Re. Illegal headlights??

[Max Dufford <max@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg Miranda writes

I went to my Valvoline oil change place to check my transmission fluid
and
the guy there told me my headlights(low beams) were illegal in all 50
states!
<snip>

Greg, 
  This man doesn't completely know what he is talking about. The truth
is that E-code H4 headlamps are sold in the US for off-road use only,
since the do not conform to an antiquated Federal Safety Standard.
Strangely, they are allowed to be sold for use on motorcycles on public
roads. As to what headlights you can legally run on your own car is up
to the states. Washington and Oregon do allow E-code headlights, so what
about the other 48. A few eastern states restrict the use of these
headlights and this is where this gentleman probably got his data. Most
states don't specify what kind of headlight you may install on your
vehicle as long as it emits white, not blue, light.

 What does this mean for you? If you live in one of these eastern states
it is highly unlikely you would be pulled over and fined for having
these lights provided they are properly aimed, but if an officer was
looking for an excuse for citation he could.  

 The real thing to remember is that these headlights are far superior to
their domestic counterparts. They have precise beam patterns that give
them more effective distance illumination and less glare to oncoming
drivers, so in essence they are much safer than your GE lights. I would
replace your GE's with another pair of E-code high beams, you will be
pleased with the results. I've been using E-code lights since I could
drive and despise driving cars at night that don't have them. I've never
been pulled over for my headlights.

Max Dufford
97 M3

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