Thinking about underglow for your car in Virginia? Here is what the law says, and how to run it legally. Ready to install? See our RGBIC underglow kit and the install guide.

Is Underglow Legal in Virginia? (2026 Guide)

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

Underglow rules in Virginia

• Not road-legal: Virginia allows only lights required or specifically permitted by the code to be lit while operating, so any other lighting device (including underglow) must be covered and unlit while on the highway.
• Colors: Colored emergency-style lights (red and blue), blinking or steady, are prohibited on non-authorized vehicles.
• Driving vs parked: Must be covered and unlit during operation; private property is the practical use.

Underglow while parked or on private property

Because Virginia 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, and those road rules generally do not reach private property. 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 motion. Keep to compliant colors and check local ordinances.

How to stay legal with underglow in Virginia

• 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

Code of Virginia 46.2-1020 (other permissible lights), verified against the official Virginia Law site. You can read the referenced law here: Virginia statute.

Ready to install?

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

Virginia Underglow FAQ

Is underglow legal in Virginia?
Underglow is not permitted while driving; neon or underglow must be covered and unlit on the highway. Keep the lights steady, show no red to the front, and avoid blue.

What underglow colors are illegal in Virginia?
Only lights required or specifically permitted may be lit while operating; colored emergency-style lights are barred. Flashing or strobing of any color is not allowed.

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.