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Retrofit DOT approved???

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Oskie_78, Apr 4, 2013.

  1. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:03 AM
    #1
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Anyone ever had a problem getting a state inspection (TX) sticker with retrofit headlights?

    I just went this morning to get my state inspection and the guy there told me that my headlights won't pass inspection because the ballast does not have DOT approved sticker on it. Has anyone ever heard of this? I guess he thought I had regular HID bulbs in a regular halogen headlight. I tried explaining to him that it has retrofit and wasn't scattered light through the headlight and it has a cut off line. He just told me I could put in the regular bulbs back in and take it back within 15 days and I told him I cannot put the regular bulbs in because it's been modified.

    Anyone ever had a problem like this?
     
  2. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:09 AM
    #2
    Justus

    Justus fucks not given

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    Its a federal deal.......nowhere in the US, can u put in any kind of HID headlights to be used onroad......unless the vehicle came with HID from the factory, or had that option.
     
  3. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:09 AM
    #3
    TacoCat

    TacoCat These pretzels are making me thirsty

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    Johnny-5
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    I've heard of people failing because they have the PNP HIDs in their stock halogen housings, because, you know, they're blinding everyone.

    I guess if the vehicle didn't come with projectors standard they could put up a stink. I'd ask the guy to measure the cutoff and see if it goes above the required height.
     
  4. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:10 AM
    #4
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    If you take the law to the letter, retrofits are technically illegal. You have modified a DOT approved assembly with non-DOT approved parts. Sounds like you unfortunately got an overly meticulous technician.
     
  5. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:27 AM
    #5
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, the technician was real picky I guess... I have had this retrofit on my headlights for a few years now and I never had a problem until today. I guess I'll just try another shop, but that sucks I'm out $14.50 :/
     
  6. Apr 4, 2013 at 9:30 AM
    #6
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    By the way, Thanks for the quick replies and information. I can always count on Tacoma World :)
     
  7. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:16 AM
    #7
    TherealScuba

    TherealScuba Sober Member

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    Most places do a quick look of the vehicle before they do the actual inspection or charge you.
    I went to a place one time, the guy came out and looked at the vehicle before he started and said "your turn signal lens is cracked and you're missing lug nuts.." I knew what to fix so I did.
    I ended up taking it to a shop in a worse part of town and got passed just fine. LOL.
     
  8. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:27 AM
    #8
    vbibi

    vbibi Well-Known Member

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    I think the guy went beyond his duty in this case. I think he wants to see DOT approved : Lens and housing of the lights. This for shatter reasons, but not the ballast.
     
  9. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:30 AM
    #9
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ^^^ The worst part of town. haha! I guess I'll try that lol
     
  10. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:32 AM
    #10
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I tried explaining it to him, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't know about retrofitted headlights.
     
  11. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:34 AM
    #11
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

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    fyi

    "DOT" and "DOT Approved" are 100% meaningless when it comes to choosing a device that will legally satisfy photometric
    requirements. For any FMVSS approved device, you will also be able to get a certificate showing that it meets specification, for your
    vehicle make and model.
    Usually only the vehicle manufacturer can provide this, as certification is extremely expensive (and takes months
    to years to certify) compared to any old chump with a blow-mold operation trying to sell cheap parts. Many sellers will, incorrectly, list
    their items as being SAE/DOT approved without this actually being the case.

    with aftermarket parts, it is a bogus label and they use it to help sell devices
    which otherwise no one would purchase, since this DOT dupe has been running forever

    many will not even know what SAE or DOT approval is.
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2013
  12. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:36 AM
    #12
    Oskie_78

    Oskie_78 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I guess I could buy these stickers and stick them on the ballast haha

    image-1_zpsce01bf74_acecd1bca3cc8e69761dcb18b714c245b7b317b2.jpg
     
  13. Apr 4, 2013 at 10:43 AM
    #13
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

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    it is not shatter, it is photometrics. conspicuity

    The property of being clearly discernible; The state or quality of being clear or bright; brightness; conspicuousness.
     
  14. Apr 6, 2013 at 11:09 AM
    #14
    DevL

    DevL Well-Known Member

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    There are standards for onroad ballasts. Use a better Denso ballast instead of a China made no name or DDM digital.
     
  15. Apr 7, 2013 at 3:06 PM
    #15
    Ronn

    Ronn Well-Known Member

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    Westin bullbar, KC slimlites, Mini D2S headlight retrofit, 5100 front @ 1.75 and 5100 rear, Wheelers HD leaf pack
    You could always pick up a set of scrap yard housings and hook them up if the next shop gives you grief about it.
     

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