[AT] tractor hauler a pain to install headlights.

[Steve W.]

Ken Knierim wrote:
> Steve,
>      The Hella's have DOT stamped in them. That part is good. The LED's 
> are claimed to be legal as well but cannot find any sort of 
> documentation. Figured that out after I had them installed... 
> Based on the number of HID lights here, I need more information on local 
> legality and our illustrious state's information is not forthcoming. 
> Back to asking someone I know and trust about local legality. I 
> primarily use it for offroading anyway but I still need to get back and 
> forth...
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Ken in AZ

Federal laws cover the lighting and states that any lamps other than the 
OEM approved light source are illegal. None of the LED retrofits are 
legal for highway use in the US. Doesn't matter what the packaging says.
That is part of the standard that says each lamp housing must be 
designed around a particular light source. IE you make a reflector that 
uses a halogen lamp, that is the only legal replacement lamp for that 
housing.

The states generally don't enforce it though, however if you were to 
drive past a cop and your lights blind them, you will get cited. Then 
they may take a closer look.

This is the full code. If you want to know the federal stance on it.
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=se49.6.571_1108

-- 
Steve W.