2011 VOSA changes to MOT

Gloomendoom

SCO wrote: »

I dont know it there is a current law for the hid units (before the 2012 changes) that are too bright. What the drivers of these cars forget (along with the high wattage halogen) it might be safer for them but they blind any oncomming driver making the road unsafe at night if they are comming towards you.

As somebody else pointed out in another thread, HID headlamps are technically illegal in the UK. They are tolerated because they are legal in various other EU countries.

Other drivers with HID lamps may be aware that they are bright but what are they supposed to do about it?

SCO

Gloomendoom wrote: »

As somebody else pointed out in another thread, HID headlamps are technically illegal in the UK. They are tolerated because they are legal in various other EU countries.

Other drivers with HID lamps may be aware that they are bright but what are they supposed to do about it?

The 'factory fit' HID's tend to be regulated to a certain brightness, and if in use in europe have to be E marked which would make them legel here.

its the cheap extreme brightness ones that are causing problems.

tbourner

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2052%20-%20Dec%202011.pdf
For HID, it does clearly say:
"Headlamp levelling or cleaning device inoperative or obviously defective (LED or HID headlamps only)."
Which still sounds like it's only tested if fitted to me.

Also:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MOT%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf
Issue Jan 2012, we'll have to wait and see if a new one gets issued in May.
But again, it says:
"Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system.
Where such systems are fitted, they must work;"