HID Conversions

[Polly]

There has been much discussion on here regarding the legality of converting to HID. As a group, I think it is important we don't give inaccurate information, particularly where it may lead to a breach of the law. Attached is the Department for Transport view which I think is self explanatory. Perhaps this document has been posted before, but can I suggest that a moderator post it in a suitable place for future reference.
Les

[VMax1000]

Originally Posted by Polly

There has been much discussion on here regarding the legality of converting to HID. As a group, I think it is important we don't give inaccurate information, particularly where it may lead to a breach of the law. Attached is the Department for Transport view which I think is self explanatory. Perhaps this document has been posted before, but can I suggest that a moderator post it in a suitable place for future reference.
Les

To be fair, the document doesn't say it's illegal.
It merely states the DfT view that they think it's not.

The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not
mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of
the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply
with European type approval regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a
vehicle with a European type approval. These approvals relate 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 aftermarket, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because this
only applies to new vehicles. However DfT does not think it reasonable simply
to ban HID in the aftermarket. Instead the Department makes analogies with
new vehicles. It seems reasonable to require HID in the aftermarket to meet
the same safety standards as those for new vehicles. The same level of
safety should apply.

So still no definite answer I'm afraid

Analogies and should rather than the same and must.

Still not an answer about legality, just a view of the DfT

[pab]

Just bang them on. Get the beam adjusted correctly and enjoy..

[VMax1000]

Originally Posted by pab

Just bang them on. Get the beam adjusted correctly and enjoy..

Don't need to OEM fit on mine

[suzublu]

Seemed more concerned with fitting HID bulbs to reflector headlights, rather than projectors I've got oem Xenon projectors without all the other stuff, never any bother

[Polly]

If you read it properly, they begin by telling you they ARE illegal. However they basically say they do not object to an installation that meets EC regulation ??
They also pint out that THEY do not give legal advice, and that you should go elsewhere for that.
I would have thought however that their advice is the best you will get. Also I have seen that view being challenged on the basis that the document is dated 2010, but I can assure you I received that document from them this week so obviously their view has not changed.
My final point is that as far as I am concerned you can do what you want with your car, but please don't tell others that it is legal when clearly in the view of the DfT it is not.

[VMax1000]

Originally Posted by Polly

If you read it properly, they begin by telling you they ARE illegal. However they basically say they do not object to an installation that meets EC regulation ??
They also pint out that THEY do not give legal advice, and that you should go elsewhere for that.
I would have thought however that their advice is the best you will get. Also I have seen that view being challenged on the basis that the document is dated 2010, but I can assure you I received that document from them this week so obviously their view has not changed.
My final point is that as far as I am concerned you can do what you want with your car, but please don't tell others that it is legal when clearly in the view of the DfT it is not.

Yes, I have read it properly.

In the Department for Transport's (DfT) view it is not legal to sell or use after
market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to
HID Xenon.

It is their view..........

Instead the Department makes analogies with
new vehicles. It seems reasonable to require HID in the aftermarket to meet
the same safety standards as those for new vehicles. The same level of
safety should apply.

Analogies and 'it seems reasonable' or 'should'

Where does it actually say it's illegal????

If it's their view it's not legal, it might be someone else view it is.

All it is is a view, not a binding statement.

I am not telling anyone it is legal, but currently there is no proof it is not legal

Even new cars are only accepted because of European Type Approval

And how can they say it's illegal if they don't provide legal advice.........?????

[klarzy]

Originally Posted by VMax1000

Yes, I have read it properly.



It is their view..........

Under who's rules are you prosecuted if found to be illegal.... that's who I would take notice of...

Has anyone been taken to court and which legislation was quoted..?

[Polly]

"It is their view" ??
But before you get to that they say "in the strict letter of the law they are illegal"
They do explain that they do not make the law, so obviously it can only be their expert opinion, and you could always argue with them in court

[DMGRS]

So it's their expert opinion, not the law, so they're not illegal?
Excellent - good job as I've got a good set fitted. Properly adjusted in projectors, of course.