There was a thread on here a few weeks ago about fitting aftermarket Xenons to a motorbike. I am not wanting to start any debate but because we were all trying to interpret the DfT regulations I thought I would ask them direct. So after many weeks they finally replied.

Basically without auto headlamp height adjustment and washers then this is not legal. And motorbikes included as there is no agreed approval including for the manufacturer (BMW) taking advantage. Anyway here is the reply.... and as I say I do not want to open the debate again because this is kind of definitive from someone at the Department of Transport.
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Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which would cause a vehicle to fail to comply with the construction and use standards. A headlamp which has been approved to European Regulations for use with a HID light source is fine, provided the installation criteria are met. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). These items are not checked at the MoT. However, failure to comply may lead to enforcement action by the police and may invalidate your insurance. Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Fitting HID light sources adapted for fitment to headlamps originally designed for use with filament light sources is not permitted and it is not possible to obtain EC type approval for such "modified" HID light sources. Even if the vehicle does pass the MoT exam this only proves that the light produces a beam pattern which is clear enough for aiming. It does not show whether the light distribution within that pattern is sufficient to prevent glare and puts light on the correct part of the road surface.

The same requirements apply regarding fitting an HID light source to a motorcycle. Only a headlamp approved for use with HID light sources may be fitted. Unlike with passenger vehicles, there are no European Regulations on the installation of approved HID headlamps to motorcycles. This is partly because no agreement has been reached on how to implement automatic headlamp levelling and washers on motorcycles. Potentially this could allow an HID headlamp to be fitted to a motorcycle without automatic leveling or washers and we are aware of one manufacturer who has taken advantage of this and fitted an approved HID headlamp to a motorcycle. The user must still ensure, however, that the use of these lamps does not cause glare to other road users, which may be difficult to achieve if the lamps are not kept clean and if there is significant movement of the suspension during use.

Yours sincerely,



DfT - Transport Technology and Standards
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Evening BR

Who do I contact Re Parking Issues in our road ?

Basically we live on a hill which is a cut through from the Main A458.

Half way up ish is a right hand bend which on it is Two Trees virtually opposite each other and then a car and Van park either side of these trees on both sides.

As we live just past the bend when we turn right on our drive if anyone is coming up the hill they can't see past the tree/car/van combination and there have been a fair few misses.

This works both ways as reversing off our drive is becoming more and more risky.


Oh and the Cars/Vans are both parked half on and half off the pavement. Read more

In a car park yesterday I came across a father and daughter pushing a car along, and struggling. They were pushing it right across the car park to where they had an extension lead and battery charger, and being a generous soul I offered to help push it for a bump start.

The battery wasn't completely dead (dash lights came on etc), but the engine would only run for a second or two and then stopped. It was a newish Clio with a petrol engine, and I was stumped as to why the engine kept stopping as my assumption is that the alternator easily provides enough juice at tickover to charge the battery and generate enough power to deliver regular sparks.

The only thing I didn't try was starting it and revving it, all this happened without touching the accelerator. I assume they got it going in the end, since someone else stopped and offered jump leads. I'd left my car blocking the exit ramp so had to go any fetch it. Read more

I am considering buying my first ever new car. UK Car Discount.co.uk., appear to offer amazing reductions. Have your readers any experience or guidance about this company?
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i have a Renault Clio 1.4 p reg and the front wheel bolts have stripped off, do i need a whole new hub or are the threads on the discs? do i just need to buy some new discs? Read more