Is it necessary to file a record with the DMV when replacing LED headlights?
2 Answers
Yes. If the modification of the vehicle's headlights is not approved by the traffic management department in advance, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road. The following are the relevant regulations: Clause stipulation: According to the current "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," any changes to the body color, model, performance, purpose, and structure of a licensed motor vehicle, as well as the replacement of the frame, body, or engine, must be applied for a change of registration with the DMV. Adding a spoiler, full body kits, or modifying the exhaust pipe are, in principle, not allowed. Required documents: The identity proof of the motor vehicle owner, which includes the owner's ID card or temporary residence permit (valid for at least one year), for official vehicles, the "Organization Code Certificate," official seal, IC card, purchase invoice (first and fourth copies), and other proof of the motor vehicle's origin, the motor vehicle's whole vehicle factory qualification certificate or import motor vehicle import certificate, vehicle purchase tax payment certificate or tax exemption certificate, compulsory motor vehicle traffic accident liability insurance certificate, and other proofs and certificates that should be submitted during motor vehicle registration as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations.
I'm a seasoned car modifier with ten years of experience, and I've changed LED headlights several times. Generally speaking, whether you need to register the modification with the DMV depends on local regulations and the extent of the modifications. For example, if your car originally has halogen lights and you switch to a certified brand of LED lights, as long as the brightness and beam pattern meet national standards, the height of the light doesn't exceed 80 cm, and the shape of the headlights isn't altered, most cities don't require registration for road use. However, make sure the brightness isn't excessive, or you might face fines from traffic police or fail the annual inspection. Last time I helped a friend change theirs, we used certified lights with an E-mark—bright and energy-efficient—and everything was fine. But if you casually install blue lights or strobe lights, you'll have to go through the proper registration process at the DMV. In short, I recommend consulting your local repair shop or calling the DMV hotline to avoid unnecessary rework.
