I have an Elegance with xenon projector headlights. I've read all the stuff about adjusting the lights for France, but left it too late.

So I bought some stick-on beam deflectors on the ferry. These have instructions for Octavias, in fact they have four or five different sets for different models, strangely. There are three different ones for projector headlights on the VRS, standard Octavia, and Scout. The circular stickers are positioned on the right of the outer lens, at various vertical positions depending on the model - according to the instructions.

The results? Totally useless. The left kick-up of the beam was still obvious at night, and I got flashed several times.

Two lessons learned: 1. Next time adjust the lights in advance. 2. Don't waste money on stick on deflectors. The only benefit is that you can show them to the gendarms and plead ignorance.

Edited 26 August, 200817 yr by London Les

The only benefit is that you can show them to the gendarms and plead ignorance.

Which is the sole purpose of buying them

You cant use stick ons with Xenons.

Gadgetman - why not?

The projector optics are the same whether xenon or halogen, its just a different bulb.

The stickers had instructions for projector lenses, suggesting they will work, although I agree they don't!

Question ~: do you HAVE to set your lights before going to France ?

What are the risks if you get stopped by the Gendarmerie ?

Reason why I ask is that I go to France twice a year and never bother

Question ~: do you HAVE to set your lights before going to France ?

What are the risks if you get stopped by the Gendarmerie ?

Reason why I ask is that I go to France twice a year and never bother

It's a legal requirement, so technically yes. Though it's also a legal requirement to drive within the speed limits etc.

Having gone through the pain of fitting deflectors to my Octavia last week (which required moving them to get the positioning right, then one falling off, a second set...), I was amazed looking along the line of cars getting onto the ferry how few people actually bothered. Very few GB stickers either.

On the French motorways the Brits coming the other way were rather obvious.

Irrespective of the penalty for getting caught, I'd say it's something you should do out of courtesy to other road users as it affects everyone that you pass on the road.

I flat beam my octy headlights when travelling abroad, externally they still looks the same but the beam pattern is completely flat.

I just make sure the lighst are working and don't bother with stickers and flat beam but you never know if you are stoped by the gendarmerie

Re the GB stickers if you have european union number plates with the GB on the left yuo do not need a GB sticker

Re the GB stickers if you have european union number plates with the GB on the left yuo do not need a GB sticker

Unless travelling outside the EU for example Switzerland :P