Is it illegal to replace halogen lights with xenon lights?
2 Answers
Replacing halogen lights with xenon lights is illegal. Strictly speaking, most xenon light modifications in China are currently considered illegal. Penalties for xenon light modifications: Article 97 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that illegally installed alarms or marking lights will be forcibly removed and confiscated by the traffic management department of the public security organ, with a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan. More information about xenon lights is as follows: 1. Xenon lights refer to high-pressure gas discharge lamps filled with a mixture of inert gases including xenon, without the filament that halogen lights have. 2. Xenon lights can also be called metal halide lamps, which are divided into automotive xenon lights and outdoor lighting xenon lights.
I've done some research on this issue. In many places, especially in mainland China, there are strict regulations regarding car light modifications. According to traffic safety laws, replacing halogen lights with xenon lights isn't necessarily illegal, but the key is that you must install lenses to focus the light beam and prevent excessive glare. Otherwise, xenon lights without lenses can easily dazzle oncoming drivers, and during police inspections, this would be deemed illegal modification, potentially resulting in penalty points and fines. Additionally, during annual vehicle inspections, the car must pass a light intensity test; non-compliant modifications will fail. I've personally encountered such modified cars - a friend was fined 200 yuan for skipping lenses to save money. Safety first, I always recommend checking local traffic regulations or consulting professional shops beforehand.
