From January to April, Honolulu police issued 307 citations to motorists with the blue lights.

State law prohibits anyone from attaching blue-light lamps, reflectors or illumination devices on any motor vehicle, motorcycle, motor scooter, bicycle or moped.

Citations are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in prison, or both. The law does not apply to factory-installed instrument illumination.

"What bothers me," said attorney Michael H.M. Kam, "is that it's not a violation to sell (blue lights), just to use them.

"It doesn't make sense," Kam added. "It's just an easy ticket. I think shops should voluntarily take them off (the market)."

Police said they have noticed a marked increase of blue lights on nonpolice cars this year. They said they have begun citing motorists who have car alarms that emit flashing blue lights to indicate that the alarm systems are activated, and motorists who have blue lights attached inside the grilles of cars, on dashboards or near headlights.

"The law is mainly designed for people not to impersonate police officers," said Capt. Jose Gaytan of the Honolulu Police Department's Traffic Division. "The problem is all these car enthusiasts ­ they come up with some fads once in a while ­ and I think that's what it was this year."