You glance in the mirror and see it coming up fast, an unnaturally bright streak of colour; it's a bike with neon pink underglow lighting and flickering bright white LED side markers. Surely that can't be legal? Is it the fastest way to attract the unwanted attention of the police and a string of traffic fines? Well, you aren't wrong.
Related: What are the driving laws for motorbikes in South Africa?
Motorcycle lighting modifications are a frequent cause of confusion and potential fines in South Africa. The regulations are primarily governed by the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) 93 of 1996, specifically Regulation 181, which pertains to the colour of lights. Here is a guide based on the legal requirements for coloured covers, tinting, and lighting on your bike.
Lane filtering for bikers in SA - What you need to know
Coloured lights and covers (NRTA Regulation 181)
The law is particular about the colour of light that must be emitted in specific directions.
| Direction | Legal Light Colour(s) | Notes |
| Front (Headlights, Spotlights) | White, Amber, or Yellow (often referred to as 'selective yellow') | Coloured covers (e.g., yellow/amber) on headlights are legal as long as the emitted light remains white, amber, or yellow. |
| Side | Yellow or Amber | This primarily applies to side direction indicators (turn signals). |
| Rear (Taillights, Brake Lights) | Red | Brake anti-lock warning lights on the front of a trailer (which is not applicable to motorcycles) are an exception. Reversing lights (if fitted) and direction indicators are also exceptions. |
| Direction Indicators (Turn Signals) | Amber (front, side, and rear) | These must flash. |
| Other Lamps (Fog Lamps, etc.) | Must comply with specific NRTA/SABS regulations for colour and placement. | Auxiliary lamps must be fitted and used in accordance with the regulations. |
Key takeaways for colour
Blue, Green, Purple, or any other non-prescribed colour of light emitted from the front or rear is ILLEGAL.
Any two or more lamps of the same class (e.g., both front headlights) fitted to a vehicle must emit light of the same colour.
Coloured bulbs or covers are generally only legal if the emitted light still falls within the legally prescribed colour range (White/Yellow/Amber for front, Red for rear).
Tinting (Covers, Film, or Spray)
Tinting of motorcycle lights (headlights, taillights, indicators) is generally illegal if it impairs the light's visibility or changes the prescribed colour.
Reduced Visibility: The primary concern with tinting (smoked film or spray) is that it reduces the intensity and visibility of the light. Regulations require that lights must emit a light of sufficient brilliance to be visible from a distance of at least 150 metres to a person of normal eyesight.
Failure to Comply: If a tint reduces the light output to the point where it is deemed unroadworthy or not sufficiently visible, you risk a fine and failing a roadworthy inspection.
Manufacturer Warning: Even some tint film manufacturers state that their darker films are not recommended for road-legal vehicle applications in South Africa because they can impair clarity and visibility.
Avoid light tinting. While the tinting itself may not be explicitly banned, the resulting reduction in light intensity and visibility usually violates the NRTA.
Aftermarket lighting and LEDs
If you are fitting aftermarket lights, including LED conversions, they must meet strict compliance standards.
SANS/ECE Compliance: The main and dipped beams of your headlamp must comply with the requirements of the South African National Standard (SANS) 1046, which aligns with international ECE regulations. Look for an E-Mark or SABS Mark on the lighting unit.
Beam Pattern: This is the most critical factor for headlights. Aftermarket LED bulbs fitted into a reflector housing designed for a halogen bulb often create an illegal and dangerous beam pattern (excessive glare, no sharp cut-off), even if the light colour is correct. This is grounds for a fine or failing a roadworthy test.
Flashing Lights: No lamp other than a prescribed or authorised lamp shall be fitted. Flashing amber or coloured LED lights, like those found on bicycles, are prohibited unless they are official direction indicators or legally authorised for specific emergency/service vehicles (e.g., yellow flashing lights for breakdown vehicles).
Essential Lighting Checklist
| Item | Requirement in SA (NRTA) |
| Headlights | Must be on day and night on any public road. Must be white, amber, or yellow. Must have a clear beam pattern. |
| Taillight | Must emit Red light to the rear. |
| Brake Light | Must emit a brighter Red light than the taillight. |
| Direction Indicators | Must emit an Amber light and be of the flashing type. |
| All Lights | Must be in good working order, correctly aimed, and free from cracks or damage. |
| Prohibited | Any lamp or lighting device not prescribed or authorised by the regulations. |
Disclaimer: This is a guide based on the National Road Traffic Act. Always consult the latest legislation or a qualified authority, such as a traffic department or a Roadworthy Testing Station, for absolute certainty, as enforcement can vary between different jurisdictions. Essentially, if it wasn't installed on the bike by the manufacturer, it's best left alone, especially if it's for sale at a flea market or aftermarket shop.
