HIDs legal?

[Sector9]

After looking at HID conversions and stuff, and everywhere i see "offroad use only". So does this mean that they're illegal for your car? Then what about all the cars that come from the factory with HIDs. Is it only legal if it comes from factory?? Cause if so that gotta be the stupidist thing in the world. Anybody know about this?

[LOS]

I haven't seen this before... I believe they say "offroad use" because of the brightness. Go to Bavauto.com and speak to a tech person. They'll answer your question. Just tell them you are thinking in upgrading your lights and you need more info before buying anything... Those guys are great!! Let us know what you find out.
I just upgraded my headlights to HID's from Bavauto and thre was no "offroad note"

LOS

[Cruzin 323is]

HID are definately not illegal... they come on most cars STOCK... u think they would put somthing on cars that is illegal... lol


the things that cop might bust balls for are the hyper white bulbs... like the fake HIB look!! those are for offroad use only!!

[El Presidente]

Ahhh

Very good question.

Are HIDs illegal? No.

Are HIDs street legal? Sometimes.

Are retrofitted HIDs street legal? No.


The DOT recent passed a law that makes retrofitting HIDs into a car using anything other than factory parts technically illegal. You can still drive with them offroad, or use them for show, but they are not considered street legal. Cars that come with them factory-equipped are considered legal due to the fact they have DOT and SAE tested, certified, and approved.

[El Presidente]

That said, I've been stopped since having them, and the cop mentioned nothing.

[nycbmw325is]

When it comes to lighting, we here in america get the short end of the stick. Our brillaint government has mandated a lighting pattern that spreads out wide and up, in the ridicules belief that it is more important to illuminate side marking and road signs at night than actually see the road out in front of you. That is why, many car owners of many brands, opt to change the headlights to european spec reflectors/headlight assemblies. The lighting pattern is so much better, for any given technology. I dont have the link hand but a quick search on the net should get you plenty of articles bearing this out. Has anyone replaced their headlight assemblies with euro spec units? If my lenses get to the point where they are no longer clear, it is definitly something I will consider doing. (pay attention all you german forum members, I may be contacting you to confirm part numbers and maybe ever get the parts for me )

[El Presidente]

You can order the parts from the US dealers. I've got the p/ns somewhere.

[Sector9]

alright thanks guys. I guess i'll buy some ZKW elipsoids and save up for the HID conversions if they aren't bright enough for me.