Are LED headlights allowed?

Installing diode lamps in the headlights instead of the standard halogen is a popular solution among drivers. But despite the good performance of diode equipment, it is far from possible to install it on all machines. Many problems can arise, from dazzling oncoming drivers to improper light distribution. In addition, fines may be imposed for the use of LED equipment.

Is it possible to install LED lamps instead of halogen

Until 2019, diodes were equated with illegal xenon and for their installation they were deprived of their rights for up to 1 year by court order. But after amendments to the legislation and the allocation of LEDs to a separate category responsibility has decreased. But at the same time, there are a number of rules, the observance of which is mandatory for the normal operation of the light:

1. First of all, you need to find out if the headlights were placed on the model under LED bulbs. If there were no such options, you will not be able to use the equipment legally.The fact is that reflectors, lenses and other elements of the system are made for certain types of lamps. If they are not adapted for LEDs, it will be extremely difficult to properly install and configure them.
   When installed correctly, the quality of light improves markedly.
2. LED lamps instead of halogen can be put on headlights that are suitable for this option. To do this, you need to inspect the reflector and the markings on the body, most often there is an LED inscription (options like LEAD and other inscriptions with errors indicate the dubious origin of the headlights). Capital letters may also be used. "L", it also confirms that the diode equipment can be installed into the structure without violating the law.
   Labels or markings should be examined to ensure that the use of LEDs is permitted.
3. In some models, the reflector and diffuser are originally designed for LED equipment, this is the ideal solution. Most often, models with diodes have a large base that may not fit in a standard headlight housing. If it was designed for such lamps, then there is enough space and there are no installation problems.

You should not buy cheap LED lamps with light sources around the perimeter. Quality Options have a configuration similar to halogen ones, in which the emitters are located in the same way as the filaments in standard equipment. Only such a model can provide normal light distribution, the rest do not create a beam of light required by the Rules of the Road and it will not work to pass the technical inspection.

Penalty for LED headlights

Penalties can be imposed if diode equipment is found in headlights that are rated only for halogen.That is, with normal light distribution and brightness, the chances that the inspector will examine the lamps are small. But nevertheless, if the LEDs are operated in a design intended for them, a a fine of 500 rubles.

The law does not provide for other penalties, therefore, even if a violation is repeatedly detected, the punishment will not change. Now deprivation of rights can only be for the installation of non-standard xenon, LEDs are no longer in this category.

For LEDs in headlights that are not designed for them, a penalty is imposed in the form of a fine.

Which LED lamps are allowed

Only special automotive lamps can be used. First of all, it is checked markings on the headlights or their glass (if the design is non-separable or difficult to remove). In special documentation, LEDs are designated LED, most often the data is not only in the factory marking, but also on the reflector. In some cases, only the letter L is put.

It is important that the documentation for the machine has a clear indication of the possibility of using LED equipment. Then you can put lamps without fear of fines.

Lamps with markings that are similar to halogen lamps H1, H7, H11, etc. are used. Although this is wrong, manufacturers apply just such data to make it easier for drivers to navigate and select equipment. In this case, products can have the same designation, but distribute the light in different ways.

Most often, LED lamps are marked according to the type of base, by analogy with halogen ones, which simplifies the selection.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of the lamp, sometimes it is impossible to replace a standard element with an LED one due to the fact that the massive radiator in the rear part does not fit into the headlight housing. Often the lids do not close, which is also unacceptable, since the tightness of the structure is violated.

If the headlights already had LED lamps, it is better to change them to similar ones to ensure that good light is maintained.

Video block: Why you can not put LED lamps in reflex optics.

Correct installation of diode lamps

The work is not difficult. When choosing a quality kit, everything you need for installation is at hand. Lamps usually consist of the light source itself and a stabilizer, it is also called a driver. For ease of connection, standard connectors are installed on the system, which is very convenient. The work is done like this:

1. Frees up space to work. Often, to replace the lamps, it is necessary to remove interfering components - the air filter housing, the battery, etc. To ensure safety, before starting work, it is worth removing one of the terminals.
2. Old lamps are removed, you need to compare them with new ones to make sure that the cartridge size is the same. The arrangement of diodes with spirals in the halogen version must also match. This ensures that the light will be distributed in the same way.
3. LED elements are inserted into place and fixed. Next, you need to connect the wiring. If the connector fits, it won't be difficult. If the chips do not match, you will have to use an additional connection and ensure the correct polarity. This is not difficult to do, since the insulation is marked with a certain color for convenience.
4. Choosing the location of the driver. It is best to fix it with double-sided tape in the headlight housing. If there is no space, it is attached nearby. You can't just leave him hanging out.
5. After installation, the battery terminal is connected and check the operation of the lighting system. Only then can you assemble the structure to the end and install all the nodes that have been removed.

If there are cooling tapes on the lamp, they must be straightened along the reflector inside when installing.

After replacement, be sure to adjust the headlights again. The luminous flux of LEDs is worse than that of halogen, so the settings will definitely go astray. A special device will help to set the light so as to ensure visibility and not blind oncoming drivers.

Thematic video.

You can install LED lamps instead of halogen only in headlights that were originally designed for this light source. In all other cases, it will be a violation of the law, which entails a penalty in the form of a fine.