Legal Headlight Colors in the UK – What’s Allowed and What Isn’t

If you’ve ever thought about swapping your standard white bulbs for something flashier, pause for a second. The law in the UK is pretty clear about which colours you can shine on the road. Using the wrong colour can get you a fine, points on your licence, or even a MOT failure. Here’s a quick guide so you stay legal and safe.

What Colours Are Legal?

In everyday driving, the only colour you’re allowed to use for the main headlamps is white or close‑to‑white. This includes LED and HID units, as long as they stay within the approved colour range. Amber is okay, but only for side‑position lights or fog lamps – never for the main beam. Any other colour—blue, red, pink, green, or even a bright purple—breaks the rules.

Here’s a short list:

• White (or near‑white): legal for main beam and dipped beam.
• Amber: legal for fog lights and side markers only.
• Red: only allowed on the rear of the vehicle (brake lights, indicators, reverse lights).
• Blue, green, pink, purple: never legal for any front‑facing lights on a road vehicle.

Even if a colour looks cool, if it’s not on this list you could be stopped by the police.

Staying on the Right Side of the Law

First, check that any replacement bulbs are marked “E‑mark” and approved for UK road use. The E‑mark shows the bulb meets the European standards that the UK follows. If you buy something off a generic online store without that marking, you’re taking a risk.

Second, remember that colour isn’t the only factor. The light’s intensity, beam pattern, and placement all need to match the original equipment. A DIY installation that shifts the beam upwards can blind other drivers, even if the colour is correct.

If you love a custom look, consider legal options like adding a white or amber accent light that’s separate from the main beam. These have to be off when you’re driving, and only used for show when the vehicle is parked.

Should you be stopped, the officer will likely check the vehicle’s registration and the light itself. A fine can range from £100 to £500, plus you might need to replace the illegal lights before you can pass your MOT.

Bottom line: stick with white for main lights, amber for fog or side lights, and keep everything else standard. It’s the easiest way to avoid tickets, stay safe, and keep your car looking sharp without breaking the law.