Nhtsa Illegal Hid Crackdown

[skullcap]

NHTSA ILLEGAL LIGHTING CRACKDOWN CONTINUES

Continuing its crackdown against manufacturers and suppliers of illegal lighting equipment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its decision that high intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits produced by a Texas company do not comply with federal safety standards.

The owner of ASTEX USA, a supplier of aftermarket HID kits, was ordered to conduct a recall campaign and provide a no-cost solution to the customer. The company is based in Dayton, TX. When installed in a motor vehicle, the HID kits “can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists and others,” NHTSA said in its decision.

To date, NHTSA has investigated 24 HID conversion kit suppliers; all investigations have resulted in recalls or termination of sales.

“These illegal lights are a potential hazard to those who share the road,” said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, MD. “And we will continue to pursue those offering them for sale and violating the law.”

Companies that sell, import or manufacture non-compliant equipment could face substantial civil penalties, NHTSA said.

[WormGod]

I actually heard a snippet about this on Headline news this weekend. Didn't catch the whole thing since I had just come into it, but wow.... that's not very good news. My brother in law who is a state inspector was informed sometime ago to FAIL cars with HIDs going through inspection in the state of Maryland. Cars that ship with them are ok though. Almost fair, but hey, the law is the law I guess. *shrug*

[skullcap]

Yikes! I just learned about needing an inspection in MD, myself!

I hope my PV2 doesn't get a thumbs-down, because it sure comes in handy to back the deer-away when I'm on the BW Parkway.

[Tone]

Oops, I was getting ready to bring 20 kits in from China. Luckily the fine etc is on the seller (me) and not the user. I still think a properly designed kit like the one I offer is NOT a problem to oncoming traffic as I have not been flashed in many months after properly aiming them. They have a built in glare sheild that most other kits do not.

In any case, it is a simple 5 minute replug if you need to go back to stock lamps for a silly inspection. Nothing is cut or moved so the stock headlight plug that is going to the ignitor and ballast is unplugged and replugged into the stock lamps.

[WormGod]

Originally posted by skullcap
Yikes! I just learned about needing an inspection in MD, myself!

I hope my PV2 doesn't get a thumbs-down, because it sure comes in handy to back the deer-away when I'm on the BW Parkway.

You will be ok. If the crappy Mr Coffee pipes can pass, so can the PV. I actually had a police officer compliment me on the sound of my VX (has a PV also). Said it sounded like "it meant business". As for emissions, no worry there either. Knowing MD testing is pretty steep, the PV slipped through with nil a blink of the eye.

[Maugan_VX]

^ I need to get me one of them PV mufflers. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

[johnnyapollo]

My VX passed City of Atlanta - GA emissions with the PV - no issues.

-- John

[Tone]

Uh, mufflers don’t affect emissions.... and they only cause problems with inspection if they are too loud.

[ISCE]

Originally posted by skullcap
Yikes! I just learned about needing an inspection in MD, myself!

I hope my PV2 doesn't get a thumbs-down, because it sure comes in handy to back the deer-away when I'm on the BW Parkway.

skulcap,

I agree, the deer this year are just insane. I have had two very close run ins in the past couple of weeks. I have witness some serious deer carnage here lately, a real nice looking buck was taken out just a couple of days ago. I drive through Loch Raven reservoir every day and the deer are really thick through there. Typically there is a line of cars going through, and the deer won't even look up until I get close. I am attributing it to the PV2, at least they look and see me coming.

(then again maybe they are scared and jumping into the road in fear...?)

I say open up some time for the bow hunters.

Jay

[UtahVXer]

I received a notice in the mail from Brightstar saying they were recalling all of their kits for noncompliance. Although they can be returned for a refund, I like mine too much to give it up. I've never been flashed or pulled over. I actually think they increase safety by improving visibility both ways. It really is one of my favorite mods -- and a great complement to the unique appearance of the VX. I suggest Tone get as many more kits as he can, if he can still get any, that is.

[Tone]

I am trying to put together a group buy very soon since ALL HID kits are becoming scarce. I am testing a new Bi_Xenon kit that came in today which uses HID for high and lo beam by a solenoid controlled shield. Very impressive so far. Will post pictures and details soon.

Group buy requires a minimum of 10 kits although the company is pushing for 20. Will know pricing soon and work out the details with the company next week at SEMA.

F*ck the NHTSA - the government always seems to mess with the things people like the most. Well designed kits like these are an improvement in driver safety or maybe we should only buy cars because of the lighting they have?

[WyrreJ]

All it takes is DOT certification and the NHTSA will leave the kit maker/seller alone. How much does "all" cost? Probably too much.

[SGT.BATGUANO]

Originally posted by WyrreJ
All it takes is DOT certification and the NHTSA will leave the kit maker/seller alone. How much does "all" cost? Probably too much.

That depends on what you consider a reasonable BRIBE.

[Nology]

Any HID in a non-HID housing is illegal. It will never be legal. If you have a car that comes with or has an aftermarket for an HID housing then you can get the bulbs for it. I've seen tons of cars with the kits on stock housings and all it does is glare out of control.

[VX crazy]

Well, you have not seen the right ones than! Mine are awesome, I have never been highbeamed, and they do NOT glare. Once you try them you will not be able to live without them.