Coupe's in for the annual test of the relationship with the wife ("It needs HOW MUCH....?")!

I've read many of the threads on the newish MOT rules, but to be honest they seem to say that the under the current rules, then HID's are fine (subject to light colour, etc), as auto-levellers and washer jets are only a requirement if fitted (which they aren't)?

Although I passed last year without comment (at a different garage mind), I've had a call to say it's failed because of the HID's. I've challenged it (on the grounds above) and am waiting for a call back.

Obviously switching the bulbs back is an option, but is a bundle of hassle I'd rather avoid if possible.... Am I on solid ground to dispute, or have the rules really changed now such that there is no getting away from it?

You shouldn't have a problem tbh, yes the rule came in that all HID model lights must have washers fitted but so far none of the Coupes I've taken for MOT have failed or raised questions

Thanks Joe. Problem I've got is that the tester has raised this as a fail, and I was wanting to check if this is something that is purely down to how he chooses to interpret, or whether I can realistically argue that he's "wrong"?

I didn't think the rules had changed recently (ie: within the last year)? According to the MOT Tester's Manual under "Information" it says:

(I've added bold where I think it's relevant)

However, under "Method of Inspection" it says under point 2:

And then under "Reason for Rejection" against the same point it says:

But note that a headlamp levelling or cleaning device "not fitted" is *not* listed as a reason for failure.

This is the script I had prepared in case of being challenged, but I've not had to use it yet!

[Edit]What is the reason given for failure?

Great script Dave, I'll take a copy of this if you don't mind

Yes how has the tester listed this fail on the MOT sheet?

Awesome script - thanks Dave! Armed for the phone call now.

Unfortunately I have only been told over the phone that it was a fail so haven't seen what's on the sheet.

I had challenged this along the lines Dave has outlined (but without the certainty or detail I now have!) and am waiting for the tester to call me back. Feel confident chasing them now!!

However... I believe he can still zap you for having lights of the wrong colour, particularly if they're the 10k blue lights.

And of course, the fitment of non type-approved lights is an offence under the constructions and use act, though not in itself an MOT failure.

I should be fine on the light colour as it was either the 4300 or 5000 colour that I went for (it was whichever a wise man on here said was the light colour that the eye was most adapted to pick up!).

I've had an observation before when ther HIDs were a lot brighter than my sidelights - probably because the sidelights looked so yellow!

Finally managed to argue through the MOT today!

The tester came back to me and was adamant that it was a fail - it was only after the owner read the testing book that it got sorted... In his words "the wording is a bit vague, but on balance I agree with your interpretation"

Ah well - good result in the end!! Thanks all

Good news srm6
Glad others could give you the ammo you needed.
Took my coupe for a quick spin earlier this evening and have to say the standard beam lights are awful compared to my usual daily drivers. On unlit country main roads with on coming traffic, I could hardly see ahead of me!
I would like to fit HIDs but have worried it would cause trouble come MOT time.
Seems madness that a adaptation which would improve safety, is being potentially penalised against?

I have HID's fitted and never had a problem with the MOT, in last 3 years. I do use the same garage for all the family's cars so maybe that helps?

Hi concerning post fit HID's there's an article in the Decembre issue of CAR MECHANICS.Apparently it is a sort of grey area as their is no specific checks for HID headlights(MOT testWise).The "conclusion" says that you have to be very careful if you are considering such upgrades. You could be illegal on the road:blinding oncoming trafic because of the missing automatic levelling system.

It's not a grey area, it's not a fail. If you're lights are leveled normally, you won't blind traffic. If you have load in the back, use the thumb wheel to 'auto level;

....unless you were an early adopter of HID's where electrical screening was it seems less than on current HID units and you found that your height adjusters got fried

Autolusso failed my coupe last year for having HIDs fitted. They were adamant it was a fail if the car didn't have washers and auto levellers. Wish I'd challenged them on it now I've seen the official wording.

That is surprising as the GT has only just had an MOT there with HIDs ... did you query it with Ned?

This forum is just great. If it didn't exist I don't think id still have my coupe.