Yes, underglow lighting is legally permitted in Peru but subject to strict vehicular lighting regulations enforced by the Dirección General de Transporte Terrestre (DGTT). Modifications must not impair visibility or violate traffic safety norms, with non-compliance risking fines or confiscation.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in Peru
- Color Restrictions: Only white or amber underglow lighting is permitted. Red, blue, or green hues—commonly associated with emergency vehicles—are strictly prohibited under Decreto Supremo 016-2009-MTC, which aligns with international road safety standards.
- Placement and Intensity: Underglow must not exceed 150 candela per square meter and cannot be visible from the front or rear of the vehicle. Installation below the bumper line is tolerated, but side-mounted strips require DGTT approval to prevent distraction.
- Operational Conditions: Lights must remain off during daytime and cannot be used in motion unless explicitly permitted for aesthetic purposes. The Reglamento Nacional de Vehículos (RNTV) mandates that all modifications comply with homologation certificates issued by the Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual (INDECOPI).
Post-2023 amendments to the RNTV introduced mandatory inspections for aftermarket lighting installations, with periodic audits by municipal transit authorities. Vehicles failing compliance face immobilization until rectification.