NZ HID Headlights

Hey Guys,
Was talking to Jamie about this earlier, and he brought up something interesting - they can be illegal as an aftermarket addition in NZ. I found it hard to believe, so I did some research simply because Jamie knows his shit, so I figured there had to be some truth to it, but wanted to know the exact laws.

HID Conversion Kits are completely illegal in NZ cars as an aftermarket addition and will cause you to fail a WOF. NZ Law defines a Conversion Kit as an "HID Bulb with a high voltage power unit or 'Ballast' which fits into the original headlamp unit in place of the original bulb with no change to the headlamp lens, reflector, or housing."

However, in the event that you do a complete replacement - the entirety of the old Halogen headlamp including housing all replaced with a complete HID headlamp unit - is legal, so long as it meets NZ standards on lighting.

So long story short - if you wanna swap in HID headlights, get a complete headlight replacement, and double check with a auto-electric or lighting specialist first to make sure you'll meet the required standards, or they'll bend you over and go in dry.

Regards,
Jay

Your Welcome
Don't forget the thanks button lol

Also, no tinting/smoking of function lights are legal in nz, no cosmetic lights visible from back or front, and fogs may only be used in foggy weather, no colored led lights front or back, etc. Basically, it's super restrictive, so read up first.

And after some of the stuff I've read from a couple of different sources, I would discourage use of HID's altogether. All I can say there is make sure you read up on HID's first. Hint: they typically fail photometric regulations for vehicle safety everywhere.

Yes, HID conversion kits and tinted lights are 100% illegal pretty much in all 1st world countries. Though in America, they don't enforce it very well, so you do see a lot of blinding blue HIDs everywhere. Of course, the best way to do it is with real HID projectors (retrofit) but even that is technically illegal.... well any mods that aren't OEM are really. But if you do have HIDs, you people overseas need autoleveling and headlight washer nozzles as well.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/conversions/conversions.html

Worth a read if you haven't before.

well, ive never got problem with HIDs on my Corolla. I normally take HIDkit of when I go through the WOF. Never got pulled over.

Lots of people do just attach HID and go, they should adjust lighting angle on headlights. Make them lower than halogen angle also buy proper HID kit. Not cheaply made one. Good one has shade on their HID bulbs and only lighting up certain way. And some idiot got HID that higher than 6000k, more than 6000k whats gonna happen is colour goes blue, if you go more than 12000k goes purple. Lost of modified car put 8000k to 10000k and look so blue. Factory built HIDkit has 4300k.
Im my countly Japan, let people to put aftermarket HID kit on as long as between 4300k to 6000k and lighting proper angle on HID to make sure not buzz other road users. So cheaply made one always get banned on WOF in Japan. Even the headlight ASSY built for HID.

NZ should banned for the car they don't adjusting angle even they are halogens. some car still bright tho. Some cars lights angle got too high or one of bulbs went off cops don't care.
Ive been wondering why NZ WOF hasn't checking light angle? I got pissed off on some car light angle went too high buzz me unnecessary way. Still bright is bright halogen and HID. NZ didn't make proper reason for it. Or just stopping people to put HIDs on and go.

They do have laws and WOF guys are meant to check, but the poh poh are to busy busting "boy racers" for a slightly lower than normal car.

i never seen WOF guys doing it...and never seen poh pohs are busting high angled car...
sad fact bro