Orange Beach police are reminding drivers that traffic laws will be strictly enforced on public roadways during the upcoming Orange Beach Invasion, a car show and gathering set to take over The Wharf from March 22 through March 24, 2024. The event draws car enthusiasts from across the region, many arriving in vehicles that have been modified with aftermarket parts, lowered suspensions, custom lighting and other equipment changes that are popular within car culture but not always street legal.
The Orange Beach Police Department says it welcomes the event and everyone attending, but wants participants and spectators alike to understand that any vehicle operated on a public road, regardless of how it is set up for a car show, must still comply with Alabama’s vehicle equipment and traffic laws. Officers plan to have an active presence throughout the three-day event to keep roadways safe as increased traffic and pedestrian activity are expected around The Wharf.
Among the equipment violations officers will be watching for are headlights mounted too high or too low, with the legal range set between 24 and 54 inches from the ground, and tail lamps that must sit between 20 and 60 inches. Vehicles displaying lights in colors other than red, amber, yellow or white can also draw a citation, as can unapproved lighting setups such as undercarriage or underglow lights that have become a signature look for many modified vehicles.
Noise-related violations are another area of focus. Mufflers that produce excessive noise or visible smoke are against the law, as are horns that are unreasonably or unnecessarily loud. License plates must also be illuminated with white light only, a requirement that trips up some vehicle owners who have swapped out factory lighting for colored alternatives.
Truck owners bringing lifted or oversized vehicles to the event should also take note of size restrictions. Trucks that measure more than 102 inches wide or taller than 13.5 feet are considered oversized and subject to enforcement on public roads. Careless driving, which under municipal ordinance includes allowing passengers to ride in the bed of a truck, remains prohibited as well.
Perhaps the most significant point of emphasis involves a relatively new state law targeting street takeovers and exhibition driving. The law prohibits motor vehicle speed contests, exhibitions of speed and sideshow-style stunts such as donuts and burnouts, and it applies not only to public roads but to any public or private property where the activity occurs without the property owner’s consent. Violations are arrestable offenses, and vehicles used in such conduct on a public roadway can be impounded.
Orange Beach Invasion has grown into one of the area’s notable spring gatherings for car and truck enthusiasts, drawing large crowds to The Wharf’s entertainment district during the busy spring break season. City officials say they want the event to continue successfully while making sure public safety on Baldwin County roadways is not compromised. Drivers planning to attend, whether to show a vehicle or simply watch, are encouraged to review the rules ahead of time and keep any modified equipment within legal limits before driving to and from the venue.