Yes. LED lights are allowed in the Philippines, but only if they follow the exact rules imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Colored, blinking or flashing lights, including those used as decoration or “design lights” on any part of a motorcycle, are not allowed under LTO rules. This includes lights installed on the underside of the seat, footrests, side panels, body panels, fairings, wheel area, or anywhere else. Such lights are only allowed to a select few, because, according to the LTO, lights that are too bright, colored, or flashing can confuse drivers, cause accidents, and slow down emergency responders.
If you are thinking of upgrading your motorcycle by installing LED lights/strips or flashing or blinking colored lights, then this guide offers insights on the most updated LTO policies detailing what you can and cannot install, and what to do to stay on the safe and legal side of the law with your motorcycle.
What Does the Law Say?
Under Administrative Order 2024-001, PD 96, and the LTO Memorandum on Motorcycle Lights, the following are prohibited on any regular motorcycle:
- Blinkers and/or any flashing lights of any color
- Any colored light facing forward (especially red or blue)
- Any signaling or flashing device that may confuse traffic
- Red lights facing forward
- Blue lights
- Roof-mounted blinkers
- Strobe lights
- Any device that looks like police or ambulance lights
- Sirens, bells, whistles, and loud signaling gadgets
- Any similar gadget not listed under the allowed lights below
What Lights are Allowed on Regular Motorcycles
The rules also state that only the following LED light colors are allowed for regular motorcycle lighting:
- Headlight
- White or yellowish only
- Must point downward
- No blinking mode
- Taillight
- Red only
- No blinking
- Signal/Turn lights
- Yellow, amber, or orange only
- Brake light
- Only one
- Turns on only when brakes are applied
- Must glow stronger than the taillight
- Parking lamps
- Front: white/yellow/amber
- Rear: red
- Can be used when engine is off
- Must not be used while moving
- Fog lamp
- Only one
- White or selective-yellow
- Must be below the headlamp
- Must have its own switch
- Only for heavy rain, thick fog, etc.
- Number plate lights
- Two white lights
- Must automatically turn on with headlights
- Auxiliary / Additional LED lights
- Allowed
- Max of 2 units
- Max of 6 bulbs each
- Must have separate switches
- Must point downward
- Never point toward the left
- Must be below the handlebars
- Must not be used on well-lit streets or when facing oncoming vehicles
- Cannot replace the main headlamp
Note: LED and HID lights are allowed as long as they follow all the above rules.
Likewise, all other colors — blue, green, purple, pink, rainbow, multi-color, neon, strobe effects — are not part of the list of allowed lights. Because they are not included in the authorized list, they are automatically considered illegal accessories under DOTr (formerly DOTC) Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
Penalties for Illegal Lights
In case you get caught violating the rules on the proper use of LED/colored lights on motorcycles, here are the penalties that you can expect:
- ₱5,000 fine
- Impound of motorcycle
- Confiscation of illegal accessories
Note: Only LTO officers and deputized agents may issue violations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the legal use of LED/colored lights on motorcycles:
1. What motorcycles are allowed to use colored or flashing lights?
The following motorcycles are the only ones allowed to use colored or flashing lights:
- Police (red/white/blue)
- Fire trucks (red/blue)
- Ambulances (blue)
- Tower service and wreckers (yellow only)
- Official marked patrol vehicles of AFP, NBI, PNP, LTO
- DOH-marked ambulances
2. Are colored LED strips used only for “design” allowed?
No. Even if they are not facing forward, not blinking, or used only for aesthetics, they are still not allowed.
This include:
- LED strips under the seat/chairs
- LED lights on the footrest area
- LED strips along the side panels
- Neon underglow lights
- RGB lights that change colors
- Lights that glow on the body or ground
Take note that because the LTO rules are very specific and only allow specific colors and types of lights — anything else that is not specified is considered unauthorized.