Is it illegal to replace halogen headlights with LED?

[StJayce]

Yes, replacing halogen lights with LED lights is considered illegal modification. Halogen Lights: Also known as tungsten halogen bulbs or quartz bulbs, they are a variant of incandescent lamps. The principle involves injecting halogen gases such as iodine or bromine into the bulb. At high temperatures, the sublimated tungsten filament reacts chemically with the halogen. The cooled tungsten then re-solidifies on the filament, forming a balanced cycle that prevents the filament from breaking prematurely. As a result, halogen bulbs have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. The power supply voltage for halogen lights is typically divided into AC 220V and DC 12V or 24V. LED Lights: An LED light consists of an electroluminescent semiconductor material chip, which is fixed to a bracket with silver or white adhesive. The chip is then connected to the circuit board with silver or gold wires, and the assembly is sealed with epoxy resin to protect the internal wiring. Finally, the housing is installed, making LED lights highly shock-resistant.

[CeciliaFitz]

I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many people replace their halogen low beams with LED lights, only to be stopped by traffic police and fined or even penalized with demerit points. Traffic regulations are very clear: vehicle lighting must comply with original manufacturer standards and national specifications, such as brightness not exceeding limits, light needing to be evenly distributed, and color being close to natural white or yellow without a blue tint. Randomly installing uncertified LED kits can result in excessive brightness that dazzles oncoming drivers, potentially causing accidents, and may also lead to failed annual inspections or insurance claim denials. My personal advice is to first consult a 4S shop or professional repair center about certified LED accessories—don't try to save money by DIY tinkering and end up causing trouble. Safe driving is paramount, and these minor modifications should only be done legally and compliantly to be reliable.

[SanTalia]

As a car owner who frequently takes my family out, I'm particularly concerned about lighting safety. If halogen lights are replaced with overly bright LED lights that dazzle oncoming drivers, making it hard for them to see the road clearly, it can easily lead to rear-end collisions or side scrapes, which itself violates safety regulations. National regulations require that vehicle lighting must control beam patterns and brightness. Illegal modifications can result in warnings or fines from the police, or even affect driving records. I've researched and found that some certified LED lights can be compatible, but it's crucial to ensure they meet the standards—random replacements are not advisable. Regular maintenance of the vehicle's lighting system is a wiser choice, avoiding the anxiety of nighttime driving while protecting both yourself and others.

[DiJade]

Young people love modifying their cars, and switching from halogen to LED lights is indeed brighter and more stylish, but not knowing the rules can lead to legal trouble. Regulations require that light output and heat dissipation meet standards, and cheap bulbs that overheat might even burn out the wiring. Friends around me have tried it, and most regretted it only after being caught. If you really want to modify, choose branded parts with ECE or national certification—don’t gamble with cheap options. By the way, overly flashy lights at night can easily attract police attention; it’s better to save up for a proper configuration upgrade.

[StNora]

Considering cost factors, halogen lights are cheaper but consume electricity quickly, while LEDs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan. However, illegal modifications can result in fines that far exceed the cost of the lights. According to traffic regulations, non-compliant lighting may lead to fines ranging from 200 to 500 yuan, and in severe cases, penalty points may be deducted. If LED lights are installed without proper beam alignment, scattered light can interfere with oncoming drivers' vision, increasing the risk of accidents, and insurance may not cover such incidents. From a cost-saving perspective, purchasing certified accessories and professional installation is safer than taking risks. In the long run, maintaining legal compliance is more economical. For daily driving, sticking to the original factory settings is the safest option.