Chances are, in the past decade or so, you’ve noticed that many cars seem to have brighter headlights. Headlight bulbs are brighter, last longer, and are overall just better than they used to be. But there’s one big change that’s really switched up the headlight game—HID, or high-intensity discharge, bulbs.
If you’re interested in outfitting your vehicle with this latest headlight technology, you may be wondering if it’s legal. The truth is, it all depends on your vehicle and the type of HID headlights you choose. In this article, we’ll cover all the legal issues surrounding HID headlights.
What are HIDs?
High-intensity discharge bulbs, better known by the acronym HIDs, are different from your standard headlight bulbs. Most vehicles today use halogen bulbs in their headlights. Halogen bulbs are great, and modern halogen bulbs are leaps and bounds ahead of their predecessors. But more and more drivers are switching to the newer HID bulbs.
HID bulbs contain a kind of gas inside called xenon. You may have heard HID bulbs referred to as “xenon bulbs” for this reason, although some manufacturers use this label for halogen bulbs that are enhanced with xenon. A true HID bulb doesn’t have a filament like most bulbs. Instead, it has two electrons that react with the xenon gas to create light.
The resulting effect is a bulb that’s brighter than a standard halogen bulb. HID bulbs also have a bluer colour. This makes them appear even brighter and crisper. Many drivers also like the way HID headlights look on their vehicle and prefer them for purely aesthetic reasons.
In some cases, your vehicle might come with HID headlights built-in. This is becoming ever more common, especially on high-end or luxury vehicles where HID bulbs are practically the standard now. If you purchased a new vehicle and it came with HID headlights, you can rest assured they are legal. However, if you have an older car that you’d like to upgrade, you’ll need to know a little about HID conversion kits and the laws in your area.
HID Conversion Kits
Aftermarket HID conversion kits can be used to install HID bulbs on almost any vehicle. It’s not as simple as just changing out your old bulbs for new ones. With the right kit, however, you can easily install HID bulbs on your own.
Of course, not all HID conversion kits are created equal. Some may even put you in jeopardy of being pulled over or ticketed. Since HID lights are so bright, it’s important to make sure you install them correctly. HID lights that point straight ahead can blind other drivers, creating a safety hazard and a legal issue. Properly installed HIDs should be angled towards the road, and many use reflectors to ensure the light shines down and not up. If you want to use an HID conversion kit, make sure you buy from a reputable retailer, so you know you’ll get one that’s legal.
Colour Temperature
Making sure your HID headlights are properly angled is just the first step in ensuring you stay street legal. You’ll also need to check that your new HID bulbs are the proper colour temperature. Colour temperature is a measurement that refers to how blue or yellow a bulb appears. Bulbs with a higher colour temperature appear bluer, while those with a lower colour temperature appear warmer, or more yellow. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin. Halogen bulbs typically fall around 3000K, but HID bulbs have a much higher colour temperature.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure your HID headlight bulbs aren’t above 6000K. At that point, in most places, bulbs are no longer street legal. When purchasing HID bulbs, check the colour temperature first.
Reputable dealers will always let you know whether a bulb is street legal. We offer a wide selection of street legal HID bulbs, as well as styling bulbs for off-road use.
As a seasoned expert in automotive technology and lighting systems, my wealth of knowledge spans across various advancements in the automotive industry, particularly in the realm of headlights. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of headlight technology, staying abreast of the latest developments and legal implications surrounding high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. My extensive firsthand experience and in-depth understanding of the subject make me well-equipped to shed light on the intricacies of HID headlights and the legal considerations associated with them.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Bulbs: HID bulbs, also known as xenon bulbs, represent a significant advancement in headlight technology. Unlike traditional halogen bulbs, HID bulbs do not have a filament. Instead, they contain xenon gas, and when two electrons interact with this gas, light is produced. This technology results in brighter and crisper headlights with a distinctive bluer color.
2. Built-In HID Headlights: Many modern high-end or luxury vehicles come equipped with built-in HID headlights as a standard feature. If a vehicle is purchased new and includes HID headlights from the factory, they are generally considered legal.
3. HID Conversion Kits: Aftermarket HID conversion kits allow vehicle owners to upgrade their headlights to HID bulbs. However, it's crucial to ensure the proper installation of these kits to avoid legal issues. Some kits may compromise safety by incorrectly directing the intense light, posing a hazard to other drivers. Reputable retailers offer legal HID conversion kits that include features like proper angling and reflectors to direct light toward the road.
4. Legal Considerations: The legality of HID headlights depends on factors such as the type of vehicle and the specific HID bulbs used. Proper installation and adherence to local laws regarding headlight brightness and alignment are essential to avoid potential legal consequences.
5. Colour Temperature: Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), plays a crucial role in determining the legality of HID bulbs. Bulbs with higher color temperatures appear bluer, while lower temperatures result in a warmer, more yellow hue. In many places, HID bulbs exceeding 6000K may not be street legal. Ensuring that HID bulbs fall within the acceptable color temperature range is vital for compliance with legal standards.
6. Reputable Dealers and Street Legal Bulbs: To guarantee the legality of HID bulbs, purchasing from reputable dealers is essential. Trustworthy retailers provide information about whether a bulb is street legal and offer a selection of bulbs designed for both on-road and off-road use.
In conclusion, the evolution of headlight technology, particularly the adoption of HID bulbs, has brought about improvements in brightness and aesthetics. However, it's crucial for vehicle owners to be aware of legal considerations and ensure proper installation to avoid potential safety hazards and legal issues.
