Tuning,  Car tuning,  Machine operation

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Strict rules apply to how the lighting system should look - and that's a good thing too. However, the auto industry and the legislator were able to agree on certain innovations that made the car safer, more comfortable and at the same time more creative. Read in the text below for a few details for hobbyist enthusiasts who can upgrade the lighting system with additional lighting features.

Don't be fooled by Hollywood

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Films such as fast and furious ”, cause motorists to drool. Cars pushed to the limit possible, roaring with super-powerful engines, showcasing bright colors and extraordinarily creative automotive lighting. Everything that seems effective in the film has nothing to do with reality - at least in the British Isles. Imagine chaos on the roads if each driver composes the light on his car to his liking. .

Automotive Front Lighting Compliance and Certification

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

front of the car has at least headlights и turn signals . Headlights are currently equipped Bilux lamps which can be switched from low beam to high beam.

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?


For many years the headlamp was designed as a simple round or square lamp. FROM 1980-x over the years, this component has gradually become more complex. At the same time, the accessories trade has discovered this car part and now offers spare parts for many models that deviate from the standard part.

ATTENTION: nothing passes without a sign of approval!

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

If the required quality mark is not stamped on the lighting element, the car is not allowed to drive on the road. This applies to even the smallest additional side turn signal. .
And there is a reason for this: tuners often adapt the turn signals or their lenses to match the look of the car . After all: who needs yellow lenses on a black car?

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

The accessory store offers matching lenses tinted black. However, the illumination power and transparency of the lens must be effective enough to guarantee the operation of the turn signal. .
Position lights and daytime running lights are innovations in automotive lighting . For both additional lighting solutions available retrofit kits. They are made according to the model of the car and therefore fit easily into the recesses on the front bumper. In most cars, the wiring is easier than expected . Plugs, as well as wiring harnesses for lighting and switches, are likely to be available in the car .

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Thus, the front of the car can be additionally equipped with the following lamps:

- fog lights -
turning lights
- Daytime Running Lights.

If used lamps have certification , quality number and correctly installed, MT has no objection.

Recently, it has become possible to install an additional set of high beams on the front of the car. For family cars, this is useless. For vans and pickups who regularly drive on country roads, this may be an additional safety feature.

However, be sure to check an identification number , which is embossed on each lens of the front car light. The sum of all numbers must not exceed 75 .

Side lighting of the car: several useful options

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Limited vehicle side upgrades available in terms of lighting.

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?


Many cars have a turn signal on the wing . It is possible to integrate an additional indicator into the side mirror, but nothing more. Adding reflective stripes on the sides is prohibited . The side reflectors are designed exclusively for rescue, fire and police vehicles .Fun items like luminous rims are also not allowed .

Car rear lighting: little room for something more

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

As a rule, cars are equipped with a complete set of rear lights from the factory. that allows you to fulfill any desire. Just a few years ago third stop light was popular tuning element . It is now standard on all vehicles.

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Installation of additional stops -signals briefly came into vogue in the 1980s . therefore they are still allowed, although almost never used as they have been almost supplanted third brake light on rear spoiler or tailgate . It is still only possible to retrofit a rear fog light if it is not already installed.
An interesting feature of additional rear lighting also makes me smile for maintenance inspectors: license plate light . This accessory consists of a flat lightbox with a transparent plastic cover.

The plastic cover is essentially a license plate evenly lit by LED lights from inside the lightbox. , which greatly improves the distance effect and clarity of the license plate, and adds an attractive element to the rear lighting.

There is good reason for hope. The automotive industry continues to find new opportunities for further development of rear lighting shaping. Now AUDI replaced its traditional turn signal with a dynamic version.

It's only a matter of time before the accessories trade offers this new capability as an option for the turn signal upgrade.

Automotive lighting: pay attention to light bulbs!

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

Unfortunately, the question of whether something is allowed or forbidden does not end with the components as such. This also applies to the bulbs inside the turn signals and the rear lights. . Basically, it makes sense to replace all incandescent bulbs with LEDs which are much more economical .

  • However, their main advantage is long life.
  • They can last the life of the car .
  • Nevertheless, Not all LED bulbs are the same .
  • They vary greatly in design and lighting power. That's why Be sure to use only approved lamps in your vehicle. .

What is blacklisted

Additional lighting on a car: what is possible and what is not?

It is strictly forbidden:

- all signal lights
– Illumination of the bottom (even when the car is stationary)
– Light bars on the side.

as well as all other additional lamps without any functions . Lamps that glow from the inside out are also frowned upon. This can even apply to a small X-mass tree of the dashboard.

thin line called automotive lighting

Even if it's tempting to equip your car with fireworks, be sure to drive within the law. . There are many possibilities for personalizing your vehicle externally. What is the use of being deprived of the right to drive a car, which ultimately makes you punishable? Within limits, there is a whole world of colorful and eye-catching options waiting for the DIY tuning enthusiast to tailor their vehicle to their own personal taste.

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