No. Underglow lighting is prohibited on public roads in Australia under the Australian Design Rules (ADR 13/00) and state-based Road Safety Acts, with enforcement by state police and transport authorities. Aftermarket neon or LED underglow kits are classified as “vehicle modifications” and fail compliance checks for visibility and distraction risks. Exemptions exist only for off-road use or specific racing vehicles with prior approval from state transport departments.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Australia
- ADR 13/00 Compliance: Underglow lighting violates ADR 13/00, which mandates vehicle lighting must not emit red light to the front or blue light to the rear, nor create glare or confusion for other road users.
- State-Specific Bans: Queensland’s Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, New South Wales’ Road Rules 2014, and Victoria’s Road Safety Road Rules 2017 explicitly prohibit underglow lighting on public roads, with fines up to $2,200 in NSW.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: From July 2026, the National Vehicle Standards (NVS) Framework will tighten enforcement, requiring mandatory certification for all vehicle modifications, including lighting, with on-the-spot inspections by state transport agencies.