Eurolites a legal requirement when driving in Europe?

paperclap

Hi all,

When driving a UK vehicle in Europe, I understand that it is (probably) a legal requirement to prevent your headlamps dazzling oncoming drivers.

But is it a legal requirement to use Eurolites specifically?

I ask this because, could I simply not apply some black duct tape to the same area? Effective and costs pennies.

Thanks!

mebu60

You could but for the sake of a few pounds I get the Eurolites even though my Ford has the capability to adjust the headlamps. Figure it's easier to be visibly complying than trying to argue the point in a foreign language. 

Eurolites also come with a sheet detailing the correct positioning on each lamp. Use meths to remove any residual adhesive after you've taken them off. 

On-the-coast

I’ve used both approaches in the past.  

Duct tape when I hadn’t planned ahead.  It certainly worked (I checked in advance on my garage door - and I didn’t dazzle oncoming traffic), but don’t know what the exact legal position is currently. 

You do have to blank out the correct areas - not always obvious. 

born_again

Many new cars require nothing due to the beam pattern design.

Mildly_Miffed

The UK hasn't moved out of Europe, we're still part of the same continental landmass... And, of course, there are other countries with left-hand-traffic road rules, including one of our nearest neighbours.

Yes, you need to have lights that do not dazzle oncoming traffic when in a right-hand traffic country.
No, there is no specific requirement on how you do that.

Most left-hand-traffic headlights dip up towards the kerb
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Park facing a wall or garage door, and you'll see this. You need to mask off the portion that kicks up, so you have a flat beam.
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Some lights are adjustable or have a flat beam to start with.