HID xenon headlights offer a prestige to a vehicle that other lights just cannot provide, and it is this technology that began in the 1990's. They provide 300 percent more light than original halogen lights, and work ten times longer. The look is much cooler with the blue tint, and thus they are quite fashionable.
Cars that have regular halogen bulbs are boring when you view the HID xenon lights. This is why there are retro fit HID xenon kits that help you convert your headlights. Unfortunately the question arises as to whether they are really street legal for public roads.
The answer is far from simple, but nonetheless it is still no. If you want a clear picture to answer the question you need to know what the laws say about conversion kits for xenon lights.
The Department of Transport has a legal stand on HID kits. It states that the xenon HID lights can be legal if they are fitted with proper levelling suspension i.e. self levelling headlights that have a self cleaning function and can be fitted to the headlight unit. There also needs to be a rating of E mark that fits the European specifications on the headlights you use. Headlight basically describes the bulb, outer lens, and reflector.
Furthermore, any retailer who supposedly sells "legal" HID kits with an E mark, self cleaning headlight, and self levelling option is not being truthful. Their claims are unfounded since the Department of Transport states any HID kits are not permitted when you are converting from halogen to HID bulbs. Therefore, it is an offence to sell, fit, or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
If you want to keep your car street legal, and still have the HID xenon lights over the halogen bulbs, there is a solution though it is not easy or simple. Your vehicle may be offered by the manufacturer with factory fitted lights made of xenon. If this is the case you can contact the factory and have them replace your halogen lights with the factory fitted option. The Department of Transport will be satisfied that their rules have not been broken since the accessories were designed for your car, and they are approved HID bulbs.
Unfortunately a manufacturer factory fitted HID xenon upgrade is not cheap and will probably cost you around 3000. The only other option available, and considerably cheaper, is to upgrade your halogen headlight bulbs to xenon bulbs. These upgrade xenon bulbs are not like the HID xenon bulbs, which come with an HID kit, instead they are identical to your existing halogen headlight bulbs but instead of being filled with halogen they use xenon gas instead.
When looking for upgrades you want the Philips Extreme Power or the Osram Night Breaker. These headlight bulbs offer up to 90 percent more light and up to 35 metres more in distance for sight. The xenon bulbs have 10 percent more white to the light than halogen. The best thing about these xenon bulbs is their legality. They do not need modification to your car, thus they will not get you stopped by the police or create issues with your insurance company.
The upgrade to xenon bulbs is not going to be as bright as the HID kits. However, the upgrade is legal, much better than halogen, and they cost about 20. If you want the HID look, but within the street laws, you can purchase xenon bulbs and save money. This money could go to the retro fit factory option or a new car with HID xenon lights as the standard lights.
More Information:
If you want to improve the performance of your
Car Lights there is much easier alternative to fitting an HID kit. Aftermarket upgrade
Xenon Bulbs emit up to 90% more light than standard bulbs, will fit in your existing bulb holders without modifications and will not affect your insurance.
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