Yes, underglow lighting is permitted in Romania under strict conditions outlined by the Regulamentul de aplicare a prevederilor privind iluminatul exterior al vehiculelor (Order 154/2021). The legislation, enforced by the Ministerul Afacerilor Interne (MAI) and Poliția Română, allows non-distracting, non-flashing colored lights (excluding red/blue) mounted below the vehicle’s main body. Compliance with UNECE R48 and local traffic regulations is mandatory, with non-adherence risking fines up to RON 1,000 (€200) or vehicle immobilization.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Romania
- Color Restrictions: Only white, yellow, or amber underglow is permitted; red and blue are prohibited to avoid confusion with emergency vehicles. Violations trigger immediate confiscation under Legea 241/2007 on road safety.
- Installation Specifications: Lights must not exceed 400 lumens per unit and cannot project upward or interfere with driver visibility. The Inspectoratul General al Poliției Române (IGPR) conducts spot checks during national road safety campaigns.
- Operational Conditions: Underglow must remain off while the vehicle is in motion unless used for static displays (e.g., car shows). Dynamic flashing or pulsating effects violate Ordinul 154/2021, aligning with EU Directive 2014/45/EC on vehicle lighting.
Recent 2026 amendments to Legea 241/2007 introduce mandatory certification for aftermarket underglow kits, requiring approval from the Oficiul Român pentru Drepturile Persoanelor cu Dizabilități (ORDPD). Dealers must display compliance labels, and non-certified imports face customs seizures. Enforcement prioritizes urban areas (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca) due to higher traffic density.