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got a ticket for 5000k HID's in a lexus GS300
#16
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Join Date: Oct 2001
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That's right, even if it looks close to stock they can technically get you if they look at color temperature on the bulb's base.
I would put in 4300k because during the inspection they might find out it is not a 4300k bulb. I would also adjust the direction of the headlights and foglights to proper specifications. Then they should have nothing to get you on.
I would put in 4300k because during the inspection they might find out it is not a 4300k bulb. I would also adjust the direction of the headlights and foglights to proper specifications. Then they should have nothing to get you on.
#17
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
FYI, here is a copy of a letter NHTSA used to send out when asked for clarification.
Dear Mr. Shih:
This responds to your e-mail, in which you seek clarification regarding the legality of high intensity discharge (HID) headlamp conversion sets, specifically whether it is legal to manufacture or sell sets of HID headlamps to replace original equipment halogen headlamp sets. We are pleased to have the opportunity to answer your questions related to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.
By way of background, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is authorized to issue FMVSSs that set performance requirements for new motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment. As a preliminary matter, we would clarify that we have no authority either to approve or disapprove motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment. We do advise correspondents of the relationship of their products to applicable FMVSSs and other regulations that we administer. If a product is covered by one or more of our safety standards, its manufacturer must certify compliance of the product with all applicable FMVSSs prior to its importation or offering such product for sale. The symbol "DOT" on replacement lighting equipment is often mistaken for "DOT approval" of the equipment, but, in fact, it reflects the manufacturer’s own certification of compliance.
We believe that your questions are addressed by our March 13, 2003, letter of interpretation to Mr. Galen Chen (see enclosure). In that letter, we interpreted FMVSS No. 108 as requiring headlamps manufactured to replace original equipment headlamps to comply with all applicable photometry requirements using the replaceable light sources intended for use in the headlighting system on the vehicle for which the replacement headlamp is intended. Unlike other lamps, FMVSS No. 108 specifically regulates headlighting systems, including their light sources (see S7.1, S7.5, and S7.7). We adhered to this interpretation in a recent interpretation to Calcoast-ITL (69 FR 60464 (Oct. 8, 2004))(see enclosure).
Because replaceable light sources are, by regulation, designed to be non-interchangeable, it would not be possible for an HID headlamp conversion set to meet the standard’s photometry requirements for an original equipment headlamp system using a halogen light source, so the replacement lamps could not be sold for this purpose. Furthermore, a headlamp dealer or motor vehicle repair business could not remove the original halogen headlamps and install HID replacement headlamps without violating 49 U.S.C. 30122. That section prohibits manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and motor vehicle repair businesses from making inoperative equipment installed in accordance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. We cannot comment on the specific replacement lighting products that you mentioned because we do not have sufficient information on them.
Finally, in a subsequent e-mail, you asked whether our regulations require HID lighting systems to include "auto-leveling" and washing systems, similar to those incorporated in vehicles sold in Europe. The answer is no. FMVSS No. 108 does specify aimability performance requirements under paragraph S7.8 of the standard, but that paragraph does not require an "auto-leveling" capability. The standard also does not contain any requirement for a headlamp washing system.
s it may be of interest to you, we also have enclosed a copy of our November 18, 2002, letter of interpretation to Mr. Jeff Deetz, which relates to kits that substitute the type of light source in existing headlamps.
I hope you find this information useful. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Eric Stas of my staff at this address or by telephone at (202) 366-2992.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Glassman
Chief Counsel
#18
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
From what I understood (unless it has changed - it has been awhile), it wasn't the bulb temperature that made it illegal. Replacement of ANY bulb into a standard Non HID housing is illegal. DOT approved means nothing when stamped onto the kits (Manufacturers SELF CERTIFY their compliance) as DOT does not regulate vehicle equipment. DOT sets Federal MV Safety Standards. FMVSS 108 covers lights.
FYI, here is a copy of a letter NHTSA used to send out when asked for clarification.
NHTSA
FYI, here is a copy of a letter NHTSA used to send out when asked for clarification.
NHTSA
if the car does NOT have factory hid, then ANY hid kits (even 4100k) is illegal. you can replace the factory halogen with other halogen of course, but not changing the color temperature.
hid kits in non-hid housing, there is no such thing as "properly aligned". they can't be aligned and there will always be glare because of the housing design and optic difference
#19
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
that's exactly why i said IF the car already has factory hid, then 4100-4300k is the ONLY legal bulbs to use
if the car does NOT have factory hid, then ANY hid kits (even 4100k) is illegal. you can replace the factory halogen with other halogen of course, but not changing the color temperature.
hid kits in non-hid housing, there is no such thing as "properly aligned". they can't be aligned and there will always be glare because of the housing design and optic difference
if the car does NOT have factory hid, then ANY hid kits (even 4100k) is illegal. you can replace the factory halogen with other halogen of course, but not changing the color temperature.
hid kits in non-hid housing, there is no such thing as "properly aligned". they can't be aligned and there will always be glare because of the housing design and optic difference
I'm still curious about anything over 4300 being illegal though because of the temperature. I've never heard of that. I know here because of the 'blue' tint that the higher temp bulbs gives off that makes them illegal. But didn't know the temperature had anything to do with it.
A friend of mine told me when he's checking for illegal HID's he holds a white piece of paper in front of the light, if it turns blue, you get a ticket.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Gotcha
I'm still curious about anything over 4300 being illegal though because of the temperature. I've never heard of that. I know here because of the 'blue' tint that the higher temp bulbs gives off that makes them illegal. But didn't know the temperature had anything to do with it.
A friend of mine told me when he's checking for illegal HID's he holds a white piece of paper in front of the light, if it turns blue, you get a ticket.
I'm still curious about anything over 4300 being illegal though because of the temperature. I've never heard of that. I know here because of the 'blue' tint that the higher temp bulbs gives off that makes them illegal. But didn't know the temperature had anything to do with it.
A friend of mine told me when he's checking for illegal HID's he holds a white piece of paper in front of the light, if it turns blue, you get a ticket.
Could be the reason.
#21
yea that is what i always thought as well for a rule of thumb. anything above white is not ok to have not even that slight hint that some sylvanias have.
bad thing is i DO have the hid bowls retroed in. and using a aftermarket kit to light them up. i'll let u guys know how it goes after i get the court date. awaiting that information now by the DMV.
PBA cards around here does not work as well as they do anymore. you need that captains? badge or plaque that I see alot of folks have now inside their dash or a military ID. its like a 6inch giant gold badge that goes where your inspection sticker sits. a friend of mine got the line "you should know better than anyone else not to speed then" when he tried to use the pba.
bad thing is i DO have the hid bowls retroed in. and using a aftermarket kit to light them up. i'll let u guys know how it goes after i get the court date. awaiting that information now by the DMV.
PBA cards around here does not work as well as they do anymore. you need that captains? badge or plaque that I see alot of folks have now inside their dash or a military ID. its like a 6inch giant gold badge that goes where your inspection sticker sits. a friend of mine got the line "you should know better than anyone else not to speed then" when he tried to use the pba.
#22
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Right, but that's functionality, not legality.
I think you may be stuck on this one. Improper headlights could mean a bunch of things. But cops see enough cars daily to be able to tell where it's a kit or OEM so I can't see a judge not taking a cops word for it.
How much is the ticket anyway?
They don't give officers PBA cards like they used to. They are even confiscating cards at some stops when people get too arrogant with them saying they are the property of NYPD.
How much is the ticket anyway?
PBA cards around here does not work as well as they do anymore. you need that captains? badge or plaque that I see alot of folks have now inside their dash or a military ID. its like a 6inch giant gold badge that goes where your inspection sticker sits. a friend of mine got the line "you should know better than anyone else not to speed then" when he tried to use the pba.
#23
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
PBA cards around here does not work as well as they do anymore. you need that captains? badge or plaque that I see alot of folks have now inside their dash or a military ID. its like a 6inch giant gold badge that goes where your inspection sticker sits. a friend of mine got the line "you should know better than anyone else not to speed then" when he tried to use the pba.
PBA cards worked years ago but are somewhat of a joke now.
You need cards from higher ups or cop family cards or window badges.
#24
I think you may be stuck on this one. Improper headlights could mean a bunch of things. But cops see enough cars daily to be able to tell where it's a kit or OEM so I can't see a judge not taking a cops word for it.
How much is the ticket anyway?
They don't give officers PBA cards like they used to. They are even confiscating cards at some stops when people get too arrogant with them saying they are the property of NYPD.
How much is the ticket anyway?
They don't give officers PBA cards like they used to. They are even confiscating cards at some stops when people get too arrogant with them saying they are the property of NYPD.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Sorry to hear about the drama. This exactly why I dont have my windows tinted really dark and I never messed with bulbs ( that and some members have had ballast and other issues). This might just be a fix it ticket
#28
Lexus Test Driver
If your car is modded (I don't know if it is or not), be prepared to attract extra authority attention and additional tickets over time. It just comes with the territory of modded cars. Nine times out of ten, modders have some sort of illegal infraction, so cops know who to go after. If you don't want these hassles, stay stock.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; 11-20-16 at 01:50 PM.
#29
I'm no expert in hid lighting, but in 99.9% of the time i'd be right in recognizing which hid have the legal temperature color(4300k vs 5000, 6000 ect); So i'm sure she could be too.
Last edited by pavelekPL; 11-20-16 at 08:02 AM.