HID Kits Exposed (video feature)

[ilovemycb7]

Hmm, so if these are sold what are they legal in? If not the stock headlamps.

[Akira_kj]

Fog lights(when used like hibeams)/ off road/ projectors/

this is where HID kits are legal.

[BIEN_DIESEL]

who cares, i still get blinded by a big pick up truck behind me with hsi stock headlight

[Mr_Doitagain]

wow.... That was some cool info.... I guess I will have to share that with friends....haha

[Akira_kj]

who cares, i still get blinded by a big pick up truck behind me with hsi stock headlight

Oh So Thats Why the JDM Accords had that weird white fog light on the back.

revenge blinding

[BIEN_DIESEL]

Oh So Thats Why the JDM Accords had that weird white fog light on the back.

revenge blinding

giggles

[HondaB18]

retro fit should be aloud.

but HID kits into OE halogen reflectors. not...

But i could care less haha

What about the Acuras that came stock with HID in their reflectors? Or how about the Lexus IS300 that came with the HIDs?

HIDs are illegal (even retrofits) because the US says the car would need some sort of auto leveling device as well as something that can clean the lense (headlamp washers).

[JTEK24]

If HID's are illegal, then why are they being sold legally on the market without being taking away from the consumer? Makes no sense in the world to me. I understand them being illegal if you just bought them and installed them without installing a shield or retrofitted projector.

[i-07]

lol good info i have sylvania cool blue halogen bulbs for my lows.

[slick]

very nice find good thing i got projectors

[owequitit]

What about the Acuras that came stock with HID in their reflectors? Or how about the Lexus IS300 that came with the HIDs?

HIDs are illegal (even retrofits) because the US says the car would need some sort of auto leveling device as well as something that can clean the lense (headlamp washers).

Wow, old thread.

There are 2 types of HIDs. D2S and D2R. D2R, respectively, is to be used with properly designed reflector assemblies, and this is what Acura was using in their cars.

They have since switched exclusively to D2S like pretty much every other manufacturers. One reason for this may have been the high rate of theft for their bulbs, since they were easy to get to fit into 6th and I believe 7th gen Accords.

You could hypothetically retrofit D2R reflectors into your headlights, and assuming proper alignment, be OK.

[Camurai]

If HID's are illegal, then why are they being sold legally on the market without being taking away from the consumer? Makes no sense in the world to me. I understand them being illegal if you just bought them and installed them without installing a shield or retrofitted projector.

My guess would be that there is a disclaimer on the packaging stating that the kit is for off-road use only and is not designed to be used on public roads. This is why you can buy off road lights legally for your pickup truck. They're not legal for road use either. Neither are undercar neon kits, led headlamp washers or any number of other lighting accessories. They're technically legal as long as you don't use them on public roads.

[bcjammerx]

My guess would be that there is a disclaimer on the packaging stating that the kit is for off-road use only and is not designed to be used on public roads. This is why you can buy off road lights legally for your pickup truck. They're not legal for road use either. Neither are undercar neon kits, led headlamp washers or any number of other lighting accessories. They're technically legal as long as you don't use them on public roads.

Right...exactly.

You can use them for show just not the road so they can sell 'em. From what one officer told me...any lights that are not stock CAN be illegal...but I haven't reviewed the laws myself and even he said I should review the laws to double check and see how far the laws allow. Other cops have said as long as they can't see the actual bulb of the neon kits it's ok...but if the light is too bright it can be considered illegal...and I believe that is what that first officer was referencing.

But again as to the non-stock legality it makes since...I've heard this before about changing stock parts on cars in more strict areas. I believe it is because they aren't considered OEM and thus dangerous on the street...TRD and NISMO are ok because they are owned by the manufacturers and thus...can be OEM...but again...I'm not sure because I haven't reviewed the laws myself.

[JTEK24]

Words From a State Trooper on HID

I was shopping around at home and I ran into a state trooper and I asked him about the Law on HID conversions and there were 3 questions he asked:

1) Is the color temperature 4300k(OEM) type?
2) Did the car come with HID from the factory?
3) Does the headlight have a level that can be adjusted up and down?

My answers:
1) I plan on getting a 4300k kit OEM white light.
2) No, my car was made in 1991.
3) Yes, the headlight has a level that I can screw up and down with a philipshead.

Well, he said if the kit is 4300k temp it is ok even though my car didnt come with the lights from the factory only if they are leveled properly (the whole shine headlights against wall, measure and level) and DOES NOT have a blue tint to them. He suggested the shield under the bulb helps but isnt necessary. Projectors are a plus since they have a cutoff. He also said that cars that come with OEM HID and they change the color temp are illegal if they can put a white sheet of paper to it and see a hint of blue.

I know that retrofit by all who have done it and is prefered but I'm just trying to clear up some of the contraversy with those who cant afford or just dont care about retrofitting. This was a GA Trooper so check with your state.

[MikeW]

Companies like Lexus and Acura wouldnt produce vehicles that aren't "Road Friendly"..

I think....I hope...

1) That video was made in the UK, so it may not apply to the USA.
2) Checking local laws is always the best, and safest bet.
3) Most, or at least my, states will allow you to have aftermarket HIDs that have a "blue" tint/colr/hue.
--3b) I know this because ive talked to ppl with 8,000k, 10,000k and 12,000k HIDs and they say theyve never been pulled over or ticketed.
^^I'll, continue on that later.^^

4) It all depends on the cop. I have green undercar neon and ive never been stopped or ticketed for it because it technically fell in the perimeters of local law.(The bulbs/light-emitting-objects werent visible)

Now, more on the color subject. Most states have a law that state any forward facing lights(and turn signals) can only be "white, yellow, orange or amber in color." and that "brake lights must be red. the only rear-facing lights that are allowed to be any other color are yellow/amber/orange/red turn signals. All reverse lights must be white in color."

Not exact quotes, but ive heard those statements many times from both county and state troopers.

Neons other than white are technically illegal. As long they dont flash or arent an obvious distraction, cops usually dont care.

Same with the "blue-ish" headlights. As long as it doesnt appear to be shooting all over the road or into on-coming traffic, most cops wont stop you for it.

Whether or not this has or will become illegal in the states, i dont know, but im betting for the most part, those with aftermarket HID kits in OEM headlights, should be fine.

Check your local laws, and even ask a cop if necesarry. Dont ask him to look at yours, but just ask if he knows the laws on headlights and their color-range.

And besides..no one should be running anything above 8,000k in OEM headlights anyway. Not only is that too bright and offensive to other drivers, its a waste of energy, money and light. Stick to 4300k - 6000k. 8,000k tops. If your going for that "ultra-blue-headlight" look, IMO, it means your trying to show-off, hence they should be for show-use only.

Ive got "Hyper Whites" that have a blue-ish color to them but its neither super bright, nor offensive.

:EDIT: x2 on being blinded by stupid lifted trucks