🚗Is Car Underglow Legal in the UK?

Car underglow lighting has become a popular way to customise vehicles, adding a cool, eye-catching glow beneath your ride. But if you’re in the UK, you might be wondering: Is car underglow legal here?

Let’s break down the rules and regulations you need to know before installing underglow lights on your car.

What Are Car Underglow Lights?

Underglow lights are LED strips or tubes installed underneath a vehicle to illuminate the ground beneath it with colourful lighting. They’re mostly used for aesthetic purposes to give your car a stylish, standout look — especially at night.

The Legalities of Underglow in the UK ⚖️

In the UK, car lighting is governed by strict laws to ensure road safety and avoid confusion with emergency vehicles. These rules are primarily outlined in the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, which set clear standards for vehicle lighting.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Colour Restrictions 🚫

No blue, red, or green lights are allowed on any part of your vehicle, including underglow. These colours are reserved exclusively for emergency and official vehicles. Other colours like white, amber, or purple may be allowed, but it’s always wise to check local rules.

2. Light Visibility 👀

The LED strips or tubes themselves must not be visible. Only the glow or reflection from the lights should be seen to avoid dazzling or distracting other drivers. Also, lights should not flash, pulse, or strobe—except for standard indicators.

3. Position of Lights 📍

Red lights are only permitted at the rear of the vehicle. Underglow lights that mimic red or amber rear lights must not be visible from behind, as this can confuse other drivers.

4. Usage Guidelines 🛑

It’s safest and most legal to use underglow only when your car is parked. Using underglow while driving may attract unwanted attention and even fines—Using underglow while driving is at your own risk

Why Are These Rules Important?

These regulations are mainly about safety. Bright, flashing, or incorrectly coloured lights can confuse other drivers and emergency services, increasing the risk of accidents.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about adding underglow lights to your car in the UK, make sure you:

• Choose allowed colours and steady lighting,

• Install the lights so only the glow is visible,

• Use the lights responsibly — preferably when parked,

Following these guidelines, as governed by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, will help you enjoy the cool look of underglow while staying safe and legal on the road.