Yes, underglow lighting is legal in Chile but strictly regulated under traffic safety laws. The Reglamento de Tránsito (Decreto Supremo 170/2008) and Ley de Tránsito (Art. 70) prohibit colored lights visible from the front or sides of vehicles, including underglow, unless factory-installed. Non-compliant installations risk fines up to 1.5 UTM (~$110 USD) and vehicle inspection failure. Recent 2026 amendments by the Subsecretaría de Transportes tighten enforcement, requiring vehicles to meet CONASET safety standards.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Chile
- Color Restrictions: Only white or amber lights are permitted on the rear of vehicles. Blue, red, green, or multicolored underglow is banned under Art. 70 of the Ley de Tránsito.
- Visibility Limits: Underglow must not project beyond the vehicle’s silhouette or impair driver visibility. Lateral visibility is restricted to 45° angles from the rear.
- Compliance Certifications: Aftermarket installations require certification from SEC (Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles) and must not interfere with official lighting systems. Vehicles failing inspection face mandatory removal.