Driver of festive Camry says light display is here to stay even after warning from police

The driver of a Toyota Camry decked out with Christmas lights is turning heads throughout Waterloo region because of the car's display of lights. 

And despite a warning from police, he says he plans to keep the lights shining bright.

Shawn Permauloo of Paris, Ont., says the goal of the light show has been to bring joy to those who catch a glimpse of the flashy car.

"I saw the trend on TikTok and we actually did my brother's Acura last year but we didn't drive it around, we just plugged it in on the driveway," he explained. Permauloo has an Instagram account dedicated to the car called Festive Camry.

"This year I thought, with COVID and all that, everyone's had a pretty crappy couple of years and I just want to put a smile on their faces."

Catching attention on social media, the 25-year-old's creative ride has been the talk of the town.

But the car has also caught the attention of regional police. 

Permauloo says he was pulled over in Waterloo on Sunday due to concerns for the display. 

"The cop was like, 'I'm not trying to be the Grinch or anything. I really love the festive spirit but you can't do it on the road because of those flashing lights," he recalled. 

The officer added that drivers may mistake the Camry for an ambulance or cop.

Police reminder

Shortly after the stop, regional police posted on social media to remind the community of vehicle light requirements. 

"According to The Highway Traffic Act, motor vehicles are only allowed to display a white or amber light to the front of the vehicle, and a red light to rear," reads the post on X, formerly Twitter.

It adds that there are some exemptions for emergency vehicles and snowplows.

Although the timely reminder may convince some people to change their ways, Permauloo says he has no immediate plans to take the lights off. 

"[The cop] said I can't drive with it flashing red and blue. I get that but I've been driving with them solid now," he said.

CBC K-W asked the Waterloo Regional Police Service if just having the lights on the car, without them flashing, goes against the law.

Police noted the Highway Traffic Act prohibits flashing red lights on any vehicle other than an emergency vehicle or the casting of red and blue light on any vehicles other than emergency vehicles.

As well, the Act prohibits the use of flashing green lights and there is a prohibition for any vehicle to carry more than four lamps on the front that have an intensity over 300 candela. 

The Highway Traffic Act says:

• Flashing red and blue lights are used on emergency responder vehicles including police, fire, ambulance.
• Flashing amber lights are used on public utility vehicles or tow trucks. 
• Flashing blue lights can only be used by a road service vehicle (such as a snowplow).
• Flashing green lights can be used by volunteer medical or fire responders while responding to an emergency.

"We appreciate the Christmas spirit that this person is trying to convey with his display but as you can see there are quite a few restrictions that would limit the type and manner of lights they have attached," police spokesperson Cherri Greeno told CBC News.

"We would encourage them to use their creative display when parked or under controlled circumstances where they may not distract other motorists."

Mission accomplished

Permauloo says he's taking warning from police seriously but feels the happiness he's bringing to locals makes it all worth it. 

While stopping at a Tim Horton's in Brantford, he said an older woman approached his car. 

"She's like, 'My dad just passed away and this honestly made my day. I was having such a bad week but this brought a smile to my face,'" he recalled.

He adds children are also thrilled when they see the Camry driving down the street. 

This past weekend, Permauloo drove the streets of Elmira for the town's Santa Claus parade. He says he has since been invited to participate in other local parades. 

"Once New Year comes around, I'm planning on taking the lights off but maybe next Christmas, I might do it on a different car," he said.