Hi all,

As other people in other threads have mentioned, and as I thought, I thought the stance on HID buls were as follows:

HIDs need to self levelling with headlight washer systems in place.

However, on another forum, I stumbled across this:

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Originally Posted by <name removed> HID kits are illegal unless they have a washing system and self leveling which i doubt your standard headlights with HID bulbs have?

Reply:

Those requirements are for manufacturers only, not aftermarket.

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Thoughts?

Is this true? If so, I'm seriously tempted to go for a HID kit for the VRS as the illegality was the only thing concerning me.

Edit: Found this contradicting document:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

Edited 11 February, 201115 yr by Stu vRS

Edit: Found this contradicting document:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

Seems clear enough to me.

Basically you are permitted to use after market HID headlights, however, the entire headlight unit must be replaced and not simply the bulb for it to be legal.

The part about self-levelling can apply to either the headlight unit itself or the suspension if it has a 'self-levelling' feature. Headlight washers must also be installed for it to be legal.

Proving to PC Plod that you've had the whole headlight replaced and not just the bulb would be difficult I'd have thought but if he decided to take you to court for it then obviously you'd have to prove it then with receipts etc.

I personally would never simply replace the standard halogen bulb with a HID 'burner' bulb just because I'm a very law abiding citizen. As far as legislation is concerned though it's pretty clear to me from what it says on the DFT website.

Did the whole research same as you Stu and then came across the exact same link which explains it quite definitively.

Basically, people who say they have aftermarket HID kits are lucky and playing the numbers. Most aftermarket don't replace the entire headlight and almost none have the headlight washer system. It should fail the MOT and if they ever get pulled over by someone from the traffic unit, they'll be fined/ticketed for it.

I personally would never simply replace the standard halogen bulb with a HID 'burner' bulb just because I'm a very law abiding citizen. As far as legislation is concerned though it's pretty clear to me from what it says on the DFT website.

Sums it up for me.

Edited 11 February, 201115 yr by Reavenger

I personally would never simply replace the standard halogen bulb with a HID 'burner' bulb just because I'm a very law abiding citizen.

It should fail the MOT and if they ever get pulled over by someone from the traffic unit, they'll be fined/ticketed for it.

The 2 reasons I won't be doing it then

Thanks guys