HID kits mostly illegal??
Discussion
I just came across this post on another car website. It is unsubstantiated. Google left me none the wiser. Any (useful! 
) comments?
) comments? Mike Fishwick said:
I hear that, according to Auto Express, the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations have been amended to require that any retrofitted HID headlamps must also include the correct beam controller (reflector and/or lens) automatic levelling, and washers.
About time too, as most cars will pitch up and down on their over-soft suspensions, and cause more dazzle than anyhting else. OK - zeds do not jump upand down much, but beam control and dazzle levels still cannot be guaranteed to comply with the regs.
Needless to say, retrofitted HID headlights will now become a firm reason to fail the MoT.
Even if your HID bulbs will fit into a headlamp designed for an H7 etc, there is no guarantee that the discharge gap (ie the 'filament') is in the same position, which would be required if we had proper Type Approval, as in Germany. Has anyone bought a system which has German TuV type approval?
It's something to consider though, if you are thinking about fitting a system - unless you have no consideration for other drivers - or your licence, as no doubt such an offence - like most activities in the UK - will attract penalty points.
The problem with the regs is that there does not appear to be single source of the old 1989 RVLR, including the various amendments which have been made to them over the last 17 years, so no-one really knows their position until being prosecuted - when it will be no defence to claim that the retailer did not mention details such as legality.
About time too, as most cars will pitch up and down on their over-soft suspensions, and cause more dazzle than anyhting else. OK - zeds do not jump upand down much, but beam control and dazzle levels still cannot be guaranteed to comply with the regs.
Needless to say, retrofitted HID headlights will now become a firm reason to fail the MoT.
Even if your HID bulbs will fit into a headlamp designed for an H7 etc, there is no guarantee that the discharge gap (ie the 'filament') is in the same position, which would be required if we had proper Type Approval, as in Germany. Has anyone bought a system which has German TuV type approval?
It's something to consider though, if you are thinking about fitting a system - unless you have no consideration for other drivers - or your licence, as no doubt such an offence - like most activities in the UK - will attract penalty points.
The problem with the regs is that there does not appear to be single source of the old 1989 RVLR, including the various amendments which have been made to them over the last 17 years, so no-one really knows their position until being prosecuted - when it will be no defence to claim that the retailer did not mention details such as legality.
Mike Fishwick said:
Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations have been amended to require that any retrofitted HID headlamps must also include the correct beam controller (reflector and/or lens) automatic levelling, and washers.
How does this work on Motorcycles, as some have HID but I don't think any have washers, not sure about self-levelling but don't think it would work well on a bike?
BiggusLaddus said:
spokey said:
Possibly because it encourages speeding.
Can just imagine the press releases now, about proposals to black out all street lighting to force drivers to slow down at night
In Bath I heard from a contact that the COuncil wanted to keep roads ina state of tank track pot-holed disrepair as it made cars go slower.
Cretins, how do they get elected? Yes I know, they stand for it - then we have to.
Needless to say, retrofitted HID headlights will now become a firm reason to fail the MoT.
Even if your HID bulbs will fit into a headlamp designed for an H7 etc, there is no guarantee that the discharge gap (ie the 'filament') is in the same position, which would be required if we had proper Type Approval, as in Germany. Has anyone bought a system which has German TuV type approval?
Nothing on the MOT site.
And no special notices for us tester's to fail aftermarket HID kit's unless the beam pattern is out.
I must say as having my last four car's and two Hayabusa's all fitted with aftermarker HID kit's they have had beam the pattern all checked and corrected after fitting.
Even if your HID bulbs will fit into a headlamp designed for an H7 etc, there is no guarantee that the discharge gap (ie the 'filament') is in the same position, which would be required if we had proper Type Approval, as in Germany. Has anyone bought a system which has German TuV type approval?
Nothing on the MOT site.
And no special notices for us tester's to fail aftermarket HID kit's unless the beam pattern is out.
I must say as having my last four car's and two Hayabusa's all fitted with aftermarker HID kit's they have had beam the pattern all checked and corrected after fitting.
Edited by SprintV8 on Thursday 4th January 23:10
SprintV8 said:
Needless to say, retrofitted HID headlights will now become a firm reason to fail the MoT.
Hmmm, so after paying a handsome some to have mine fitted, the best thing to do is to get my MOT done at the garage that fitted them. This may provide them with an interesting dilemma? Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff