Hi Guys
I was hoping not to get too distracted on the main point I was asking about. I am not sure the posters previous views are correct.
This is form the Govt MOT testing guide for Headlamps: Section 4:
Existing halogen headlamp units on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.
This does not refer to complete replacement headlamp units which may be constructed with HID or LED light sources.
If a complete headlamp unit has been replaced with a unit that was manufactured with HID or LED light sources, it must not be failed for ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’ but it must meet all other requirements detailed in section 4 of this manual specific to the type fitted at the time of test.
Vehicles with high intensity discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with a suspension or headlamp self-levelling system. If these systems have been fitted, they must work.
Sometimes it is not easy to determine if the self-levelling systems work. In such cases you should give the benefit of the doubt.
This is from the Special Notice of 1.21:
You must inspect vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009 equipped with headlamp washers.
For class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles, the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’ only applies to vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986.
Should a vehicle be presented for an MOT test with conversions before 1 April 1986 they must not be failed with immediate effect.
Vehicles presented with converted halogen headlamp units first used on or after 1 April 1986 will continue to be failed.
Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.
As I understand what they are saying is:
- You can not convert an existing Halogen LIGHT UNIT to HID or LED. That is a fail.
- You can not convert a car built before 1/4/86 to LED or HID at all.
- If you change the entire headlamp LIGHT UNIT, then that is acceptable subject to certain other obligations when the car was built.
- If the car was built before 1/9/09 and after 1/4/86 then if it does have self levelling or a wash system it must work, If it does not have these systems then that is acceptable.
- If the car was built after 1/9/09 then it MUST have self levelling and wash.
- From the guidance if the lumens if the HID unit is below 2000 then it can be regarded as acceptable despite the above.
That clearly is my interpretation of the regulations and guidance and not legal advice for anyone. If in doubt contact DVSA and ask them.
