Can modified lights pass the annual inspection?
4 Answers
Modified lights can pass the annual inspection if they meet national requirements. The following conditions must be satisfied to comply with national standards: 1. The brightness of the lights must be within the legal limits—low beams should not be less than 1050 lumens, high beams not less than 1450 lumens, and the illumination intensity during driving should be no less than 15,000 CD and no more than 120,000 CD, with a color temperature not exceeding 6000K. 2. The color of the lights must not be altered. 3. The angle of the lights must also be correct. 4. Xenon and LED lights must be equipped with lenses. 5. Angel eyes and demon eyes will definitely fail the annual inspection, and if caught by traffic police, they may also result in penalties.
I had my car lights modified with LED bulbs, originally intending to enhance brightness for better visibility at night. However, I ran into trouble during last year's annual inspection because the color temperature was too high and exceeded the standard. The technician said national regulations only allow white or yellow light, and the ones I installed were too blue, making it impossible to pass. Later, I learned that light modifications must comply with GB standards, including beam height and scattering angle, to avoid affecting others. I went to a professional shop to readjust the lens position before the issue was resolved. I recommend checking regulations or consulting experts before modifying lights—don't just go for looks, safety and compliance are most important. Looking back now, compliant modifications are actually more reliable.
As a car enthusiast, I've modified my car lights several times, switching from regular bulbs to xenon and then to LED. However, the annual inspection is always a hurdle, especially when the color exceeds the standard or the light scatters severely without proper lens installation, leading to immediate rejection. Generally, modifications are acceptable as long as the brightness is between 4300K-6000K and the light beam is properly calibrated with standard lenses. Some friends add colored decorative lights, which is even worse, as the inspection only focuses on the safety of functional lighting. I remind everyone to test the light pattern in advance to avoid rework when issues arise during the inspection. This not only saves money but also ensures the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Having been in the modification scene for a long time, I know well that improper lighting adjustments won't pass the annual inspection. The issues usually stem from scattered glare or color temperature deviations, such as installing LED lights without lenses, causing chaotic light dispersion. The annual inspection equipment tests brightness and left-right balance, and any non-compliance leads to immediate rejection. My advice is to use compliant products with certification marks for lighting modifications and perform beam calibration afterward. Safety comes first, as reckless lighting modifications can easily cause accidents, especially in foggy conditions where visibility is affected. Addressing these issues promptly can save you the hassle of rework.
