OEM Halogen Projector headlamps to 10 Series healamps

[LANI86]

As the title states, is it "legal" to entirely swap out the oem incandescent projector headlamps to the oem 10 series HID headlamps(complete unit) with of course the DOT stamp on the lenses?

Unlike most hid kits which uses the factory projector headlights which are no doubt illegal, the 10 series headlamps are indeed DOT approved, US spec, and comes with factory ballasts/bulbs. But the vehicle will not have a dimming switch nor an auto leveling system which leaves me wary ...

I'm debating to do the conversion or not...
I live in Los Angeles where any mods are virtually illegal, and would hate to deal with the enforcement, yet wanting to do the conversion. I'm a father so gotta stay smarter than dealing with the authorities...(I bet you're all thinking, then why the hell are you doing it then? right?...yea I know I can be smarter but I'm a noob so thought I get some advice before I decide)

I did a ton of research but can't seem to pull up an answer.
I also know the conversion may basically allow the lights to stay lit at its brightest stage so if I may become a cop's bait for that, I rather not.

Hoping someone here experienced can provide the safest, most legitimate solution/advice.

Thanks in advance

[BigRuss]

Its a "factory" part so its not a modification in Cali... I know how ridiculous they are about mods out there, was stationed in San Diego and had a lifted truck with NO mud flaps but everything on my truck was "within the law". The 10 Series and RS1.0 headlights are the same and look like the WynJet headlights so you shouldnt have an issue with them legally speaking.

[LANI86]

But without a dimmer and auto leveling system do you think the enforcement will ever recognize that I have swapped the headlights although they are dot stamped? I have nothing to provoke a cop on my car other than a jdm clear corner; and my exhaust is just a trd exhaust with indeed the cat retained and everything else is OEM.

[BigRuss]

You'll be fine...

[LANI86]

Thanks for the tippers by the way. I just wish I knew someone in Los Angeles who've done the swap but no one I know thus far. Cops in los angeles will get you for anything if you're pulled over so I have to stay "smarter" with the frs being marketed towards the younger generation who are intolerant to any laws but indeed creative with their modifications.

[BigRuss]

Oh I know about LAPD.. I beat the lift laws in cali with my truck and kept all my receipts and info regarding my lift, as well as had my vehicle registered out of state... Was pulled over by CHP and LAPD and got told "have a nice day"... I was 20 and just showed them the respect they earned. Even with drop in HIDs in halogen housings never was hassled.. Drunk women on the other hand...

[LANI86]

Lol thanks again

[ZOMFGAARON]

I'm in la and running spyder headlights never been bothered.


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[LANI86]

Yea I personally think you become a cop's bait depending on how "flashy" your car is modded, driving habits and the area/time of the day you're driving the car. But the OEM 10 series swap causes the led strip and the hid to light up together when the headlights are turned on emitting super bright lights. I'll find a way to dim the led strip so that the lighting will look virtually natural.

Kind of got off topic but the thread was intended to find out if the conversion is even legal. I know some people may do it anyway but better be safe than sorry. but I know spyder and win jets are strictly off road use.

[ZOMFGAARON]

Originally Posted by LANI86

Yea I personally think you become a cop's bait depending on how "flashy" your car is modded, driving habits and the area/time of the day you're driving the car. But the OEM 10 series swap causes the led strip and the hid to light up together when the headlights are turned on emitting super bright lights. I'll find a way to dim the led strip so that the lighting will look virtually natural.



Kind of got off topic but the thread was intended to find out if the conversion is even legal. I know some people may do it anyway but better be safe than sorry. but I know spyder and win jets are strictly off road use.

It's completely legal.
I'm more worried about my tint then my headlights. When you turn on your low beams the drl strip auto dims!

My spyders are dot approved not sure about winjets.

I'd do some more research on here lots of people have done this swap.


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[LANI86]

Thanks again zom,

Yea did a ton of research but can't seem to find a straightforward answer...very grey. A true retro fit like this project I'm trying to do will probably be considered
95% legal but then again any modifications to your car are virtually illegal in Cali.

But I guess all there is to it is just make sure all elements are working normally as any normal 10 series would operate and no excessive brightness to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.

If someone here in la has ever successfully done the mod I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[Poodles]

Headlight leveling systems aren't required by DOT.

[ZOMFGAARON]

Originally Posted by LANI86

Thanks again zom,



Yea did a ton of research but can't seem to find a straightforward answer...very grey. A true retro fit like this project I'm trying to do will probably be considered

95% legal but then again any modifications to your car are virtually illegal in Cali.



But I guess all there is to it is just make sure all elements are working normally as any normal 10 series would operate and no excessive brightness to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.



If someone here in la has ever successfully done the mod I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Hey contact auto tuned https://m.facebook.com/Autotuned.gar...totuned.garage

They've done it a few times if I recall correctly.


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[8R6]

if a cop is going to give you a ticket for swapping out halogen frs lights to a oem-hid 10-series frs headlight, you're pretty much f*cked. at that level of scrutiny, he'll probably give you a ticket for having dust on the windshield and claiming it's obstruction of view. lol