No, underglow lighting is prohibited on public roads in France under the Code de la route (Article R416-19), enforced by the Ministère de l’Intérieur. Exceptions exist for off-road vehicles on private property, but compliance with AFNOR standards (NF R91-100) is mandatory. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter enforcement, including mandatory certification for aftermarket kits.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in France
- Color Restrictions: Only white or pale yellow lights are permitted for front underglow; red, blue, or green hues are banned due to collision risk and emergency vehicle confusion.
- Installation Limits: Underglow must not exceed 500 lumens per unit and cannot be visible when the vehicle is in motion on public roads, per Arrêté du 13 avril 2022.
- Certification Requirements: Aftermarket kits must bear the CE mark and comply with UNECE Regulation 48 for homologation, with failure to comply risking €135 fines and vehicle impoundment.