HID lamps

[charvell]

If you have HID lamps fitted to our truck it looks like they wont pass the mot next year

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafet...headlamps.html

[Rustinho]

If you have HID lamps fitted to our truck it looks like they wont pass the mot next year

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafet...headlamps.html

Fact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
December 2006

Apparently HID headlamps shouldn't have been passing MOTs since December 2006.

[flounderbout]

This doesn't suggest that it will become part of an MOT check (unless I have missed something).

[Rustinho]

This doesn't suggest that it will become part of an MOT check (unless I have missed something).

An even better point. Touché monsieur Flounderbout.

[Vultch]

throws a bit more light on it

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repositor...3-lighting.pdf

[will.b]

Lghtsi

"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".

Seems straightforward to me, only new vehicles and vehicles that have complete headlight replaced, with washer facilities and self levelling will pass the MOT.

[charvell]

have a mate who is an MOT tester, it is to be part of the MOT from Jan 2012 as is tow bar electricks

[JD_975]

Nothing in the MOT guide lines states you cant have aftermarket HID`s, the first link is to the construction and use reg`s which are what the police can call on to decide the legality of something.

As far as the MOT test is concerned going from the revisions, so long as the lights work and have the correct pattern, in the case of HID`s have a method of cleaning the headlights (shouldnt be too taxing to rig up some washer jets in the bumper) which is in working order and some form of adjustment to raise and lower the lights which is in working condition (the dash switch to lower the headlamp beam if the boot is loaded up can be considered a method of adjustment), its a pass.

The wording and methods of the MOT test have changed considerably over the last few years so as to take away the onus of legality from the tester, the thinking being that MOT testers are not the police and cannot provide written statement of law, it`s based more now on making sure everything is doing the job it was intended to do and not imminently going to fail, lights should light up and meet the prescribed basic requirements, the question of whether or not its legal is down to the police to asses and enforce using the construction and use regulations

[Vultch]

I think they want self adjusting headlamps or self levelling suspension

[BUSHWHACKER]

I think they want self adjusting headlamps or self levelling suspension

"some form of adjustment to raise and lower the lights which is in working condition (the dash switch to lower the headlamp beam if the boot is loaded up can be considered a method of adjustment), its a pass."

[Vultch]

"some form of adjustment to raise and lower the lights which is in working condition (the dash switch to lower the headlamp beam if the boot is loaded up can be considered a method of adjustment), its a pass."

Therefore, in order to pass the MOT
test, vehicles fitted with after-market HID systems would also need to be fitted with headlamp
cleaning and self-levelling systems. Some high specification estate cars are fitted with a selflevelling suspension system and this would be considered as adequate for the purpose.


its ok were are covered, the Surf is high performance isn't it

"It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that
have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system"

[BUSHWHACKER]

Therefore, in order to pass the MOT
test, vehicles fitted with after-market HID systems would also need to be fitted with headlamp
cleaning and self-levelling systems. Some high specification estate cars are fitted with a selflevelling suspension system and this would be considered as adequate for the purpose.


its ok were are covered, the Surf is high performance isn't it

"It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that
have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system"

I see your post and raise you this one........

Almost all the Lexus cars that I pull apart have a headlight levelling switch on the dash.
I worked on a 4Runner last year that also had this switch on the dash.
Granted none of them had HID lights, but..........................

P.S. Some Surfs are high performance.

[JD_975]

The point being from an MOT testers view, it raises doubt, if there doubt then it is pass and advise, as such you have been made aware there may be a problem and it is down to you to check the particulars of it`s suitability for use on the road, MOT testers are not there to enforce law, just to say at that particular time on that particular day that vehicle is safe within the prescribed areas (its all about the prescribed areas) to use on the road.

[Karma Supra]

They weren't part of the MOT test, but have never actually been legal as an aftermarket kit.

Unless it has changed recently I'm pretty sure anything that is not an "incandescent" (fillament) bulb is NOT legal on UK roads.

How do cars get away with it from the factory? E approval!

Kind of wierd as the other law stated that HIDs must have self leveling and a cleaning system... Strange to make a law specifically for a type of bulb that technically isn't allowed....

The proper HID projector lights are ###### fantastic. The aftermarket H4 kits, not so much (dazzling for other road users too) -but still an improvement (the OH has them on her MR2)

I was looking at doing a "Proper" HID conversion on the surf, using the facelift "clear" headlamp units with a Hella bi-xenon projector in it (from an E46 3 series or Mercedes amongst others) This is a popular mod in the states. But the legal aggro and general effort of it put me off

[Vultch]

I lifted those quotes from a VOSPA document, I think after december MOT centres will now play hard ball as its EU directive on lighting.

Im not sure how quickly self levelling reacts to a bump or ramp if its at all or if it just compensates for a load car but the regulation clearly states self levelling. There are a percentage of cars with retro fit HIDs that spew light everywhere a shotgun approach to road lighting so it will be good to see those brought into line.
I also suspect Plod will have a new roadside device to check...just like the random checks on window tinting