Is it possible to put LED bulbs in fog lights

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Taking into account the recent global changes in the legislation of the Russian Federation, the question arises again whether it is possible to put LED lamps in fog lights. Let's find out if there were fundamental changes in the law in 2020, or if you still need to follow the standard regulations.

Why it is impossible to put LEDs

It all started with xenon. The first cars with gas discharge headlights appeared in the early 90s. Xenon has a number of advantages:

• the light is brighter;
• the ray is not reflected in raindrops and does not turn into a "wall of light";
• xenon is about 8 times more durable than halogen lamps;
• gas discharge lamps are more economical.

Because of this, over time, xenon lamps have become an attribute of expensive, luxury cars. In turn, motorists began to handicraftly install gas lamps on their cars, even if this was not provided for in the vehicle.

It turned out that if the rules for assembling xenon headlights are not followed, their light does not focus on the road, but diffuses, blinding pedestrians and other drivers. Against the background of more frequent accidents, the traffic police issued a separate regulation on xenon and began to actively deny the rights of motorists with non-standard headlights, referring to Part 3 of Art. 12.5 Administrative Code.

The refurbishment stopped only for a while, but soon an LED analogue of xenon appeared on the market. And the standard halogen lamps began to be actively replaced again.

Drivers began to wonder if it was legal to fit LED bulbs in fog lights. After all, there is no regulation regulating their use. But the problem with non-observance of the rules for focusing the light remained, so the traffic police continue to punish the drivers.

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Penalties and recent changes

From the point of view of the law, the punishment for the use of xenon and LED is due to the violation of two points, among which:

1. Failure to comply with the color scheme of light. These are any shades, except for yellow, white and orange, which is especially distinguished by xenon and its bluish glow.
2. Inappropriate mode of operation. This concerns the incorrect distribution of the light beams from the headlamp.

For such violations, according to Art. 12.5 of the Administrative Code, a fine of 500 rubles or a revocation of a driver's license is expected. Until the summer of 2019, the judges almost always rendered a verdict on the second version of the punishment.

Everything changed due to the clarifications of the Supreme Court on this issue. They indicated that the deprivation of rights applies if both conditions regarding the color and mode of operation of the headlights are not met. Otherwise, a fine is imposed.

In 2020, there were no changes on this issue. But this does not mean that by law it is impossible to put LED bulbs in fog lights. This can be done if several conditions are met.

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How to install LED bulbs

The easiest and most common option is to install a new light source. On the one hand, hardly anyone will notice it in the fog lights, if you turn them on exclusively in low visibility on the road.

But on the other hand, it still remains an illegal change in the design of the car. Therefore, if the lamp setting is incorrect, there is a risk of dazzling the driver in the oncoming lane and getting into an accident. Or stop at the request of the inspector and pay a fine.

Another method is suitable for owners of expensive cars. They are often fitted with LEDs at the factory. Therefore, they are automatically allowed and do not require any additional registration.

If LED lighting was not used in a specific configuration, you can replace it yourself. Considering that it will be configured for a specific car brand, there will be no threat to other road users.

In turn, the traffic police inspector will not have any claims, because this case falls under the Decision of the Customs Union Commission dated 09.12.2011 N 877 (as amended on 21.06.2019). According to this document, if an LED lamp is produced by a car manufacturer, you can safely install it and not be afraid of fines.

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There is a third option, which is suitable for motorists who do not want to break the law. A change in the light source can be registered officially. To do this, you need to go through a rather long procedure for registering a change in the design of a car (similar to when switching to gas).

In the process, it will be necessary to calibrate the new LED headlights, send the car for examination to prove that the new illumination is safe for road users. And only after that, according to the law, you can safely go out on the road, without fear of each oncoming traffic police officer and his questions about whether it was possible to put LED lamps in the fog lights.

Summarize

1. In most cases, you cannot change halogen lamps to LED ones.
2. The penalty for non-standard lighting is a fine or driving license revocation.
3. If the factory provides a complete set with LEDs, it can be used.