is this an accurate color chart for HIDs?

[NewbieVet]

Is this an accurate color chart for HIDs? Also, are there legal restrictions for how high you can go? Cheers!

 

[JDMitchell]

It is pretty damn close. Every manufacturer will have slight differences but from what I have owned (6000K and 8000K) those are nearly an identical match.

 

[NewbieVet]

It is pretty damn close. Every manufacturer will have slight differences but from what I have owned (6000K and 8000K) those are nearly an identical match.

legal restrictions?

 

[JDMitchell]

legal restrictions?

Technically HID's are for off road use only unless they are OEM. But if you stick with a "normal" color then you shouldn't have any problems. I have never had any problems with the 6000K kits on either of my motorcycles or the 8000K kit on my Expy.

It all depends on your state and what laws the LEO's want to enforce.

 

[SOLISIMO]

legal restrictions?

They are illegal in Florida and annoying too.

 

[NewbieVet]

They are illegal in Florida and annoying too.

aww come on Sol they're not that annoying. a nice 8k HID with the slight blue hue shouldn't bother ya'.

J

 

[Thermo]

The trick with HID bulbs is whether they have gotten their "DOT APPROVAL" or not. If you look on the box, they will specifically say "DOT APPROVED". If the bulbs have that, then you can run them in all 50 states. If they don't have that, then they are restricted to off-road use only. Now, keep in mind, to the best of my knowledge, the only HIDs that are DOT APPROVED are 35W HIDs that are in the 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, and 6000K color range. Any others, you would need to do some research into. Even the 3000K ones are questionable. So, look at the box and go from there. Also keep in mind that the bulbs will also have the "DOT APPROVED" lettering stamped on them. That way if the cops give you any trouble, you can simply pull out the bulb and show them the stamping. To the best of my knowledge, all 50 states have a statement in their laws that all lights used on the road must be "DOT APPROVED". By having the DOT approval, the light has the proper light output as defined by the government.

 

[ELVATO]

The trick with HID bulbs is whether they have gotten their "DOT APPROVAL" or not. If you look on the box, they will specifically say "DOT APPROVED". If the bulbs have that, then you can run them in all 50 states. If they don't have that, then they are restricted to off-road use only. Now, keep in mind, to the best of my knowledge, the only HIDs that are DOT APPROVED are 35W HIDs that are in the 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, and 6000K color range. Any others, you would need to do some research into. Even the 3000K ones are questionable. So, look at the box and go from there. Also keep in mind that the bulbs will also have the "DOT APPROVED" lettering stamped on them. That way if the cops give you any trouble, you can simply pull out the bulb and show them the stamping. To the best of my knowledge, all 50 states have a statement in their laws that all lights used on the road must be "DOT APPROVED". By having the DOT approval, the light has the proper light output as defined by the government.

I'd like to see some of these "DOT approved" lights. To my knowledge, all PnP HID lights are illegal. Unless, of course, you are referring to the OEM type bulbs like the D2S, D2R, etc, which require projectors, or HID-designed reflector housings.

Even full retros are questionable, though I do seem to recall having this discussion with someone on F150online.If I recall, the legality of retros was kinnda left up to the states.

I vaguely recall something about the bulb you put into a housing has to have the wattage stamped on the base, and it has to match what was OEM.

 

[tonydiv]

As far as brightness goes, 5000K is the whitest and brightest. As you go higher (bluer) the amount of visible light goes down.

If you stay around 5 or 6k and aim them correctly, it's doubtfull that you'll have any problems with Johnny Law.

 

[NewbieVet]

Why do they care anyway? I always find the bluish hue HIDs (around 8k) pleasing to the eye and not too invasive...

 

[SOLISIMO]

I'd like to see some of these "DOT approved" lights. To my knowledge, all PnP HID lights are illegal. Unless, of course, you are referring to the OEM type bulbs like the D2S, D2R, etc, which require projectors, or HID-designed reflector housings.

Even full retros are questionable, though I do seem to recall having this discussion with someone on F150online.If I recall, the legality of retros was kinnda left up to the states.

I vaguely recall something about the bulb you put into a housing has to have the wattage stamped on the base, and it has to match what was OEM.

There are no HID kits that are DOT approved. They are all made by the same factory in China (ALL) and they are all illegal.

 

[ELVATO]

Why do they care anyway? I always find the bluish hue HIDs (around 8k) pleasing to the eye and not too invasive...

Not to oncoming traffic...

That, and blue has less lumens, and strains eyesight more (it's harder to focus on blue light).

The real culprit, though, is that our headlights aren't made for HIDs. I mean, at least the 2nd gen has seperate low and high beam reflectors, so I'd think it'd be less obnoxious. In the single reflector design, the difference between the low and high beams filaments isn't that much, so positioning of the HID bulbs arc has a bigger impact. At least that's what I'd think.

I do have PnP HIDs in my headlights. I use 4300k, as well as having them aimed down a bit. I guess I've been draggin ass with this retro fit

------------
EDIT: Just saw your reply, solisimo.

I knew that Why I was asking to see these so called "DOT approved" systems. Also why I chuckle when people pay a ton of money on HID PnP systems.

 

[GAINMOB]

i have 6K...8k was too much blue...they care because you could interfere with on-coming traffic visibility...or those in front of you going the same way...i blinded people as i pulled up behind them sitting at a red light...even pulled up/next to coppers...nothing...head to head with the coppers...nothing...think it depends on the cop and if they're enforcing to law...from what i know...the younggings here are in pretty good standing with them...they have they fun at approved establishments who have agreed to let them loiter with their permission

 

[GAINMOB]

ok...whats HID PnP...i copped my china made from ebay for $35...

 

[tallsville]

PnP plug n play

 

[GAINMOB]

oh...yeah...PnP...duh...just needed a refresher...i paid $35

 

[walnuts4x4]

phhhsssss... I got 10K in both headlights and fogs... lol.. but next time gonna go with 6K's

 

[0212353]

projectors FTW!

 

[NewbieVet]

projectors ftw!

ftw?

 

[walnuts4x4]

ftw?

http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/f/f/What-Is-FTW-for-the-Win.htm