Yes, Underglow lighting is permitted in Costa Rica but subject to strict vehicular lighting regulations enforced by the Dirección General de Tránsito (DGT) and Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT). Non-compliance risks fines or vehicle confiscation under Decreto Ejecutivo No. 42539-MOPT.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Costa Rica
- Color Restrictions: Only white or amber underglow lights are legal; red, blue, or green hues violate Reglamento de Tránsito (Article 23) and are reserved for emergency vehicles.
- Installation Limits: Underglow must not exceed 300 lumens per unit and must not project light beyond 30 cm from the vehicle’s body, per Norma Técnica 2023-01 (MOPT).
- Operational Conditions: Lights must be stationary or pulsed (no flashing) and deactivated during daylight hours or in urban zones, as per Ley de Tránsito No. 9078.
Violations trigger penalties under Ley de Contravenciones de Tránsito, including fines up to ₡250,000 ($450 USD) and mandatory removal of non-compliant lighting. The DGT conducts random roadside inspections, particularly in San José and Alajuela, where enforcement is stringent. After 2026, digital monitoring via traffic cameras may expand compliance checks.