I have heard from another forum that the VOSA rules are changing in 2011 which is supposed to ban the fitting of all non-factory fit HiD kits and that this will include bikes. This would therefore be an MOT failure and likely reason to be pulled. Anyone know if this is correct?
MOT changes - HiD ban?
- Thread starter Beemerman59
- Start date
wully
Registered user
It's not correct but it might be true....
It'll be just like yer loud pipes if it is true...
It'll be just like yer loud pipes if it is true...
The only paperwork I have seen (http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT - Issue 48 - Oct 2010.pdf) says that they are working out how to deal with aftermarket HIDs, but not that they are going to be banned.
They anticipate the changes being in place by 1st Jan 2012, with a common EU MOT by 2014.
They anticipate the changes being in place by 1st Jan 2012, with a common EU MOT by 2014.
I think this has been covered before elsewhere but just for clarification changing the lightsource in any automotive lamp eg sidelight, headlight, stoplight is illegal.
This is because the lamp was E approved, homologated and approved for road use with a specific light source eg H1 bulb. Changing that lightsource to something else, albeit superior, invalidates that approval.
What are the chances of an MOT tester spotting this and acting upon it? Dunno. Much more likely in cars I would argue where some of those aftermarket HID kits fitted to mateyboys corsa are awful. Keep our heads down i suspect we'll get away with it. Besides the MOT tester will have to have info of what the bike was fitted with when new. I cant see them bothering with us too much.
This is because the lamp was E approved, homologated and approved for road use with a specific light source eg H1 bulb. Changing that lightsource to something else, albeit superior, invalidates that approval.
What are the chances of an MOT tester spotting this and acting upon it? Dunno. Much more likely in cars I would argue where some of those aftermarket HID kits fitted to mateyboys corsa are awful. Keep our heads down i suspect we'll get away with it. Besides the MOT tester will have to have info of what the bike was fitted with when new. I cant see them bothering with us too much.
Lots of chat on car forums about this, but I can't see anything related to bikes specifically.
DfT are of the opinion that aftermarket HID kits are (usually) illegal for a variety of reasons (Type Approval,Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations). An the VOSA bulletin is based on this.
Bit of a pisser if it comes off.
DfT are of the opinion that aftermarket HID kits are (usually) illegal for a variety of reasons (Type Approval,Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations). An the VOSA bulletin is based on this.
Bit of a pisser if it comes off.
Pip_UK
Registered user
Well if it comes to that, I guess BMW will add a type-approved retina-bleaching HID system to the already fulsome GS options list. Market forces will out.
Yup.
They will become just as illegal as loud pipes, small number plates, speeding, black visors, wheelieing and twat suits.
And we know what's happened to those, don't we??
They will become just as illegal as loud pipes, small number plates, speeding, black visors, wheelieing and twat suits.
And we know what's happened to those, don't we??
Someone also seems to have got it into their head that engine "chipping" is illegal. Since when....? 
I have always accepted that the HiD's fitted to my bike are not legal but as no one has deemed it necessary to stop and fine me for it I've been comfortable to use them at my own risk. They are logged as being fitted with my insurers to and they don't seem to mind as long as they are charging me extra on the policy.
The real issue for me is if it will fail at MOT time and mine's coming up for it's first in March. I'm aware many have had no issues with HiD's and MOT's to date but if they are going to introduce something specific into the test that may change. And that would be a bummer because I don't fancy swapping them back to OEM at MOT time as I have modified the wiring on the Aux lights to make them fit. I will also check the E numbers on the lenses when I get home just on the off chance.
The real issue for me is if it will fail at MOT time and mine's coming up for it's first in March. I'm aware many have had no issues with HiD's and MOT's to date but if they are going to introduce something specific into the test that may change. And that would be a bummer because I don't fancy swapping them back to OEM at MOT time as I have modified the wiring on the Aux lights to make them fit. I will also check the E numbers on the lenses when I get home just on the off chance.
The thing is.... reflectors and the bulbs are designed to work together to produce a certain been pattern, with the bulb filament of the lamp carefully positioned to be at the optimum position in the reflector (the focus of a parabolic reflector?) - there is no guarantee that an after-market replacement HID bulb is going to be of the same size and in the same position and hence produce a different beam pattern... this new pattern might not be compliant with the regulations - simples
Removal of HID:
1) Take out HiD lamp
2) Replace with normal lamp
3) Push original connector on original lamp
4) Put a bit of tape over the hole left in the cover.
It's hardly a chore - easier than frigging about with your pipe etc.
Best solution however is find a friendly MOT inspector - job done
1) Take out HiD lamp
2) Replace with normal lamp
3) Push original connector on original lamp
4) Put a bit of tape over the hole left in the cover.
It's hardly a chore - easier than frigging about with your pipe etc.
Best solution however is find a friendly MOT inspector - job done
So what production bikes are currently fitted with HID's as standard then?
some k series bmw.
Hate bikes with HiD lights. They may look "cool" but most are not aligned correctly and blind other riders/drivers from head-on and from behind.
If you are fitting them to be more visible then you're better off with a larger diameter "normal" fog/wide beam than those pokey little BM/TTwat types with HiD.
A good example is the way Harley owners fit 5"/6" halogens just below headlights in a triangular config.
If you are fitting them to be more visible then you're better off with a larger diameter "normal" fog/wide beam than those pokey little BM/TTwat types with HiD.
A good example is the way Harley owners fit 5"/6" halogens just below headlights in a triangular config.
Deleted account 190920001
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Aftermarket HID kits are illegal under construction and use but currently not in an MOT. So long as the beam is aligned correctly on the MOT testers pattern checker it wont and cant fail an MOT. The MOT and construction and use regulations are separate items, its the police that enforce the later. Doesn't really help much I know but you can pass an MOT but the police can still charge you if they see fit.
So what production bikes are currently fitted with HID's as standard then?
No idea. Its not relevant here. The legality of your lighting system is based around the lights being properly aligned and being E mark approved (the combination of bulb and reflector). As I said earlier if you change the item that emits the light to one of a different type ie H1 to HID in theory the lamp as a whole is illegal.
My comment about keeping our heads down meant make sure they dont dazzle anyone ie have them correctly aligned and my guess is we'll get left alone.
Left alone? ............ you're living in a dream world
It would be interesting to hear the views of Les from Hid50.com...
....I'm sure he's researched this issue?
....I'm sure he's researched this issue?
