I know we've had a few threads about HIDs and MOTs since the latest testing manual came out and I think we're all in agreement that it states, IF the unit has self levelling suspension and washers then they must work to pass...interpretation is that this means aftermarket ones are OK since they dont have those functions and cannot be tested and failed, plus they admit themselves that testing the self levelling function isn't really practical.

 

However we've also had other discussions about MOT pass for other things (number of mirrors and placement for instance) which can still lead to you being pulled by the rozzers and given a ticket despite your fresh MOT in hand.

 

This seems to be the same situation for HIDs given this information from the Department for Transport (unless I am reading this wrong then please let me know) :

 

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps.html

 

bit of interest is:

 

======

However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).

 

For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.

 

Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

 

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

 

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

 

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.

 

In practice this means:

 

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.

 

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

 

3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

 

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

 

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

 

 

 

If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:

 

Transport Technology and Standards 6

Department for Transport

Zone 2/04

Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DR

 

Telephone: 020 7944 2078

Fax: 020 7944 2196

Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk

 

For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.

 

I like the bit I have enlightened in red, then the document goes on and states lots of unreasonable criteria :cursing:

Aye, they can't be seen to say no aftermarket because it is seen as a safety upgrade. So instead they set about making it impossible to legally have aftermarket HIDs without getting Hella or someone to stamp your headlight unit to say it passes their tests.

So am I reading this right then?

 

 

Crap OEM zed lights = Can't see s**t, so crash into tree at night......but they are 100% legal

 

whereas

 

Excellent upgrade HID lights = Huge improvement resulting in you actually being able to see at night, thereby reducing the chance of crashing into said tree.....but which 'may or may not' be legal

 

why does it not surprise me......

I guess the point is that it helps us see better but without having the self levelling suspension then we'll be blinding oncoming traffic under certain circumstances, same goes for the washers I guess because the light will be fragmented off the dirt...but just because a new car is fitted with this, doesn't mean the owner is actually pushing the button to clean them on a regular basis.

 

Might be an idea to keep a couple of standard bulbs in the glove in case a particularly parnicity pissed off traffic copper ever decides to try and enforce this. Only way they can tell i guess is to check the headlight casing for an E marker with the number reference in the original post.