Mot Special Notice 01-21: Headlamp Conversions

Clarification from DVSA

 

https://www.gov.uk/g...amp-conversions

 

https://www.theminif...e-hazard/page-2

 

I wonder why they chose the 1st April 1986 as the cut-off date?  Seems rather arbitrary. 

I wonder why they chose the 1st April 1986 as the cut-off date?  Seems rather arbitrary. 

Before 1 April 1986 headlights weren’t subject to Type Approval and, as a consequence, the type of bulb fitted was not mandated.

 

Update from dvsa

That’s saying that you can fit a complete 7” led headlight to any year, but converted headlights are legal on pre ‘86 vehicles?

that's how i would interpret it

Converted headlights on a pre april 86 would pass an mot so long as beam image and aim are correct but I think they may still be technically illegal under construction and use as bulbs have to be a certain wattage.
LED bulbs in all other exterior lamps are technically illegal due to incorrect wattages.

If you started looking carefully at C&U I expect many classics would fall foul?