LED Turn Signals and Backup Light

You'd not get away with it here.

The regulations here state clearly "Every modification of a type of direction indicator shall be notified to the administrative department which approved the type ..." - and needs to go through the entire testing process, which includes photometric measurements of intensity at various angles both horizontal and vertically, as well as colour compliance. It also specifies "the light flashing frequency shall be 90 ± 30 times per minute".

There is a similar regulation for reversing lamps, as they must be such that they don't blind other drivers etc etc and must be compliant with what was supplied with the vehicle.

A car which doesn't comply with the approval mark's status would be able to be put off the road till it complies. And, in the case of an accident, could be deemed unroadworthy - and at fault - insurance companies look for the smallest reason to deny a claim.

 

Same here in the UK

Replacement external LED bulbs are not allowed unless they are fitted to the vehicle from new. I would like to make the change, but know that I would be breaking the law if I did.

I have replaced all my interior bulbs with LEDs though as they are not covered under the same law as they are not exterior.

It is a shame that the flashers/reversing lights are not LED as the Prime/Plug-in is, but I guess they want there to be differences/upgrades between the models.

 

I suspect that PRIUS was an earlier design before LEDs were common, but TOYOTA put LED headlights and taillights as a "new" technology showpiece - plus it's really neither here nor there what bulbs are in an indicator or reversing lamp - they're not on continually, unlike the taillights or headlights which are great to have as LED. PRIME is a newer design, and LEDs were more common by then.

A couple of years ago, guys started putting bright HID or LED bulbs in their old cars, which focused poorly annoying other drivers (& police) - and many got defect notices and fines - $126 at the moment. In some cases, a car which is identified as defective has to be removed by flat-top truck, though not sure if that would happen with lights - does if they catch a driver with bald tyres.

 

I really want to do this too. Are you happy with the LEDs you chose? Any recommendations on where to get them in the UK? What sizes do you need to do all interior, boot, and under-door lights?

 

I bought them back in 2013 when I had a Q5, so when I sold that I transferred them into my Zoe and then into my Prius.

I got them off eBay and chose a super bright white. I can’t remember what temperature they are, but they are a very white which is what I wanted and do not have a blue tinge like some have.

The only bulb I had to get extra for the Prius was the rear dome light as it’s a shorter festoon type than I had in my selection. I got it off eBay for about £3. All the other bulbs are small push in type.

It’s really worth doing as it transforms the interior and now I can actually see what’s in the boot!

I have got some logo projector lights coming from the US for the bottom of the doors.

 

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.

Pixel 2 ?

 

I honestly think the rules we have for car lights is ridiculous, in Norway we got the same law for lights as in Australia. And i dont see the point... Its many LED bulbs thats not much brighter then the original bulb, but still the car needs to go thru a checking thing at the states road authority. What a waste of time, should come a new rule, u r only allowed to install LED bulbs thats E-certified, now that wouldve saved time. For both the road authority and us, since LED`s light up faster i prefer LED. In all my cars thats had normal bulbs for brake lights ive always changed to LED bulbs, couldnt care less about the law when it comes to brake lights thats supposed to blind the car behind u. Should be a law that says car manifacturers r not allowed to make bulb-brakelights on any new cars, only LED, i see that on most new cars the third brake light is LED, but i dont think that is enough.
i dont see the point of not being allowed to change to LED`s in reverse lights either, its SOOOOO many ECE certified aftermarket reverselights that blinds so bad, theyre like spotlights. But they r ECE certified so they r legal, but my LED reverselights that dont blind half as much is not.

And does it seriously exist countries that dont allow aftermarket rims? ive never heard of that and i live in a EU country, or well... We r not part of the EU they say even tho we got the exact same laws as EU countries. But yea, that is rediculous, some power hungry people controlling whatever country that is then lol.