The Fast and the Furious aesthetic has been a tuner staple for over a decade. Of all the cosmetic mods seen in the film, underglow lighting is one that really caught on.
For years now, car enthusiasts across the world have been fitting lights underneath their cars’ chassis for the halo effect they provide — Suki’s Honda S2000 comes to mind.
But as much as everyone else understands the desire to have a car with character, the authorities have a thing or two to say about underglow lighting, and for good reason. Extremely bright aftermarket lights can be distracting to other drivers.
That’s why it’s extremely important to know the underglow lighting laws in your state. In this article, we’ll discuss Ireland’s underglow laws. Is underglow legal in Ireland?Here’s everything you need to know.
Ireland Laws for Underglow Lights
Underglow lights are legal in Ireland, so you can go ahead and install these in your car, but only if you follow the rules governing the installment and usage of such lights, including the type, intensity, size, and color.
All laws, regulations, and rules surrounding underglow lights in Ireland are explained in The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 statutes. Based on these statutes, here’s what you can and can’t use:
- Light type: Underglow lighting can be either neon lights or LED. Ireland allows the use of both.
- Size: There are no specifications regarding the size of the underglow lights that are permitted or banned.
- Permitted colors: This is where you need to pay close attention. Barring tail lights, red lights are not allowed anywhere else in cars. Similarly, blue and green lights shouldn’t be used either as they are reserved for emergency and law enforcement vehicles.
- Blue, green, or red LED lights shouldn’t be used to light the number plate.
- Also, no colored lights should be visible from the car’s rear, apart from reversing, indicator, license plate, and tail lights. Only headlights are allowed in the front of the car and they should be yellow or white.
- Intensity: Even though it isn’t specified, muted lights should be used as bright lights can be a traffic hazard.
Are Underglow Neon Lights Legal in Ireland?
You can use underglow lighting in Ireland as long as you follow the above rules. Additionally, ensure that no light tubes are visible from the outside when you fit the lights.
Rotating and flashing lights are expressly disallowed in civilian vehicles unless they are used while indicating turns or any emergency or issue.
Ultimately, while Ireland’s laws don’t expressly disallow underglow lights, there are lots of laws in place that indicate that it may be safer not to install them.
If you do want to install these lights, you should always check with the local authorities before doing so to ensure that you don’t get fined.
Republic of Ireland Info
Ireland (or the Republic of Ireland) is an island in Europe located close to England.
It is separate from Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom.
Ireland is one of the largest islands in all of Europe and also has a large population among the European islands.
There are many mountains, rivers, and forests in Ireland. Its climate involves plenty of rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 5,028,230
Capital: Dublin
Registered vehicles: 2.2m
Total lane miles: 7200
Number of highways: 13
Underglow light law reference: Vehicle Lighting Regulations