Question about 6000k low beams - anyone have trouble with the law, esp. in MD?
#1
Question about 6000k low beams - anyone have trouble with the law, esp. in MD?
I recently installed the VLED 6000k parking lights on my car, which still has the 4300k stock HID low beams. Obviously they don't match, and that was my mistake, but I really like the 6000k color of the parking lights so instead of scrapping the mismatched parking lights, I was thinking about just getting matching 6000k low beams.
My concern is that the VLED 6000k parking lights are quite blue. I know 6000k is supposed to be "white with a hint of blue", but these are quite blue, especially when next to my stock HIDs. Maryland law does not specific what temperatures are legal, etc, it simply says that no lights coming from the front of the car can be blue. It leaves it at that, intentionally leaving it up to a subjective judgment on the cop's (and/or eventually judge's) part.
I've been driving around and noticed a lot of cars with blueish headlights, including ones with factory HIDs (Acura's especially I've noticed are bluer than most).
Here's my question: has anyone with 6000k low beams had any trouble with the law, gotten pulled over or gotten a ticket, etc? I feel like this is one of those laws that is sporadically, if ever, enforced, and is usually up to the cop on whether he feels like he wants to give you trouble. I'm just looking for others' experiences (especially those in Maryland or in states with similar "no blue" lights laws, which I think are most) before I go and buy them.
My concern is that the VLED 6000k parking lights are quite blue. I know 6000k is supposed to be "white with a hint of blue", but these are quite blue, especially when next to my stock HIDs. Maryland law does not specific what temperatures are legal, etc, it simply says that no lights coming from the front of the car can be blue. It leaves it at that, intentionally leaving it up to a subjective judgment on the cop's (and/or eventually judge's) part.
I've been driving around and noticed a lot of cars with blueish headlights, including ones with factory HIDs (Acura's especially I've noticed are bluer than most).
Here's my question: has anyone with 6000k low beams had any trouble with the law, gotten pulled over or gotten a ticket, etc? I feel like this is one of those laws that is sporadically, if ever, enforced, and is usually up to the cop on whether he feels like he wants to give you trouble. I'm just looking for others' experiences (especially those in Maryland or in states with similar "no blue" lights laws, which I think are most) before I go and buy them.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
I've never had a problem with 6000k HID's here in CA. They are really **** about the little things here too. But it doesn't always mean it wont be a problem, it is, like you said, up to the judgement of the cop. If your not doing anything stupid and don't look suspicious at all, there's probably a slim chance they will pull you over just for the headlights. But if your speeding and they pull you over and the cop doesn't feel like giving you a warning that day...its one more thing to cite you for.
6000k Typically doesn't give you many problems with cops in my experience, 8000K and higher, will.
6000k Typically doesn't give you many problems with cops in my experience, 8000K and higher, will.
#6
So it looks like a lot of people on CL like the Garax brand 6000k bulbs. What about 5000k? What are my options for where to purchase 5000k HID bulbs only, NOT a full HID kit (since my low beams are already HID)?
I like the ~$90 price of the Garax, but it doesn't look like they have a 5000k bulb? Anyone know of a 5000k bulb that matches the quality and price of the Garax?
Thanks!
I like the ~$90 price of the Garax, but it doesn't look like they have a 5000k bulb? Anyone know of a 5000k bulb that matches the quality and price of the Garax?
Thanks!
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#8
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (8)
So it looks like a lot of people on CL like the Garax brand 6000k bulbs. What about 5000k? What are my options for where to purchase 5000k HID bulbs only, NOT a full HID kit (since my low beams are already HID)?
I like the ~$90 price of the Garax, but it doesn't look like they have a 5000k bulb? Anyone know of a 5000k bulb that matches the quality and price of the Garax?
Thanks!
I like the ~$90 price of the Garax, but it doesn't look like they have a 5000k bulb? Anyone know of a 5000k bulb that matches the quality and price of the Garax?
Thanks!
#10
So are there no non-Philips 5000k HID bulbs that are worth recommending? I definitely don't want to pay $300 for a pair of bulbs. I find it odd that there'd be the Garax and multiple other vendors offering aftermarket, relatively inexpensive 6000k bulbs, but that no one offers 5000k. I found a few on eBay but I don't trust them, I'd rather buy from a brand at least one person on CL can vouch for.
#11
Pole Position
iTrader: (10)
As they say, what you buy is what you get.
Don't go with Ebay (EPrey!!) - it is at your own risk, unless you know the seller is selling 100% genuine product. Same with some sporting equipment, for instance such as Badminton - Yonex brand rackets - about 99% of the time are counterfeit for high-end rackets and a lot of people fallen for it thinking it is genuine until they find out later that is not from people who own the real thing. Ie. they bought because Ebay is selling a Yonex high-end rackets for low 100s or less when the genuine product actually sells for close to $200 and above.
The bulb in question is the Philips Utinon. I personally have the 6000K one and purchased it close to about $290 USD (shipping included) from Japan.
I got mine from this place here. They also have the 5000K as well which sells for about $214 USD before shipping.
Don't go with Ebay (EPrey!!) - it is at your own risk, unless you know the seller is selling 100% genuine product. Same with some sporting equipment, for instance such as Badminton - Yonex brand rackets - about 99% of the time are counterfeit for high-end rackets and a lot of people fallen for it thinking it is genuine until they find out later that is not from people who own the real thing. Ie. they bought because Ebay is selling a Yonex high-end rackets for low 100s or less when the genuine product actually sells for close to $200 and above.
The bulb in question is the Philips Utinon. I personally have the 6000K one and purchased it close to about $290 USD (shipping included) from Japan.
I got mine from this place here. They also have the 5000K as well which sells for about $214 USD before shipping.
Last edited by Sango; 04-04-11 at 12:14 PM.
#12
Thanks for the response Sango. Like I said, I won't be buying from eBay because I know the products are not legit (they may work, but they're not legitimate). However, I won't be spending $200 on 2 HID bulbs either.
I'm just very surprised that there are so many options out there for other temperatures but not 5000k.
I'm just very surprised that there are so many options out there for other temperatures but not 5000k.
#13
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
If i were you i would just go with the Garax 6000k for the lows and stick with the VLED 6000k parking lights. MOST people will not have any issues with them as far as tickets go.
5000k doesn't have many options because 6000k/8000k are far more popular. Not many people buy 5000k sets.
5000k doesn't have many options because 6000k/8000k are far more popular. Not many people buy 5000k sets.
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