HID Headlights

[skerik]

Hi. I've googled and googled and never found a definitive answer in regarding HID headlights.

Installing HID headlights on a VT legal? Most of the posts on various forums that google pulled up are from 2005 - 2006 and state that they are illegal to install on any car if there is no leveling system or washers installed.


There is no final answer to say if they are legal or illegal, because I get varied responses from every forum I've read.

I visited my local Autobarn and inquired about putting HID's in my VT commodore and the guy showed me a Philips Conversion kit, that will bolt into my existing headlight arrangement. Though when I quizzed him about them being street legal, he said yes they are, but when I asked about auto-leveling systems and washers, he was a bit WTF?

Anyone clear this up for me please? Why would they sell these kits if they weren't street legal?

[TMM]

They are illegal. Don't put HIDs in reflector housings as you will blind oncoming cars which is annoying and dangerous.
Reflector housing (bad for HID):
http://www.madautodiscounts.com.au/images/100_1244.jpg
Projector housing (good for HID):
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...sc00295223.jpg

HIDs globes in Projector housings (e.g. VY/VZ/VE Calais style) are still technically illegal as they don't have the washers or auto leveling but they aren't blinding for oncoming cars because the beam has a much sharper cut-off. Also the police won't know the difference if you stick to sensible color temperatures (below 6000k)

The "altezza" style aftermarket headlights for VTs usually have a projector housing for the low beam which are suitable for HID globes.

[skerik]

So obviously my local Autobarn bloke didn't have a clue about street legal and whatnot. Great.

Guess if I want better headlights I'll have to get autolevelers / washers. Which will probably cost me more than what the car is worth.