Washers and auto levelling are only checked if fitted as part of the MOT.
Not according to the Government. I linked above where they explicitly state that such lights REQUIRE headlight washers and self-levelling.
HID headlamp unit requirements
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the aftermarket should:
In practice this means:
- be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component
- when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place)
- comply with RVLR as far as “use” is concerned
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
- 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
- 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
- the headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly in the same way as any other headlamp
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.