HID/LED Headlight Bulb MOT Fail

[Gibonz]

Folks,

Any experience with putting a bike through since 2021 when the below came into effect?

I have an 05 GSXR with a HID bulb in the dipped beam projector housing which emits a perfect beam pattern, but was wondering should I swap in a standard halogen just incase?

Thanks



https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-...

4.1.4. Compliance with requirements

Existing halogen headlamp units on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.

This does not refer to complete replacement headlamp units which may be constructed with HID or LED light sources.

If a complete headlamp unit has been replaced with a unit that was manufactured with HID or LED light sources, it must not be failed for ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’ but it must meet all other requirements detailed in section 4 of this manual specific to the type fitted at the time of test.

[snagzie]

Whilst having no experience of this, it seems pretty clear it should fail.

I guess its at the discretion of the tester to "ignore" that rule. I'm assuming a st-ton of bikes would fail MOTs on things like reg plates, exhausts etc but don't.

One place I went to in Lincs said just to hang-around for any MOT in case an inspector turned up and saw my bike with a new MOT with obvious fails on it (stuff like the above, not safety things).

I expect someone will tear apart my comments though!

[black-k1]

Should pass without issue

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...

Guidance
MOT special notice 01-21: headlamp conversions
Published 19 March 2021

1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’

2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.

Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.

Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.

The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.


One of those rare occasions when common sense has won!

Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 5th July 16:38

[Speed addicted]

black-k1 said:

Should pass without issue

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...

Guidance
MOT special notice 01-21: headlamp conversions
Published 19 March 2021

1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’

2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.

Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.

Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.

The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.


One of those rare occasions when common sense has won!

Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 5th July 16:38

I swapped mine back to halogens because of the rule for mots. I wonder where I put them….

[snagzie]

Great spot Black-K1!

[Gibonz]

Cheers gents!