MOT rule change LED bulbs in headlights.

[Kevoz4]

Stolen from another forum.

The upgrading of existing halogen headlamps with HID bulbs has been a MOT fail for a few years now. However upgrading with LED bulbs was OK. Not anymore! From 11/01/2021 the MOT rules have been updated to make the fitment of LED bulbs ( in existing halogen units) a fail.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/updates

I attach the new rule for clarity.

4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

4.1.4 Headlamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed sentence from 'Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.' to 'Existing halogen headlamp units should 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.'

 

[buzyg]

Any one know the reason for this? I assume some safety concern or other. :roll:

 

[srhutch]

Any one know the reason for this? I assume some safety concern or other. :roll:

Beam pattern cannot be controlled IIRC.

 

[HU51A_FU]

H7 LED Headlight Dip Beams...can't see an issue, I've tested many LED bulbs and ALOT are absolute crap however I found these and they are an OEM fit and produce a next to identical beam pattern as what a normal halogen bulb in the headlight would produce.

You will just find that people will just revert back to standard for the MOT and then reinstall illegal units, bit like everything else thats meant to fail MOT i.e Decats/illigally spaced or produced numberplates....its a never ending game quite frankly between the DVSA and the car enthusiasts that can't afford cars that seem to be costing more and more money with the on going technology that we all want but cant afford so seak cheaper options to obtain simular results.

The intelligent thing I personally suggest would be to legalise certain regulated products that are sold by 1 or 2 companies ensuring no cheap Chinese crap makes its way into the market and therefore possibly causing dangerous scenarios to other road users.

Bit of a rant however I feel quote strongly about the lighting subject as I've been playing this game for years trying to find affordable, reliable, good quality products that operate efficiently and safely.

I understand people will have they're own opinions and majority quite frankly would agree the above is a good idea to stop the idiots out there.

 

[sw4nny]

Dont know where you found those bulbs,but could you send me a link

 

[Thrustyjust]

I tried all types of LED's on my Westfield and were rubbish

 

[Darkangelv2]

Yeah, the retrofit of any alternative (unless complete with washers and suspension height levers installed) is called out in the new MOT.

That said, there is then a lot of wiggle room. ie. the MOT tester will not check for presence of the suspension arms and they won’t open up your headlight to double check the bulb technology. You and I both know the tester will actually know but it’s a question as to whether it offends them to the point they’d fail you for it!

The positive for Z4 owners is the headlight construction uses a common D2S/H7 lens. No other road users will have an issue with your alternative tech, it’s always just going to be down to your tester and, potentially, the plod!

Ps. I added the washers to mine to make them visibly compliant (though technically still not!).

 

[srhutch]

I think the Z4 is better as it has projectors where as a lot of others cars don’t which causes the problem.

 

[HU51A_FU]

Dont know where you found those bulbs,but could you send me a link

They are called Novisight H7, I cannot find the ones I'm currently using as mine are OEM fitment without fan on the back as they wouldn't fit in the housing otherwise. Hands down I wouldn't purchase LED bulbs anywhere else, mine have lasted a year currently and I run them in my high beams too.

 

[sw4nny]

Dont know where you found those bulbs,but could you send me a link

They are called Novisight H7, I cannot find the ones I'm currently using as mine are OEM fitment without fan on the back as they wouldn't fit in the housing otherwise. Hands down I wouldn't purchase LED bulbs anywhere else, mine have lasted a year currently and I run them in my high beams too.

Thanks,will have a search

 

[markplant]

Does the MOT fail also cover leds fitted in side lights

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

I think the Z4 is better as it has projectors where as a lot of others cars don’t which causes the problem.

I think this is precisely the issue. Keep the colour temperature sensible, and hide the gubbins within the headlamp unit and all will be fine. But a different story for Wellard in his chavmobile, who is blinding everyone with 8000k blue tint HIDs in standard reflectors...

 

[HU51A_FU]

I think the Z4 is better as it has projectors where as a lot of others cars don’t which causes the problem.

I think this is precisely the issue. Keep the colour temperature sensible, and hide the gubbins within the headlamp unit and all will be fine. But a different story for Wellard in his chavmobile, who is blinding everyone with 8000k blue tint HIDs in standard reflectors...

Wellard...LOL