Can Modified Xenon Headlights Pass Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Modified xenon headlights can pass the annual inspection if the xenon bulbs are equipped with lenses and the color temperature is below 6000 lumens. Below are specific details about installing lenses: 1. Lens Selection: As long as the lens does not affect the headlight's illumination capability, it generally can pass the inspection. If the high-end model comes with lenses, you can opt for the original lenses, and in this case, no registration is required. Installing suitable lenses can improve the issue of scattered light from the original headlights, greatly enhancing nighttime driving safety. 2. Penalty Explanation: According to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, unauthorized installation of lenses or xenon headlights is considered an illegal modification that violates vehicle safety principles, punishable by a fine and 3 demerit points.
As someone who frequently tinkers with car lights, I've seen many car owners fail their annual inspections after modifying their headlights to xenon. The issue is quite complex: xenon lights are brighter and look cool, but during inspections, they check if the light intensity exceeds standards, if the angle is misaligned, or if there's any glare problem. Many modifications don't use original certified kits, or the installation wasn't adjusted properly, causing light dispersion or incorrect color, which leads to violations when tested by inspection stations. In real cases, I've seen owners spend money on modifications only to fail the inspection, then have to pay extra to revert to original lights or readjust them, which is quite troublesome. I recommend checking local regulations beforehand and finding a professional shop to install xenon lights, ensuring they have certification marks and testing the brightness to increase the chances of passing. Don't underestimate this—failing the inspection wastes both time and money.
