Is there a law against how powerful and light your headlights are?

Question

Is there any law saying how bright, powerful, etc. headlights can be.I want to get really bright ones but not get pulled over

Answer 1

IIRC, the maximum is 65 watts for on-road use, however the actual output will be measured in Lumens or Candela, as the wattage only corresponds to an incandescant buld, irrespective if it is tungsten or halogen (Halogen is brighter per watt than standard tungsten)

So with the new Xenon, HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights, a 10 watt HID is about equivelant to a 60 watt bulb.

You might want to have a friendly chat with your local Police Vehicle unit, or your local courthouse traffic dept.

Having said that, I doubt police would pull you over unless you had what I had fitted to a 1951 Classic car in UK, - 8" 200 watt Sealed Beam (12volt) (Emergency airfield landing lights) but I did have a 100 AH battery installed - "Oh baby!! the fields lit up like daylight "

Answer 2

Just last night I was driving on a narrow winding road and a car came at me with extra bright lights. I couldn't see the sides of the road so I had to stop. He went around me and got stuck in the ditch. He was mad at me so I just left him there. It was cold last night. I hope he's OK. Somebody probably saved him. At least he had some bright lights to signal for help.
Just use regular headlights and have them properly aimed.

Answer 3

Here in Ontario the guidelines for how bright headlights can be are outlined in the Highway Traffic Act. I'm sure your state or province has similar descriptions. Remember, just because they sell them in the hardware store doesn't necessarily mean they are legal, you should check first.

Answer 4

yes in some states they do not allow xenoin headlights you should contact your states motor vehicle office and findout what laws they have regarding vehicle lighting it will tell you how bright your headlights can be and how high off the ground they have to be and what colors you can and cant use but since it varies by state you will have to check the state the you reside in and the vehicle is registered in

Answer 5

The laws may vary a little, but usually it will tell you on the package... NOT LEGAL FOR HIGHWAY USE.
Too bright can cause oncoming traffic to be blinded, and crossover and run head-on into you.

Answer 6

you ought to get pulled over as your headlights nonetheless favor to be operating. it truly is even once you've the foglights on. The worst that you will get is a restore up cost ticket, and see you later as you will discover and be seen; until eventually you get pulled over do not issue about it.

Answer 7

I dont know but really bright lights can be hazardous in places other then the interstate for oncoming traffic

Answer 8

Yes. The standard H3 55-watt halogen lamps are approved for street use, but 100-watts aren't.

Answer 9

in state of north carolina there sure is.