Can a Car with Modified LED Lights Pass the Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Whether a car with modified LED lights can pass the annual inspection depends on the modification. If it's a lighting upgrade, it can pass the inspection, but if the modified lights do not meet the inspection requirements, it will fail. The inspection checks the intensity of the lights, which has only a lower limit but no upper limit. The low beam must not be less than 1050 lumens, and the high beam must not be less than 1450 lumens. The upper limit is only required not to affect the driving safety of oncoming drivers. If xenon lights are modified with lenses, there will be no issue of light scattering, and it will not affect the driving safety of oncoming drivers, thus passing the inspection. Similarly, if LED bulbs are equipped with lenses, they can also pass the annual inspection.
Last year, I upgraded my old Santana with LED headlights, mainly to make nighttime driving brighter and save some electricity. Initially, I was worried about passing the annual inspection, but during the check, the inspector only looked at whether the lights were working and if the color was correct—it had to be standard white or yellow light, not blue or overly dazzling. My modification was done at a reputable shop, where they adjusted the angle to avoid blinding others, and it passed smoothly in the end. However, I’ve heard many car enthusiasts modify their lights haphazardly, resulting in misaligned or excessively bright beams, which get flagged during inspections and require restoration to factory settings. So, if you’re upgrading to LED lights, make sure to choose ones that meet national standards, install them properly, and keep the brightness moderate. Don’t forget to check your local DMV’s specific regulations—some cities are stricter about modifications. I recommend taking photos before modifications as proof and, if necessary, consulting a professional to adjust them to avoid hassle during the annual inspection, saving both time and money.
