Can a car pass the annual inspection after replacing the headlights with LED ones?
3 Answers
Whether a car can pass the annual inspection after replacing the headlights with LED ones depends on the specifications and performance of the modified headlights. If the modified headlights meet the national requirements in terms of color temperature, brightness, and beam angle, which affect driving safety, they can pass the annual inspection. Two main aspects are checked: Whether the brightness meets the requirements, meaning the brightness must not be less than 1400 lumens. Whether the beam angle is compliant, as long as the high and low beam angles are normal. Essentially, as long as the modified LED headlights do not affect driving safety, the car can pass the annual inspection smoothly. Relevant regulations for car annual inspections: Vehicles that fail the annual inspection must be repaired within a specified time limit. If they still fail after the deadline, the vehicle management office will confiscate their license plates and prohibit them from continuing to drive. Vehicles that do not undergo the annual inspection without reason or fail the inspection are not allowed to drive on the road or transfer ownership. Vehicles that meet the scrapping conditions or exceed the specified service life will not be inspected, and their license plates will be revoked, their records deleted, and they will be scrapped.
I just replaced my LED headlights, and the annual inspection went smoothly. The key is whether the installation complies with regulations, such as the brightness not being too strong to avoid dazzling others. During the inspection, they check the light pattern and beam angle to ensure it's even and natural, not scattered. It's best to choose certified products and have them installed by a professional shop. Higher brightness can improve nighttime safety, but excessive brightness can actually cause accidents. When I help others inspect their cars, I often find improper modifications can lead to issues, so I recommend testing the roadside light points in advance. With regular maintenance, the annual inspection shouldn't be a problem.
I've been driving an SUV for many years, and after switching to LED headlights, they passed the inspection without any issues. The key points are whether the bulbs are standard parts and whether the light is yellowish or white. The annual inspection standards require avoiding dazzling glare to prevent hazards to driving safety. I recommend checking the product specifications before changing, ensuring the brightness is moderate. Careless installation, such as misaligned positioning or unstable voltage, may lead to failure. You can use a mobile app to simply test the brightness yourself. LED lights are energy-saving and durable; as long as they comply with regulations, they are a cost-effective upgrade. Remember not to buy cheap, off-brand products to avoid trouble.