HID and the law.. (they are illegal)

[kicklikeamule]

There's a few interesting comments on this police discussion forum,
http://www.ukpoliceonline.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32360&hl=

I emailed the Met Police thinking those who enforce the law would know, but their reply was to go ask a garage.

Instead, I asked a retailer, HIDS4U who said this,
Unfortunately no aftermarket HID kit is strictly road legal as you are changing the lighting system (halogen to Gas discharge)
in your car and for this reason the bulbs can't be E marked which is a legal requirement. You also won't have the self
leveling and washer systems installed which is also a legal requirement for HID. Saying this however they will pass an MOT
as the beam pattern and colour of the light (as long as you don't go higher than 6000K) will be correct and this is what
gets tested in MOT's.

[Wayne]

lol
yer they r dude

Nope, wrong

So instead of just saying wrong how about putting some info up to back it up? I know it's been posted already in this thread but don't just say 2 words then feck off lol!

Sorry but reread the thread they are illegal end off, if you and others want to run them and piss other drivers off carry on, don't come moaning when you get pulled however.


The first HID kits appeared several year ago now and their popularity continues to increase with there now being hundreds of different types available in a range of colours, most of which have originated from the Far East, most notably China. However despite the huge growth in popularity one question still remains - Are HID Kits Legal on UK Roads?

The Department of Transport says that for a aftermarket HID Headlamp Unit to be road legal in the UK it must be:

1.  Type approved to ECE Regulations 98 as a Component

2.  When fitted to a 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 the Following

a.  The Headlamp Unit (Outer Lens, Reflector and Bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be E marked to demonstrate this

b.  Once fitted to a 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 dipped beam must stay on with main beam.

c.  The Headlight must be in good working order, kept clean and correctly aligned

It is important to note that the Department of Transport classify the Headlamp Unit to be the Outer Lens, Reflector and Bulb and ALL of these parts must comply with ECE Regulation 98 and be E marked to demonstrate this fact.
 

To conclude the Department of Transport say you are NOT permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp for use with HID bulbs.  The Entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules above.

Remember under the Road Traffic Act 1998 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal

It is for these reasons that all HID kits should be sold by responsible retailers as “For Off-Road and Show Use Only”.

[Shady Pioneer]

There's a few interesting comments on this police discussion forum,
http://www.ukpoliceonline.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32360&hl=

I emailed the Met Police thinking those who enforce the law would know, but their reply was to go ask a garage.

Instead, I asked a retailer, HIDS4U who said this,
Unfortunately no aftermarket HID kit is strictly road legal as you are changing the lighting system (halogen to Gas discharge)
in your car and for this reason the bulbs can't be E marked which is a legal requirement. You also won't have the self
leveling and washer systems installed which is also a legal requirement for HID. Saying this however they will pass an MOT
as the beam pattern and colour of the light (as long as you don't go higher than 6000K) will be correct and this is what
gets tested in MOT's.

Interesting indeed, I passed a traffic cop today, no issues
as he didn't come after me lol.

[VW BUSH]

What's wrong with dim old lights anyhoo it adds to the mystique

[Adam]

Think this thread has been settled now, no?

 Lock it.


Happy new year x

[roger1234]

Most major roads these days have hid powered street lights any way.

[DubSociety]

Simply put, their illegal.

Thing is, police really got better things to do then screw you over for lights unless their an absolute cock. MOTS are usually passable aswell as their more concerned with the alignment of your headlights than the bulbs itself ... you could easily just throw in normal H7 Yellow Halogens just to pass the MOT and take them out as soon as you get the certificate right in front of their face; knowing this fact, MOT Testers usually just shrug their shoulders when it comes to HIDs.

Thats from my experience anyway ...

[leegt5]

Most major roads these days have hid powered street lights any way.

Yes but the beam is not directed into your eyes like it is when an oncoming car has a hid kit !!

[Adam]

Most major roads these days have hid powered street lights any way.

Yes but the beam is not directed into your eyes like it is when an oncoming car has a hid kit !!

Not going to help the situation here but since we are talking about cars with projectors that do not scatter, thus they will not blind other road users as long as they have been adjusted correctly.

LOCK IT!

[Matty-MK3]

Most major roads these days have hid powered street lights any way.

Yes but the beam is not directed into your eyes like it is when an oncoming car has a hid kit !!

Not going to help the situation here but since we are talking about cars with projectors that do not scatter, thus they will not blind other road users as long as they have been adjusted correctly.

LOCK IT!

Projectors designed for HALOGEN bulbs, they do slightly glare and scatter with HIDs.