Those using aftermarket HIDs, please read.
13 January 2011, 10:50 AM
#31
BAT: those regs aren't in place yet.
Knowing how fast VOSA are, it'll be quite some time before these regs are put in place because of the red tape involved (they need to train/advise all the testers of the new proceedures, literature, training vids, bringing test station inspectors up to speed etc).
Trust me, we run an MOT station. I'd know if they did
Police laying down the "law" before its even implemented is typical; they did that with me with the insurance registration database, they used it to pull me over even though the system wasn't "officially" in operation. It sometimes appears like they are playing with a new toy.
Knowing how fast VOSA are, it'll be quite some time before these regs are put in place because of the red tape involved (they need to train/advise all the testers of the new proceedures, literature, training vids, bringing test station inspectors up to speed etc).
Trust me, we run an MOT station. I'd know if they did
Police laying down the "law" before its even implemented is typical; they did that with me with the insurance registration database, they used it to pull me over even though the system wasn't "officially" in operation. It sometimes appears like they are playing with a new toy.
Any one with them fitted is still leaving themselves wide open to already existing laws though, ie s.59 Police Reform Act 2002, on the grounds of "DISTRESS OR ANNOYANCE".
As Alcazar has stated, the authorities seemed to be well informed. As we know the effects of the poor focus/pattern of HID's in non HID units you will only need to come across a 'jobs worth' and he will stick you on for the above, if pulled again for the same then you could lose your car. IMO not worth the hassle/loss/cost.
It's your/their car, so you/they do as you please. But as far as i can see, non compliant HID's are now a total waste of the c.£100 cost and fitting time.
It may be the vocational driver in me, but when on the road, i want my vehicles to be 100% road legal and have no obvious 'pull' issues. If only so i can give them the
when i do get a pull for my 'progressive' driving style.
13 January 2011, 11:05 AM
#32
I think if one was willing to prove their light don't dazzle via scatter, focus and aim as well as intensity (lumens), using officially recognised test equipment and used to directly compare against data from testing factory OEM HID lamps on the same test equipment. Then I reckon with a well worded defence, any charge of Distress or annoyance would fall flat on its face.
Obviously I'm talking about Projector HID conversions here. If you are using HIDs with complex surface reflectors or glass/plastic freshnel lenses, then it wouldn't work as they are inferior anyway.
But for an easy life: Back to using 100watt bulbs instead (cheaper too) most are warm-white in colour too, which will go unoticed by plod if the aim is set correctly.
Obviously I'm talking about Projector HID conversions here. If you are using HIDs with complex surface reflectors or glass/plastic freshnel lenses, then it wouldn't work as they are inferior anyway.
But for an easy life: Back to using 100watt bulbs instead (cheaper too) most are warm-white in colour too, which will go unoticed by plod if the aim is set correctly.
Last edited by ALi-B; 13 January 2011 at 11:09 AM.
13 January 2011, 11:17 AM
#33
I think if one was willing to prove their light don't dazzle via scatter, focus and aim as well as intensity (lumens), using officially recognised test equipment and used to directly compare against data from testing factory OEM HID lamps on the same test equipment. Then I reckon with a well worded defence, any charge of Distress or annoyance would fall flat on its face.
Obviously I'm talking about Projector HID conversions here. If you are using HIDs with complex surface reflectors or glass/plastic freshnel lenses, then it wouldn't work as they are inferior anyway.
But for an easy life: Back to using 100watt bulbs instead (cheaper too) most are warm-white in colour too, which will go unoticed by plod if the aim is set correctly.
Obviously I'm talking about Projector HID conversions here. If you are using HIDs with complex surface reflectors or glass/plastic freshnel lenses, then it wouldn't work as they are inferior anyway.
But for an easy life: Back to using 100watt bulbs instead (cheaper too) most are warm-white in colour too, which will go unoticed by plod if the aim is set correctly.
Persoally i have no problems with aftermarket lights of any type or power. It's just the fact that it is giving the bib/VOSA another excuse to extract £ from us for yet another EU bollox law!
Last edited by Glowplug; 13 January 2011 at 11:20 AM.
13 January 2011, 01:48 PM
#35
Yeah, I had my HID aftermaket bulbs/ballasts professionally fitted by API. So far I've not stirred one iota of interest from the cops... And Leicester is rife with the filth lol.
The beams do look to be properly aimed though. Which is nice.
The beams do look to be properly aimed though. Which is nice.
Last edited by joz8968; 13 January 2011 at 01:49 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mattybr5@MB Developments
Full Cars Breaking For Spares
12
18 November 2015 07:03 AM