|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 13, 2021 23:34:16 GMT 1
From 1st February this year it is an MOT failure if you have converted your existing Halogen headlamp units to LED. This does not,apparently, apply if you convert your sealed beam units to LED(?).
However, as my classic friendly garage said to me "We won't be taking your headlights apart to check; so long as the beam pattern and positioning are correct".... let us know if you've been caught out.
Leigh (Area rep)
**** SEE UPDATE 24th March ****
|
|
|
|
Post by geordiechris on Feb 18, 2021 14:40:59 GMT 1
That sounds crazy (and just the kind of regulation that governments introduce without understanding how things work). With many old cars, the standard bulbs in the headlamps may well have been upgraded to halogen simply by replacing the bulb many years ago when this was the best option. So now if the same lamp unit has the halogen bulb replaced with an LED bulb that's not okay? Even if it gives better light than before?
Unless a garage are experts in the specification of old cars then surely by simply stating that they originally had argon filled bulbs rather than bulbs filled with halogen gas...then the LED upgrade would be fine?
I have to say that I agree with your garage, Leigh. If the lamp is working correctly and the beam pattern is where it should be, then the car should pass an MOT.
|
|
|
|
Post by antdat on Feb 24, 2021 9:12:05 GMT 1
Sorry i have to disagree,
The issue really isn't the LED bulb, The legal requirement for LED (or xeon) head lamps is they have to be self levelling and either self cleaning or cleaned when the front screen is cleaned.
Even if the pattern is correct when sitting on the MOT ramp, out driving with these lamps can cause issue to other road uses because of the above.
What about the cyclists that have really bright (and flashing lights) do these ever cause you an issue?
|
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 24, 2021 13:14:28 GMT 1
The legal requirement for LED (or xeon) head lamps is they have to be self levelling and either self cleaning or cleaned when the front screen is cleaned. What about the cyclists that have really bright (and flashing lights) do these ever cause you an issue?
I'm confused by this.... are you saying that the headlamp unit glass/plastic has to be self cleaning or the bulb? I also dont understand what you mean by self levelling... are you saying that the modern car has to have automatic levelling of the light pattern, unlike the screw adjusters used on older cars?
In relation to cyclists, I'm not aware of ANY lighting legislation relating to human-propelled push-bikes (there is legislation for brakes...) but the flashing are somewhat disconcerting. Get them off the road!!!
Long live the ICE car... especially Datsuns/Nissans!!! Hurrah!Leigh (Area rep) |
|
|
|
Post by antdat on Feb 24, 2021 13:29:32 GMT 1
yes correct, you will have seen in some cars from about 1995ish you could adjust the height of the headlamps to counter and passengers or weight in the back? cars fitted with LED or Xeon headlamps must have self levelling headlamps, so as the car goes over a bump or has been loaded up the headlamps self adjust to keep the bean at the correct height. some manufactures have added a self test when the car start and lights are on, you can see them move thought the height range. These cars must be fitted with headlamp washer or self cleaning glass (or plastic as most are now) For example my 2016 Xtrail has LED headlamps and as you drive you can see them adjusting and during MOT the the rear of the car is meant to be pushed down to observe the auto adjust. The xtrail is also fitted with self cleaning lamps (no washing) www.cyclinguk.org/lighting-regulations |
|
|
|
Post by geordiechris on Feb 24, 2021 18:49:49 GMT 1
The bit I don't understand is why it is okay to replace argon filled lamps with LED's but not halogen filled lamps. One of my cars (old Volvo) has halogen headlamps and headlamp wash wipe as standard factory equipment. I could not (if I so desired) fit Xenon or LED lamps to this car. Another one of my old cars (Humber) has sealed beam headlamps and no form of cleaning the lamp other than wiping it with a cloth. This car would be fine with LED lamps. It doesn't make sense.
I will be leaving my little N10 with standard factory lamps because that's the way I like it (& they actually work fine for me) but if other owners of old cars wish to update certain aspects of their vehicles, a sensible considered approach should be adopted by the authorities.
That's my tuppence worth.
|
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 25, 2021 9:15:04 GMT 1
you will have seen in some cars from about 1995ish you could adjust the height of the headlamps to counter and passengers or weight in the back? cars fitted with LED or Xeon headlamps must have self levelling headlamps, so as the car goes over a bump or has been loaded up the headlamps self adjust to keep the bean at the correct height.
I never realised just how dangerous my pre-1995 cars have been over the years! We must have caused hundreds of accidents (sorry...."collisions" as they are now called) and goodness knows how many gazillions of near misses.
BUT.... are we saying that if you change your modern car LED/Xenon lights to halogen then the self cleaning and levelling doesn't apply and can, technically, get you through the MOT if those features aren't working?
I mean, IF the MOT tester is supposed to check your bulbs for compliance then you could fit halogen,get them to confirm this, and do away with the (ridiculous) modern lighting requirements of self cleaning/levelling.
It's almost as ridiculous as the pedal cycle lighting in the above link.
I swear that these governments have a department whereby a person comes in for work (COVID permitting....) and has nothing else to do but think of some TW-T ideas to further inconvenience everyone.
As a footnote; I've had an idea... we should fit Non-reflective rear view mirrors in case the sun blinds those following behind us.....
I feel a letter coming on for my local M.P.
Leigh (Area rep) |
|
|
|
Post by antdat on Feb 25, 2021 21:33:52 GMT 1
i totally agree, why woudn;t we want better lamps on the older cars, but the headlamp has 2 purposes, let other road users know we are there and to let us see, the other road users part i really don't want blinder or blind them, but i defo want to see, The issues is on coming traffic not just behind, I'll be honest i had hid's in one of my cars but now removed as i have seen how bad they can be (even though the beam was spot on for mot) I also have standard bulbs in one of my datties but off road bulbs in the full beam to help on dark roads, Now they aren't road legal but the not on when other people are about. With the headlamps in the xtrail being LED they are amazing and i wish we could have them older cars. but at present it's not legal to do so  |
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Mar 24, 2021 19:49:40 GMT 1
LATEST UPDATE The Minister of Roads,Buses and Places Baroness Vere has now clarified the use of LED and HID lighting in Historic vehicles after new MOT policy rules were introduced on 1st February (see above).
Now, the new guidance states that classics USED before 1st April 1986 will be exempt from the new lighting rules but must still need the replacement bulb or headlamp (sealed) units to meet current MOT lighting beam image, aim and intensity standards.
Interesting to note the word USED as opposed to date of manufacture. In my view, given that not all classics can provide a date of manufacture, this sensible dating system should also be applied by the DVLA to those vehicles (like my 160J SSS) who had its "dating" shown as 31st December 1979 despite being registered in March 1979. This meant I had to pay another 12 months VED (Car Tax) before qualifying for Tax Free status. GRRrrrr!
It is worthy of note that FBHVC is lobbying for just this standard of dating system but, currently, the DVLA have suspended all meetings with them due to the impact of COVID-19.
Leigh (Area rep)
|
|
