Retrofit LED bulbs permitted for some car headlights for the first time - RAC reaction and advice to drivers
Following changes to the MOT that mean certain approved LED replacement (LEDr) bulbs can be fitted into halogen headlamps for the first time, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said:
"Until now, replacing a halogen headlight bulb with an LED retrofit bulb in a vehicle used on public roads was not permitted and would result in an MOT failure.* From today, the rules have changed, meaning a small number of approved LED replacement bulbs can now be fitted legally to compatible halogen headlamps, provided strict requirements are met, including the unit carrying an official approval sticker [see example image below] that can be checked during an MOT.
"While this is a significant change, drivers should not assume that LED replacement bulbs have suddenly become legal for all vehicles. The new rules only apply to a small number of bulbs used by certain car manufacturers at first,** with many of the most common bulb fittings still excluded.
"If a halogen bulb fails, it can be tempting to search online for a cheap LED replacement that can be fitted at home. The RAC is aware that online marketplaces are awash with unregulated LED bulbs that don't meet the necessary approval standards and are not legal for use on public roads.
"Fitting an unapproved LED bulb carries various safety risks as they can produce incorrect beam patterns, leading to excessive glare for other road users. The risk is even greater if a bulb is installed incorrectly.
"Our message to drivers is clear: just because an LED replacement bulb is available online doesn't mean it's legal or safe to fit to your vehicle. Before making any change, check that an approved bulb is available for your specific headlamp from a reputable supplier.
"The Government has said it will increase its efforts to tackle the sale of illegal retrofit bulbs. That has never been more important as drivers can still easily find products claiming to be 'road legal' despite not meeting the required standards. Choosing the wrong bulb could lead to an MOT failure and even lead to dangerously dazzling other road users.”
Thinking of replacing a halogen bulb with an LED bulb?
The RAC advises drivers to check the following first:
• Check your car's bulb type. It has to be a halogen bulb and will carry a code beginning with H on the bulb cap
• Look for approved products. An approved bulb must meet UNECE Regulation 37 and will come with the necessary documentation and sticker. Many of the most common bulb categories are not covered by the approval process, at least for now
• Always buy from a recognised automotive lighting brand
• Be wary of online claims. Terms such as 'road legal’ or 'E-marked' or do not automatically mean a bulb is approved under the new rules. Unapproved bulbs can be unsafe and lead to dangerous levels of glare for other road users
• Consider professional fitting. Correct installation and beam alignment are critical to avoid dazzling other road users. If you choose to fit the bulb yourself, or a retailer does it for you, always get the alignment checked by a reliable garage before
Notes to Editors
* Unless the vehicle was registered before 1986 or the vehicle has a single headlamp
** only H11 and C5W types are currently approved
Press team
