Ask an expert
I have a 1999 VW Passat V6 2.8 which I took to the local testing station and was told I need to replace the headlight bulbs.
I am interested in buying the blue headlight bulbs to add more character to the car and went into a car accessory outlet to discover there were cheap ones that cost around $20 and expensive ones that cost $99.
I asked the shop assistant why the difference in price and he said that the cheaper ones were illegal on NZ roads and the expensive ones were legal but he didnt know what the differences where.
What are the laws around headlight bulb modification?
If I change to a HID light will it burn out my plastic headlights?
Tukutahi
From the "Ask Jack" archive - 12 May, 2010
Hi Tukutahi,
The comments below are taken direct from the LTSA website
Replacement bulbs
If you want to improve the performance of your headlamps, you can replace the bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. However, these replacement bulbs must be of a similar type and wattage as the original bulbs, eg don't replace a standard bulb with one of higher wattage.
Make sure replacement bulbs are the correct colour, eg headlamp bulbs must be predominantly white or amber, although some white bulbs can look slightly blue. You should use commonsense to ensure you don't run into trouble later on.
Vehicle lighting retailers in New Zealand are required by law to sell bulbs which are fit for the purpose for which you're intending to use them - so they'll be able to advise you on choosing the right bulb for the job.
High intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits
HID conversion kits (an HID bulb with a high voltage power unit or 'ballast' which fits into the original headlamp unit in place of the original bulb with no change to the headlamp lens, reflector or housing) are illegal on any vehicle being used on New Zealand roads.
However, a complete halogen headlamp unit can be replaced with a complete HID headlamp unit provided that the replacement headlamp unit complies with approved standards. If in doubt, get advice from a vehicle lighting retailer you trust.
I can't understand why the accessory outlet store you visited would be telling you they are selling illegal light bulbs!.
If they are illegal they should not be sold, full stop.
If you have the time, a return visit to speak to the outlet Manager may help clear up any misunderstandings.