Can I have custom LED lights, ambient lights, or neon lights in my car?

January 11, 2026

The short answer is:

Interior LED lights / ambient light: usually yes, provided that don't dazzle, don't distract, do not interfere with driving and They should not be seen as exterior lighting..
Neon/LED lights on the exterior (underbody, sides, bodywork, etc.): in practice, No to drive on public roads, because the Regulations limit the authorized lights and prohibits unauthorized lighting devices.

From here on, we'll go step by step so that you understand everything perfectly and avoid a failed vehicle inspection or a fine.

What the rule says

1. You can't just "put up lights for no reason" on the exterior

He General Vehicle Regulations It states that:

Lighting/signaling devices must comply with applicable regulations.
No more lights than those authorized will be installed., and it prohibit specifically paintings or unauthorized luminous or reflective devices, except for specific cases provided for in the annexes.

Practical translation: a kit of neon sign under the car Decorative exterior LED strips do not qualify as standard vehicle lighting. If they appear to be vehicle lighting from the outside, it's very likely to be considered illegal. reportable I did not pass ITV.

2. Interior: the car may have interior lighting (but with limits)

The same Regulation contemplates as an optional provision the “interior passenger compartment lighting”.

Practical translation: Interior lighting exists and is normal. The problem arises when:

tea dazzles to you,
Reduce your night vision,
It distracts you,
Or from the outside it looks like you're using special/"police" lighting.

The RACE (quite reliable on driving issues) sums it up like this: it's not usually considered a "major modification," but you can fail the vehicle inspection (ITV) if dazzle or if it affects other elements/installation.

What is usually permitted with indoor LED lights (ambient light)?

In general, yes you can carry:

LED strips on feet, under the dashboard, console, doors, etc.
Ambient lighting faint (OEM type).
LEDs in the trunk or interior areas (always well fixed and secure).

Recommended conditions for going "scary"“

To minimize problems with the Civil Guard / Police / ITV (vehicle inspection):

Don't let it dazzle
No strips pointing directly at eyes or reflecting off windshields.
It shouldn't flicker or produce any effects. while driving
Even indoors, disco modes (strobe, rapid changes, music) are the typical reason for "this is distracting".
Discreet colors
Especially avoid blue and combinations that from the outside make it appear as a priority vehicle. (It's not that it's "automatically illegal" because of the interior color, but it's the color that usually causes the most problems due to confusion).
It shouldn't be visible from the outside as an exterior light.
If it's very noticeable from the outside (especially at night), you risk being treated as unauthorized lighting.
Secure installation
Nothing loose, nothing that interferes with pedals, steering or airbags.

Neon lights / “underglow” / LEDs under the car: is it possible?

On a public street, bad idea

Neon lights under the car and decorative exterior lights They collide head-on with the rule of "authorized lights only" and the prohibition of unauthorized lighting devices.

What if I have them installed but turned off?
It depends on how you interpret it:

In ITV, If it is considered a "reform" or an unauthorized element, they may ask you to regularize it or it may be directly unfavorable.
On the road, if they are turned off, you reduce the risk, but you still have an installed element that could be considered unauthorized.

Advice: If you want underglow, use it only at private events/venues And, if you have it installed, assume the risk of a failed vehicle inspection/fine.

Can I get a ticket for these lights?

If the lighting makes the vehicle fails to meet technical conditions (for example, unauthorized lights visible, unsafe installation, etc.), may fall under serious infringement for to fail to comply with regulatory technical conditions.

As a reference for general amounts, the Law establishes that the serious violations They are punished with 200 € (with some exceptions).

Eye: the final amount and the exact item applied may vary depending on the specific case (how they look, if they dazzle, if they simulate priority, etc.).

Vehicle inspection and "homologation": when does it become a modification

Rule of thumb

Discreet interior (well installed, not dazzling): it is not normally a “major renovation” nor does it require paperwork, but ITV may note a fault if it's bothersome or poorly assembled.
Exterior or changes in standard lighting (adding external lights, modifying headlights/taillights, etc.): very often it enters the realm of reform.

And this is where the reform framework comes in:

He RD 866/2010 It regulates the procedure for modifications after registration and defines "vehicle modification" as modifications that change characteristics or may alter regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, it links the processing to Vehicle Modification Manual, official reference document for ITV.

If you want to do it "truly legal"“

When we talk about outdoor lighting, the usual way to legalize something (if it can be legalized) is:

Approved product (E/CE marking, as applicable).
Correct installation (positions/heights/function).
Documentation (depending on the case): workshop certificate, report, and pass the ITV (vehicle inspection) to record it on the vehicle registration document.

But beware: Just because an LED kit on Amazon says it's "approved" doesn't mean it's a legally approved light for that purpose. nor that your car can carry it.

Quick checklist to find out if what you want to do is legal or not

Usually OK (if discreet):

Dim interior ambient light
LED strips on feet/doors with soft light
Additional interior light for reading or trunk, properly installed

Gray area (depends a lot on how and how much):

A very powerful interior that is clearly visible from the outside.
Dynamic effects while driving
"Bright" colors (especially intense blue) visible from the outside

High probability of problems:

Neon lights under the car
Decorative LED strips on the outside“
Any exterior light that is not a regulatory function (position, dipped beam, turn signals, etc.) and/or does not comply with regulations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I have LED lights inside the car?

Yes, normally yes, as long as they do not dazzle, distract and do not affect the safety/installation.

Can I have neon lights under my car?

To drive on public roads, it is very likely that you will run into problems due to the prohibition of installing unauthorized lights/lighting devices.

What happens if they are viewed from the outside?

If they are perceived as "extra" exterior lighting, you greatly increase the chances of a complaint or a failed vehicle inspection.

How much is the fine?

If it is classified as a serious infraction (due to technical conditions), the general amount is €200.

Do I need to get my LED lights certified?

Discreet interiors usually do not. Exterior or changes to standard lighting: often included in renovations (RD 866/2010 + Reform Manual).