17-11-2017, 09:50 PM
Nick, We are still largely restricted by the British Road Vehicle Lights Regulations 1989. under this No flashing lights are permitted and No vehicle other than a trailer or broken down motor vehicle being towed may be fitted with a triangular shaped rear reflector.
Regarding LEDs they are not permitted under the same Regulations as they do not meet the required minimum wattage rating. Ironically the minimum was stipulated to outlaw dim lights ! The EU moved ahead and LEDs supplied as approved factory fitted units come under EU approval and Whole Vehicle Type Approval. Complete units meeting Type Approval and carrying an E mark are permitted. LED " lamps" (not complete fittings) are not usually marked and are therefore not legal. Putting LED lamps in headlights designed for filament lamps can cause dangerous light scatter as their reflectors and optics are not compatible with LEDS.
Currently there are several car manufacturers who are making cars with LED brake lights which flash when the brakes are heavily applied.
I have been using LEDS for rear lights, brake lights, and indicator lights without a problem so far but I am advised that with the current vogue of performance tables, if a police force needed to make up numbers you could be stopped for these "offences" . As technically they are illegal, the lawyers who have to decide if matters go to court, would see this as a clear cut offence of the Law and submit it to the Magistrate or Judge who would be equally required to treat it as an offence. The car would then be deemed to be un-roadworthy and this in turn would negate your car insurance and you would be guilty ! One has to balance the chances of this happening against the wisdom of suitably mixing with modern cars with these safety measures. I don't anticipate the Government treating the updating of the '89 Regulations in the near future. Common sense v The Law.
Regarding LEDs they are not permitted under the same Regulations as they do not meet the required minimum wattage rating. Ironically the minimum was stipulated to outlaw dim lights ! The EU moved ahead and LEDs supplied as approved factory fitted units come under EU approval and Whole Vehicle Type Approval. Complete units meeting Type Approval and carrying an E mark are permitted. LED " lamps" (not complete fittings) are not usually marked and are therefore not legal. Putting LED lamps in headlights designed for filament lamps can cause dangerous light scatter as their reflectors and optics are not compatible with LEDS.
Currently there are several car manufacturers who are making cars with LED brake lights which flash when the brakes are heavily applied.
I have been using LEDS for rear lights, brake lights, and indicator lights without a problem so far but I am advised that with the current vogue of performance tables, if a police force needed to make up numbers you could be stopped for these "offences" . As technically they are illegal, the lawyers who have to decide if matters go to court, would see this as a clear cut offence of the Law and submit it to the Magistrate or Judge who would be equally required to treat it as an offence. The car would then be deemed to be un-roadworthy and this in turn would negate your car insurance and you would be guilty ! One has to balance the chances of this happening against the wisdom of suitably mixing with modern cars with these safety measures. I don't anticipate the Government treating the updating of the '89 Regulations in the near future. Common sense v The Law.