Fresh info re: LED replacements from our terribly competent law-makers:
"MOT test changes: Classic car owners will face new LED headlight rules from Monday !
Classic car owners have now been advised not all autos will routinely fail their test if they’ve LED bulbs put in on their vehicles regardless of earlier concern. Updates to the MOT inspection handbook earlier this month had mentioned current halogen headlamp models on traditional vehicles shouldn’t be transformed for use with high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
However, the DVSA mentioned they had been “changing these rules” to make sure not all vehicles had been affected.
In a new MOT particular discover report, the DVSA mentioned: “From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.”
The replace means vehicles constructed and used earlier than 1 April 1986 wouldn’t immediately fail for having the bulbs put in.
However, the DVSA confirmed autos constructed after this date would nonetheless fail if they’ve the half put in.
“The cars and passenger vehicles inspection manual will be updated shortly.”
The MOT test will not be necessary on vehicles constructed pre-1981 as they’re eligible for a historic exemption.
Tests on older autos are sometimes examined to fulfill the car security requirements of the time to make sure historic fashions are nonetheless allowed on the street.
Before 1 April 1986 headlights weren’t topic to Type Approval, that means drivers may change their headlights to any specification so long as these had been street authorized.
After this date, headlights had been topic to Type Approval that means drivers wanted to put in the identical specs.
This meant if a bulb blew, street customers may exchange it however weren’t allowed to put in a very totally different new headlight unit with an LED bulb.
The new up to date rules have additionally relaxed restrictions for bike owners who can now match an LED bulb onto any bike no matter age so long as this was nonetheless street authorized.
The DVSA report added: “Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.
“Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.”
It is believed the new modifications have been launched to enhance general street security.
A DVSA spokesperson mentioned: “DfT has recently reviewed the lighting regulations in line with the UK road lighting regulations 1989 and the interpretation now concludes:
“If you swap your headlamp bulb from a halogen to a HID or LED bulb this is an MOT failure for cars and vans first used on or after 1 April 1986
“This conversion failure doesn’t apply to motorcycles
“Converted headlamps are not a failure item for cars or vans if a vehicle was first used before 1 April 1986
“Any lighting will still need to comply with the MOT’s standards on beam spread etc.”
Aren't you glad we have such clear-thinking and able government? Imagine how bad things would be in, say for instance a pandemic, if we didn't have such brilliant, forward looking leaders?
Edited by Quinlan minor, 20 March 2021 - 03:02 PM.