashing patterns or colors resembling emergency vehicles.”

Hayden McIntyre's Commodore wagon, which he has fitted with around 3000 Christmas lights.

The 21-year-old said he had become increasingly frustrated with the regulations as he only used the lights in low-speed areas.

“I’m not driving on highways with these lights on,” he said.

“It’s around town and that’s it.”

Mr McIntyre wants to see police officers stop using harsh penalties for something that promotes “joy and community”.

“The only people that don’t like it is the police,” he said.

“They’re just being grinches this year.

“I’ve heard people are getting told to take tinsel off their car.

These cars have around 140m of lights fitted to them.

Inspector Paul Algie of the Maryborough Police Station backed the laws, saying they were “in place for people’s safety”.

“Driving or being a passenger in a vehicle comes with great responsibilities, namely to respect other road users and not drive or have adornments on their vehicle that distract or confuse oncoming traffic.

“While it’s great that people are getting into the Christmas spirit, leave the flashing lights for your display at home and your family Christmas tree.”

But Mr McIntyre has not been dissuaded, as he looks to get a lights permit and charities involved for a parade down The Esplanade for Christmas 2025.

The petition can be found as Save the Christmas lights on cars, on change.org.