LED/HID bulb conversion now MOT failure.

[widu13]

Hi All, there is new MOT guidance for motorcycle saying that bulb replacement is now an automatic failure (but not if the whole unit is replaced on an MC) and I see that it is the same with the car & pax vehs MOT manual at 4.1.4. Compliance with requirements, stating:

"Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

My question is, has bulb replacement always been an MOT failure, or is this a new thing. It's possible but very hard to spot a lighting bulb change and I can't help but think that no tester is going to be that interested?

 

[Jlo]

The same statement is the guidance for Cars....

" Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp. "

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Guidance - GOV.UK

Headlamp, position lamps, daytime running lamps, stop lamps, indicators, hazard warning lamps, fog lamps, reversing lamps, lighting ‘tell-tales’, trailer electrical socket, electrical wiring and battery rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests.

www.gov.uk

 

[Sabre]

Ooops! Does that apply to the DRL too?
(Edit) doesn't look like. Says only headlamp beams.

 

[DXX]

Hi All, there is new MOT guidance for motorcycle saying that bulb replacement is now an automatic failure (but not if the whole unit is replaced on an MC) and see that the car & pax vehs MOT manual at 4.1.4. Compliance with requirements, states:

"Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

My question is, has bulb replacement always been an MOT failure, or is this a new thing. It's possible but very hard to spot a lighting bulb change and I can't help but think that no tester is going to be that interested?

Every motor insurance policy I’ve read states that you are required to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition, that means complying with the law. The MOT certificate is a reflection of the vehicle at the time of test, MOT testers are not allowed is dismantle the vehicle to make checks but they can fail it if the have reasonable suspicion that it contravenes the regulations.
Ask yourself why the regulations are there in the first place.

 

[Sabre]

Agree. Understand.
But H4 DRL's are like a broken pencil.... Pointless!

 

[Shaggy1969]

I have normal bulbs for dipped lights but LED bulbs for my DRLs and side lights.......so would that fail?

 

[widu13]

I have normal bulbs for dipped lights but LED bulbs for my DRLs and side lights.......so would that fail?

Headlight bulbs only bud.

 

[Shaggy1969]

So all good then. Cheers.

 

[t0mb0]

A bit annoying really given that hids and hid projectors were one of the most successful ways of getting decent light out of a non-factory-led T6!

 

[Sabre]

Yup. H7 with decent bulbs is the best we get... Or wait for a new development in candles and fire!

 

[Niknak]

Hi All, there is new MOT guidance for motorcycle saying that bulb replacement is now an automatic failure (but not if the whole unit is replaced on an MC) and I see that it is the same with the car & pax vehs MOT manual at 4.1.4. Compliance with requirements, stating:

"Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

My question is, has bulb replacement always been an MOT failure, or is this a new thing. It's possible but very hard to spot a lighting bulb change and I can't help but think that no tester is going to be that interested?

I check them I’m a tester lol

 

[JOG]

I check them I’m a tester lol

Ha ha ha! Well, at least there will be a Covid-friendly queue for MOTs!!!

 

[Niknak]

Dont test for the public I’m afraid

 

[widu13]

Dont test for the public I’m afraid

How can you tell that T6s bulbs have been changed at a glance? Mine are still candles but I was considering led bulbs.

 

[Niknak]

Light intensity, pattern difference

 

[widu13]

Light intensity, pattern difference

So on that basis a fail is issued, but an appeal launched how do you prove that that it is an led if dismantling is not allowed?

 

[Niknak]

Appeal mate that’s what I advise as a tester cause it would go to the ministry never know your luck you might get away with it or you might end up having your details passed to the police for knowledgeable unroadworthy ness

 

[widu13]

Interesting thanks.

 

[Niknak]

Don’t forget that it’s not only mot you have to think about, also have to think if it’s worth the risk from the police and potentially crash investigation still deemed and unroadworthy modification

 

[widu13]

Don’t forget that it’s not only mot you have to think about, also have to think if it’s worth the risk from the police and potentially crash investigation still deemed and unroadworthy modification

There's actually no offence in statue regarding led lights. Nearest is con & use regs but a normal person would not consider it dangerous so the offence would not be complete.