Do I need to file for record when changing halogen lights to LED lights?
2 Answers
Converting the original halogen lights to LED bulbs does not require filing with the vehicle management office. Below are the differences between halogen lights and LED lights: 1. Halogen lights: Halogen lights are essentially incandescent bulbs filled with inert gas to extend the filament's lifespan. The light emission of halogen lights involves three physical processes: electrical energy - thermal energy - light energy, resulting in relatively high energy consumption. Halogen lights emit yellow light. The advantages of halogen lights include strong penetration and relatively low cost, making them easy to replace; however, their disadvantages include low brightness and a relatively short lifespan. 2. LED lights: LED lights can directly emit red, yellow, blue, green, cyan, orange, purple, white, and other colors of light. LED lights, also known as light-emitting diodes, can convert electrical energy directly into light energy, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of up to 90%. White light is typically used in vehicles. The advantages of LED lights include very high brightness, versatile design shapes, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, long lifespan, small size, etc.; however, their disadvantages are weaker penetration compared to halogen lights and complex technology leading to higher costs.
I'm into car modifications, and the question of whether you need to file for replacing halogen with LED is really worth discussing. According to traffic regulations, changing the bulb color to over 6000K or particularly dazzling blue, white, or purple light is definitely not allowed—it won't pass the annual inspection if spotted. If you switch to a warm white light around 5000K with brightness within the legal limits, traffic police usually won't bother you on the road. However, the safest bet is to check with the local DMV—some areas require updating the vehicle registration photo for filing, which only costs a few dozen bucks in fees. My friend got stuck during the annual inspection after installing LED headlights and had to remove them and revert to halogen, which was a total loss.
