HID kit - whats the law

pyropetepete

pyropetepete

pyropetepete

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Hearing mix things and can't find anything 100%

Got a 2003 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

Want to fit a set of HID's (a proper kit with ballist not the ''HID bulb' only''

Whats the law on this, mot, ones to fit etc
 
Vehicles with HID headlamps are therefore required to have a headlamp washing system (a wiper is not required) and be self levelling, which may be achieved either by the use of either headlamp or suspension levelling systems.
The presence and operation of these headlamp cleaning and levelling devices has been added to the test. Therefore, if a mandatory headlamp levelling or cleaning device is missing, inoperative or otherwise obviously defective, the vehicle will fail.
This raises the question of whether these checks apply to vehicles fitted with after-market HID lighting kits. These kits convert conventional halogen headlamps to HID Xenon and they are widely sold and fitted to vehicles used on the road. The Department for Transport considers that after-market systems should be required to meet the same safety standards as that applied in respect of these lamps at vehicle Type Approval. 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 self-levelling suspension system and this would be considered as adequate for the purpose.
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.
HID headlamps can be easily recognised as they generally:
u take a few seconds to reach full intensity
u have a bluish tinge to the light
u have an igniter module/inverter behind the headlamp
u may also have ‘DCR’ marked on the headlamp lens.
Headlamp washing and levelling systems are mandatory for all vehicles fitted with LED headlamp systems, although these are not yet widely used and only tend to be optional fitment on some executive marques. However, as LED systems improve and because they can be arranged in almost any design configuration, they are sure to become more common.
Where headlamp levelling or cleaning devices are missing or defective, but there is doubt as to whether they are required, the benefit of the doubt should be given and an advisory notice issued.
Click to expand...
 
So in other words, with the last line, as long as you know the 'lad' at the garage, you will get away with it.

I know loads of people who fit aftermarket HIDS and have no trouble with MOTs.
 
That quote is meaningless. It is the 'considered view' of the DoT based on the fact there is no case law.

The only mot considerations are that washer systems and levelling must work where fitted.

Read the test manual yourself. Washers not present are not a fail condition.
 
If you're going to do it, do it properly. I doubt you'll be able to find a proper projector headlamp for the Focus though. HID bulbs generally just end up blinding everybody as when people put them in, they don't bother aligning them.

You can put HID bulbs in without having washers or self levellers.
 
pyropetepete said:
Whats the law on this
Click to expand...

Can + worms =...


Basically to sum it up, HID's are not road legal in the UK, but because the come as standard on new cars that have been passed by the EU and the UK cannot refuse to allow a car passed by the EU on its roads this overrides that issue. Because of this they also allow older cars to be retrofitted with HID's provided the halogen headlamp units are changed to HID projector types and that the new installation meets the same regulation standards as those on new cars.

Note that nobody has every been (reportedly) done for violating these rules anyway, its actually an offence under law to put HID bulbs in a reflector headlamp but plenty of fools do it and the law doesn't lift a finger.
 
Which they can't do realistically as some cars (like the civic) come with HID's in a reflector style assembly.

Basically, if you want to put them in then go for it but ensure you buy the correct type of bulbs for the headlamp assembly they're going into and make sure they're aimed properly or you'll forever be infuriating other drivers
 
As Fox says

If you have headlight washers fitted they need to work.

If you have self leveling fitted they need to work - but that's hard to prove, so benifit of the doubt must be given.

As long as the beam pattern is OK you'll have no problems with the MOT.

Actual MOT document

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/c...nualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm

download the pdf for private passenger.

Section 1.7 ish.
 
Liquidfox said:
If you're going to do it, do it properly. I doubt you'll be able to find a proper projector headlamp for the Focus though. HID bulbs generally just end up blinding everybody as when people put them in, they don't bother aligning them.

You can put HID bulbs in without having washers or self levellers.
Click to expand...

ST170 came with projection lenses.

It's a direct fitment swap.
 
You just put the lenses in, not the OEM ballast/bulb stuff.

You still use a retrofit ballast/bulb kit that plugs and plays with your existing Halogen loom but you at least have the correct projection lenses to use with it rather than reflectors.
 
Sin_Chase said:
You just put the lenses in, not the OEM ballast/bulb stuff.

You still use a retrofit ballast/bulb kit that plugs and plays with your existing Halogen loom but you at least have the correct projection lenses to use with it rather than reflectors.
Click to expand...

Normally you'd just fit the entire headlamp unit, including the bulbs and ballasts, and adjust the wiring accordingly.
 
ubersonic said:
Can + worms =...


Basically to sum it up, HID's are not road legal in the UK, but because the come as standard on new cars that have been passed by the EU and the UK cannot refuse to allow a car passed by the EU on its roads this overrides that issue. Because of this they also allow older cars to be retrofitted with HID's provided the halogen headlamp units are changed to HID projector types and that the new installation meets the same regulation standards as those on new cars.

Note that nobody has every been (reportedly) done for violating these rules anyway, its actually an offence under law to put HID bulbs in a reflector headlamp but plenty of fools do it and the law doesn't lift a finger.
Click to expand...

What law?
 
hids retro fitted into reflector lamps are plain ****. not only do you blind all oncoming cars you look like a ***** goon "modding your car on the cheap" with blue lights "because there well good in fast and furious, innit"

true fact
 
For the past few days I've seen on my way to work a Mitsubishi L200 with blue HID headlights fitted in his reflector lenses. Blue. Not just a hint of blue. An actual blue light. They're probably about 15000K. How is that effective?! How does he not get pulled over and slapped? The mind boggles.
 
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