VA State Inspections and HID/LEDs

[Spenser]

So I've had Digital HIDs (55w / 4300k) low beams with Toshiba HIR highs in the stock 2007 headlight assemblies since 2009. I've passed state inspections in RI (2010-2011) and VA (2011-2012) without issue.

As a matter of fact, I returned to the same dealership that I went to last year for my inspection. As bulbs have needed replacing (front side markers, rear license plate lamps, etc I've replaced them with with LEDs from VLEDs keeping with standard colors and using 5000k whites. I recently splurged and installed the amber/white switchback V3 Tritons in the DRL/front turn signals (they looked great and were working as intended). Anyway, today they tell me my rig passed in all areas except for HID Low Beams, LED Front Markers, LED Front Turn Signals, LED Backup Bulbs, and LED License Plate Lamps.

The tech said the state is cracking down on non-DOT approved bulbs and he doesn't want to get in trouble. So I got a big fat REJECTED sticker and have to go back once I've replaced all the bulbs. My gut tells me that I probably would have passed had I gone to a generic garage, but I won't know until next year.

Anyway, I just wanted to caution any Virginians on here.

 

[hearno]

Scrape off the rejection and bring it somewhere else. Say the old one expired and you removed it yourself, that's why you don't have one on there. Like you said, most places will not think twice and put a new sticker on it.

Also, the rejection sticker is only good for 15 days so figure out what you want to do quick. You can still be stopped and or issued a summons while it's on there but you can let the LEO know you're waiting on parts to arrive etc and hope he believes you.

 

[wyanrard]

Where did you take it to? I'm located in chesapeake. Just gotta know the right places to take it to. I personally don't have HIDs, but lots of my buddies do.

 

[ZombH8R]

that's crazy. I am getting ready to switch over to HIDs. hopefully I wont have to no do it and will be able to go ahead with switching them over. What dealership did you go to?

 

[Spenser]

I went to checkered flag.

I swapped out the bulbs in question. After 5 yrs of HIDs I can't believe that the man thinks its safer to use halogens in those projectors...

Anyway, I'll get re-inspected tomorrow and then replace my HIDs and V3's this weekend.

 

[Sungod]

Why did he fail them? I assume they are not on the approved list. He has to follow the requirements. Obviously some pay more attention than others to the rules. They can pretty much fail almost every car for something.

Do not scrape your failed sticker off and go somewhere else. That is a dead giveaway that you have previously been rejected. Not to mention that you have to pay for a new inspection vs the $1-$5 reinspection fee.

 

[asimdada]

That's strange. I have DDM Tuning HID's in my 06 projector housings and mine passed without issues. I don't have any other bulbs replaced though and I'm in VA.

 

[Spenser]

I was informed by the tech that all bulbs had to clearly denote DOT or SAE approved for the lamp it is in. As I recall, the law merely says lights must "approved," leaving by whom the approval is given up to interpretation. It's the same laws that say front side markers are not required but if one bulb is out you fail (they require all bulbs work or in the case of lights that are not required, that the bulbs and sockets be removed from the lamp).

Anyway, on the bright side the dealership didn't even charge me for the inspection or the re-inspection (go figure). I now have my inspection sticker and appear to be legitimate again until this time next year...

 

[fourharts56]

I had a similar issue in June in Grafton at the Grafton Texaco. Slightly different situation in that the inspector thought I had HIDs installed because my bulbs were "brighter" than stock since I had just replaced them with Sylvania bright white and he thought my disconnected DRL transformer was an afterfactory HID transformer. He told me the same thing about the state cracking down on HID lights that were not installed from the factory. So bottom line is it is not just the dealerships but the little guys also for fear they will lose their certification for conducting inspections.

 

[Sungod]

If your lights were DOT approved you could have shown them this:

While the below listed equipment has undergone Virginia’s approval requirements, there is however other aftermarket vehicle equipment from reputable manufacturers not listed here that has already met Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute Incorporated, and/or Department of Transportation approval requirements making its use on motor vehicles legal in Virginia pursuant to Virginia Code 46.2-1005. Aftermarket vehicle lighting products that have already met the above standards and are labeled with the appropriate SAE and/or DOT compliancy markings do not have to undergo further approvals for permitted use in Virginia.

 

[kevinpt]

I have had LED's in my crown Vic for a few years now with no problems. I think the main reason is for the switch backs and the hids, other then that I think they would have passed it