Yes, Underglow lighting is legal in Portugal under strict conditions outlined by the Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR) and the Código da Estrada. While not explicitly banned, non-compliant installations risk fines up to €250 and vehicle inspection failures. The 2026 revision of Decreto-Lei n.º 44/2005 tightens enforcement, requiring lights to meet UNECE R10 homologation standards.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Portugal
- Color Restrictions: Only white or amber underglow lighting is permitted. Red, blue, or green hues are prohibited as they mimic emergency vehicle signals, violating Artigo 61.º of the Código da Estrada.
- Installation Limits: Lights must not exceed 150 lumens per unit and cannot be visible from the front or rear of the vehicle. Side-mounted strips are tolerated if angled downward to avoid glare.
- Homologation Compliance: All underglow systems must carry a Certificado de Conformidade issued by the Instituto Português da Qualidade (IPQ) or an EU-recognized body, aligning with 2026’s updated Regulamento Delegado (UE) 2021/1958.
Vehicles registered post-2026 face mandatory pre-registration inspections by IMT – Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes to verify compliance. Aftermarket kits lacking homologation are subject to confiscation during roadside checks.