Are Underbody Lights Legal in the UAE?

Wondering if underbody lights are legal in the UAE? The answer is yes. However, only when specific compliance requirements are met. This comprehensive guide explores the legalities of underglow lights UAE per the UAE Federal law No. 21 of 1995, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, and standards set by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). Whether you’re considering LED neon underglow lights or just seeking clarity on underbody-specific car modification rules in the UAE, this guide ensures the latest & updated information. Let’s dive in.

Legality of Underbody Lights in the UAE

While there are no explicit mentions about underglow neon lights in any of the UAE governmental websites (RTA, TAAM, MOI UAE), it implies that under the ESMA UAE car modification rules governed by the UAE Federal law (mentioned above).

During our latest research on online platforms, we found out that some individuals were writing on Reddit about facing legal consequences for car underglow neon lights. However, the majority of UAE vehicle owners say underbody lights are not illegal when the following criteria are met:

• No Obstruction to Visibility: LED neon underglow lights must not impair the driver’s view or distract other road users.

• ESMA Approval: Prior approval from ESMA mandatory. Only ESMA-approved workshops Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, neon lights installations meet legal requirements.

• Color Restrictions: Colors like RED and/or BLUE, which may mimic emergency vehicles, are off-limits to avoid confusion.

If you successfully comply with and meet these requisites for installing LED neon underglow lights in your vehicle, you can drive on the Emirates roads without legal consequences.

Note: Despite the UAE Federal Law governing the national traffic regulations, local enforcement may vary slightly across the Emirates, so always verify with ESMA or RTA beforehand to avoid inconveniences.

UAE Vehicle Modification Regulations

As mentioned earlier, underbody neon light installations explicitly fall under the UAE vehicle modification regulations, governed by the Federal Law. To completely understand the car modification rules in the UAE, read this comprehensive & updated article:  Car Modification Rules and Laws.

This article explores elaborate topics, including the legalities of LED headlights, muffler delete, window tinting, ECU remapping, and cold air intakes.

Penalties for Non-Compliant Underbody Lights

We established (in earlier sections) that you could face legal consequences if you don’t comply with the fundamental requirements of neon light car underbody installations. Let’s check out the fines for illegal underglow neon light installation UAE. These penalties for non-compliant underbody lights are per the Federal Traffic Law:

• Monetary Fines: A fine ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000 is imposed for unauthorized vehicle modifications, including non-compliant underbody neon lights.

• Black Points: 12 black points are added to the driver’s license, contributing to potential license suspension if the total reaches 24 points.

• Vehicle Impoundment: The vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days, with additional costs to release it. This can potentially escalate to AED 50,000 in severe cases or for repeat offenses, as per emirate-specific regulations like Dubai’s Decree No. 30 of 2023 or Abu Dhabi’s Law No. 5 of 2020.

Non-compliance not only risks financial penalties but also affects vehicle usability, making adherence to regulations critical for those installing car underglow neon lights.

Note: The exact underglow neon light-specific violation penalty information on the UAE governmental portals is limited, as they typically address broader vehicle modification or traffic violation categories. The above penalties are for illegal vehicle modifications in the UAE, which explicitly include installations of underbody neon lights. 

How to Legally Install Underbody Lights in the UAE

With a comprehensive understanding of underbody light legalities, vehicle modification laws, and their non-compliance penalties, let’s learn how you can legally install underglow neon lights legally in the UAE.

• Choose an ESMA-Approved Workshop: Select a certified workshop in Dubai or other emirates to install LED neon underglow lights. ESMA-approved workshops ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Obtain Prior Approval: Submit your vehicle modification plan to ESMA for approval before installation. This step is mandatory under the UAE Federal Traffic Law.

• Ensure Safety Standards: Choose lights that do not use restricted colors (e.g., red or blue) and ensure they are installed to avoid obstructing visibility.

• Obtain a Modification Certificate: After installation, obtain a certificate from the workshop to document compliance, which is required during vehicle inspections.

By simply following these four steps, you can legally install neon lights or LEDs under your vehicle in the UAE.

Conclusion

Despite a few web sources claiming the illegal status of neon underglow or LED underbody lights, the UAE allows vehicle modifications under specific criteria. The UAE authorities enforce stringent penalties for non-compliance under the UAE Federal law, supported by ESMA standards for modifications. Make sure you comply with every bit if you plan for underbody light installations in Dubai or some other Emirate. Choose ESMA-approved workshops and incorporate the above learnings for a stress-free and compliant vehicle modification in the Emirates. Don’t forget to share your neon underglow/underbody light experiences in the UAE in the comments.

FAQs

Are neon underglow lights legal in the UAE?

Yes, neon underglow lights are legal in the UAE, but only when specific compliance requirements are met, as outlined by the Federal Traffic Law and ESMA standards.

Can I use red or blue underbody lights in the UAE?

No, using red or blue underbody lights is generally prohibited in the UAE. These colors are restricted as they can easily mimic emergency or official vehicles, leading to confusion and potential safety hazards for other road users.

Do underbody lights affect car insurance in the UAE?

Yes, underbody lights, like any car modification, can affect your car insurance in the UAE. Insurers typically view modifications as increasing the vehicle's value or risk (e.g., higher theft risk, altered performance characteristics).