Thinking about adding underglow to your car? Here is what Michigan law says, and how to run it legally. If you are ready to install, see our RGBIC underglow kit and the step-by-step install guide.

Is Underglow Legal in Michigan? (2026 Guide)

Two rules are nearly universal across the US: no red light shown to the front and no blue underglow (both are reserved for emergency vehicles), and no flashing, rotating, or strobing lights while driving. Beyond that, states differ. Here is how Michigan handles it.

Underglow rules in Michigan

• Covered and unlit: Michigan bars any lamp not required or permitted by the code unless it is both covered and turned off while on the highway. Underglow is neither required nor permitted, so it must be off and covered while driving on public roads.
• Colors: Permitted aftermarket colors are white or amber to the front and front-sides, and red or amber to the rear and rear-sides. Forward red or blue is not allowed.
• No flashing: Flashing and oscillating lights are prohibited for non-authorized vehicles.
• Driving vs parked: Use is limited to off public roads (private property and show use). On the highway it must be covered and unlit.

Underglow while parked or on private property

Because Michigan does not permit lit underglow on public roads, genuinely private property, a private lot, driveway, car show, or off-road, is the practical place to enjoy it. Those road rules are written around vehicles on a public highway, so private property is generally outside them. Be aware that a car parked on a public street is usually still treated as being on the highway, and red or blue lighting can trigger separate police-impersonation laws regardless of whether the car is moving. Keep to compliant colors and check your local ordinances.

How to stay legal with underglow in Michigan

• Keep the lights steady-burning, never flashing, strobing, or rotating.
• Show no red light to the front, and avoid blue entirely.
• Do not mimic emergency-vehicle lighting or obscure your license plate.
• Confirm the current rule below and check locally before driving with it on.

The law

MCL 257.698, especially subsection (4), prohibits lamps not permitted by the chapter unless they are covered and unlit, and sets the permitted color rules. Related: MCL 257.699 (flashing and oscillating lights). The official state page blocked automated access, so treat the exact wording as summary-sourced. You can read the referenced law here: Michigan statute.

Ready to install?

Our RGBIC underglow kit lets you dial in any color and keep it steady, and the install guide walks through wiring it to a switched power source. Free shipping on all US orders.

Michigan Underglow FAQ

Is underglow legal to drive with in Michigan?
No. Michigan requires any non-permitted lamp to be covered and unlit on public roads, so underglow cannot be illuminated while driving. Off-road and show use is the safe option.

Can I install underglow in Michigan?
You can install it and use it off public roads. On the highway it must be both switched off and physically covered.

Can I have underglow on while parked in a lot?
On genuinely private property, such as a private lot, driveway, or car show, underglow use is generally far less restricted. On a public street a parked car is usually still treated as being on the highway, so the color rules still apply, avoid red and blue, and check your local ordinances.

Updated July 2026.