Am i being stupid or is it actually illegal?

jem-9n3 · Post by **jem-9n3** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:06 pm

Hey guys,

So ive posted a few times on here and just have two questions about legal mod's etc.

firstly, ive seen loads of poeple using these HID kits in their cars, but are literally just putting them in standard headlamps. i thought that it was illegal to use these kits in standard REFLECTOR headlamps, and only legal to use them in an upgraded or aftermarket headlamp with a PROJECTOR.

secondly, my friend has currently bought some apparently legal pressed plates. i was about to purchase some when everyone kept on telling me that "pressed plates are illegal" but other people said "as long as they have the right spacing, font and have the reflective paint they are legal".

Can someone please just let me know what is what as im pretty bored and would like to buy these small upgrades to keep me interested in my polo

cheers, jack.

benmkiv · Post by **benmkiv** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:17 pm

As long as they're reflective spaced correctly and correct font and the manufacturer name is on there they're legal. Dubmeister do the road legal ones!

As for HIDs it is technically illegal and an MOT failure to have hid's in reflector lenses but not many people get grief for it although the laws are becoming tighter as of next year apparently.

Not sure realistically how much tighter we will certainly see.

jem-9n3 · Post by **jem-9n3** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:24 pm

thanks !

great to know that i can get some new plates now

, and looks like its still either taking a risk of fitting HID's or eventually buying some new headlamps.

cheers, for the fast reply

BennoGTi · Post by **BennoGTi** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:24 pm

It is illegal to have HID's in Reflector OR Projector lenses, unless the projectors have headlight washers and automatic leveling

Most people (myself included) just got HID's in aftermarket projectors, I already have headlight washers just not the auto leveling

Mine are still technically illegal but I have never been pulled or questioned about them thus far.. touch wood

benmkiv · Post by **benmkiv** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:42 pm

Nah current MOT rulings state washers and levelling MAY be fitted

And if they're fitted they must work

Main reason for failing an MOT is poor beam pattern

Quoted from Alex Perkins there the man in he know

So no you don't need washers or levelling the cords vxrs come out of the factory standard with HIDs in projectors with no washers

BennoGTi · Post by **BennoGTi** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:49 pm

According to the Department for Transport auto leveling and headlight cleaning must be fitted

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/d ... lamps.html

benmkiv · Post by **benmkiv** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:53 pm

Just passing on what Alex said being a vw tech and all. See post 2012 MOT changes in mkv section

Gtimatt · Post by **Gtimatt** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:12 pm

Ive had HIDs in mine for a year and a bit and both times have passed mot and nothing said. it is with a h7r bulb so there isn't as much glare, but ive never had anyone flash me for them blinding them :/

Joz · Post by **Joz** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 11:32 pm

This explains a lot:

https://www.youtube*.com/watch?v=RDjTglCu84U

and

https://www.youtube*.com/watch?v=8HrpoSsl ... re=related

jem-9n3 · Post by **jem-9n3** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:33 pm

Hi guys, thanks for all the great responses. I was given a set of h7 hid's, but on trying to fit them
I can across the problem
Of securing them. The twist mechanism doesn't seem to fit around the hid bulb and I can secure them

. Any ideas ? Cheers

Gtimatt · Post by **Gtimatt** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:18 pm

jem-9n3 wrote:Hi guys, thanks for all the great responses. I was given a set of h7 hid's, but on trying to fit them
I can across the problem
Of securing them. The twist mechanism doesn't seem to fit around the hid bulb and I can secure them . Any ideas ? Cheers

had to bodge mine a bit, cut the metal clip so that the bulb will fit in the middle. and then can twist it back into place like a normal bulb

jem-9n3 · Post by **jem-9n3** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:05 pm

Gtimatt wrote:
jem-9n3 wrote:Hi guys, thanks for all the great responses. I was given a set of h7 hid's, but on trying to fit them
I can across the problem
Of securing them. The twist mechanism doesn't seem to fit around the hid bulb and I can secure them . Any ideas ? Cheers
had to bodge mine a bit, cut the metal clip so that the bulb will fit in the middle. and then can twist it back into place like a normal bulb

Thanks

I did end up doing the same. Only thing I keep thinking about now is trying to fit the originals back In for the MOT. Do you k ow if you can buy the clips anywhere?

Joz · Post by **Joz** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:19 am

I hope you got the xenon reflector as well?

benmkiv · Post by **benmkiv** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 10:07 am

Sorry guys getting the clips is a nightmare unless you can get them at a scrappy it seems they're like gold dust unless you buy a new headlamp

Gtimatt · Post by **Gtimatt** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 3:43 pm

mine have passed mot twice now since they've been in :/

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