No. Underglow lighting is prohibited for vehicles in South Korea under the Road Traffic Act and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) regulations. Exceptions exist only for emergency or official vehicles with prior approval. Non-compliance risks fines up to ₩100,000 or vehicle seizure.
Key Regulations for Underglow Lighting in South Korea
- Road Traffic Act (제12조): Prohibits non-standard vehicle lighting, including underglow, unless explicitly permitted.
- MOLIT Notification 2023-112: Clarifies that decorative lighting violates vehicle safety standards, effective since March 2024.
- Local Enforcement (2026 Updates): Seoul and Busan police now issue on-the-spot fines for aftermarket underglow installations during routine inspections.
Vehicles with factory-installed underglow (e.g., some imported sports cars) require MOLIT certification to avoid penalties. Aftermarket kits must be removed before registration or inspection. Tourists renting vehicles should verify lighting compliance to prevent legal complications.