NHTSA reverses position on headlight mods....

[Beastmaster]

According to the most recent SEMA newsletter, the NHTSA withdrew any issues it had with interpreting the lighting standard under FMVSS 108.

This means that most normal headlight mods (including replacing an H4 Halogen bulb with a H4 compatible HID Xenon capsule and ballast/starter, or a H2 with a Sylvania XE7 setup) would now be accepted.

Text below.
-Steve
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SEMA Prevails On Motor Vehicle Lighting Rule

Following a challenge by SEMA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has withdrawn a controversial interpretation of the federal lighting standard. SEMA disputed NHTSA’s authority to prohibit vehicle headlamp replacement systems that are different than the headlamps and components which came with the original vehicle.

In a notice issued Nov. 1, 2005, NHTSA agreed with SEMA that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 is a performance standard that allows for different types of replacement headlamp systems, lamps and sources so long as the system meets the photometry and functionality requirements of the standard.

It had been NHTSA’s contention that replacement headlamps must comply with all applicable photometry requirements using the same light source as the original equipment. This interpretation would have prohibited, for example, replacing a halogen-based system with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that otherwise meet all requirements of FMVSS 108.

NHTSA first issued its controversial interpretation in 2003 as a draft opinion letter subject to public comment. None of the 25 organizations and businesses that commented agreed with NHTSA’s proposal that replacement equipment conform to the standard in the same manner as the original equipment. Instead, commenters argued that aftermarket manufacturers should be allowed to certify replacement lighting equipment under FMVSS No. 108 in such manner as complies with the performance standard it sets forth. Despite these recommendations, NHTSA stuck with its position and published a final opinion letter in October 2004. SEMA vigorously opposed this interpretation of a long-standing regulation and SEMA immediately petitioned the agency to reconsider its action.

SEMA welcomes NHTSA’s reversal and will continue to work with the agency to ensure fair and accurate implementation of this new interpretation.

[Beastmaster]

According to the most recent SEMA newsletter, the NHTSA withdrew any issues it had with interpreting the lighting standard under FMVSS 108.

This means that most normal headlight mods (including replacing an H4 Halogen bulb with a H4 compatible HID Xenon capsule and ballast/starter, or a H2 with a Sylvania XE7 setup) would now be accepted.

Text below.
-Steve
----------
SEMA Prevails On Motor Vehicle Lighting Rule

Following a challenge by SEMA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has withdrawn a controversial interpretation of the federal lighting standard. SEMA disputed NHTSA’s authority to prohibit vehicle headlamp replacement systems that are different than the headlamps and components which came with the original vehicle.

In a notice issued Nov. 1, 2005, NHTSA agreed with SEMA that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 is a performance standard that allows for different types of replacement headlamp systems, lamps and sources so long as the system meets the photometry and functionality requirements of the standard.

It had been NHTSA’s contention that replacement headlamps must comply with all applicable photometry requirements using the same light source as the original equipment. This interpretation would have prohibited, for example, replacing a halogen-based system with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that otherwise meet all requirements of FMVSS 108.

NHTSA first issued its controversial interpretation in 2003 as a draft opinion letter subject to public comment. None of the 25 organizations and businesses that commented agreed with NHTSA’s proposal that replacement equipment conform to the standard in the same manner as the original equipment. Instead, commenters argued that aftermarket manufacturers should be allowed to certify replacement lighting equipment under FMVSS No. 108 in such manner as complies with the performance standard it sets forth. Despite these recommendations, NHTSA stuck with its position and published a final opinion letter in October 2004. SEMA vigorously opposed this interpretation of a long-standing regulation and SEMA immediately petitioned the agency to reconsider its action.

SEMA welcomes NHTSA’s reversal and will continue to work with the agency to ensure fair and accurate implementation of this new interpretation.