Yes, underglow lighting is legal in Colombia, but its use is tightly controlled under national traffic and road safety regulations. The Ministry of Transport and the National Police enforce restrictions to prevent distractions or confusion on public roads, aligning with broader 2026 compliance frameworks for vehicle modifications.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Colombia
- Color Restrictions: Only white or amber underglow lighting is permitted. Red, blue, or green hues—commonly associated with emergency vehicles—are strictly prohibited under Decreto 1077 de 2015 and Resolución 2263 de 2021.
- Placement and Intensity: Lights must be installed below the vehicle’s bodywork, not visible from the front or sides, and must not exceed 300 candela in luminous intensity to avoid glare.
- Operational Conditions: Underglow lighting may only be activated when the vehicle is stationary or in low-light environments (e.g., parking lots). Use on public roads is banned to prevent traffic hazards.
Non-compliance risks fines up to 15 minimum legal wages (salario mínimo legal vigente) and mandatory removal of the lighting system. The Dirección de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre conducts periodic inspections, particularly in urban centers like Bogotá and Medellín, where enforcement is stringent. Vehicles modified post-2023 must also comply with Resolución 4057 de 2023, which mandates certification from authorized inspection centers (Centros de Diagnóstico Automotor).