No. Underglow lighting is prohibited for vehicles in India under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as amended by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The 2023 amendments reinforced these restrictions, aligning with global safety standards to prevent distractions and ensure uniformity in vehicle lighting systems.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in India
- CMVR Rule 108(1)(a): Mandates that vehicle lighting must comply with IS 11936:2017, which explicitly excludes underglow lights as permissible illumination.
- MoRTH Advisory (2023): Clarified that aftermarket underglow kits violate Type Approval norms, as they are not certified under AIS-135 or AIS-147 standards for automotive lighting.
- State Enforcement Variations: While the central rule applies nationwide, some states (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu) have intensified checks under Section 112 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, leading to fines up to ₹1,000 for violations.
Penalties and Enforcement: Police and transport authorities routinely seize underglow kits during roadside inspections, citing “non-compliance with safety regulations.” Courts have upheld these actions, treating such modifications as tampering with vehicle structure under Section 190 of the MV Act. Exemptions exist only for emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances) with prior approval from state transport departments.
Recent Shifts (2026 Outlook): The proposed Vehicle Scrappage Policy draft hints at stricter penalties for non-standard lighting, signaling potential nationwide crackdowns. Manufacturers and importers of underglow kits face liability under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, risking product seizures and penalties up to ₹5 lakh.