Is Underglow Lighting Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Framework Overhaul?

Yes, Underglow lighting is legal in Indonesia but strictly regulated under national traffic and vehicle modification laws. The Directorate General of Traffic and Road Transport (Ditjen LLAJ) permits underglow lighting only if it complies with Ministry of Transportation Regulation No. 16 of 2023, which mandates dimmed, non-flashing white or amber hues and prohibits colors resembling emergency vehicle signals. Unauthorized installations risk fines up to IDR 5 million (≈USD 320) or vehicle confiscation under Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation.

Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Indonesia

  • Color Restrictions: Only white or amber underglow lighting is permitted; red, blue, or flashing lights are banned as they may mimic emergency vehicle signals.
  • Brightness and Placement: Lights must be dimmed to avoid glare and installed below the vehicle’s waistline to prevent distraction to other road users.
  • Compliance Certification: Vehicles must pass inspection by the Regional Transportation Agency (Dinas Perhubungan) to validate adherence to Ditjen LLAJ standards.

Recent 2026 compliance shifts under the Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Law No. 11 of 2020) have tightened enforcement, with local traffic authorities (Polres) prioritizing checks in urban areas like Jakarta and Surabaya. Non-compliant modifications may void insurance coverage, as insurers reference Ditjen LLAJ’s vehicle modification guidelines.