MOT LED replacement bulb rules change on 14 October: sticker checks

Which LED headlamp conversions does the MOT notice cover?

The change concerns an existing halogen headlamp fitted with an approved LED replacement bulb, described by DVSA as LEDr. Both approval and compatibility matter. It is not permission to put any LED bulb into any halogen lamp and expect an MOT pass.

DVSA's special notice applies in England, Scotland and Wales. It names the vehicle test classes covered and expressly excludes class 1 and class 2 motorcycles. Owners should therefore check the scope of the notice before applying its sticker procedure to a different type of vehicle.

Conversions using high intensity discharge bulbs, known as HID, are also outside this change. So are replacements of the complete headlamp with a full LED unit. Those exclusions describe the limits of this particular announcement; they should not be read as a new ruling on every other headlamp installation.

The approval sticker must stay on the vehicle

Approved replacement products come with a secure sticker. DVSA requires it to be fixed permanently where it is readily visible during the test. Keeping evidence only with the packaging does not meet that stated requirement, which is specifically about a sticker attached to the vehicle.

The sticker identifies the bulb category, variant, voltage rating, ECE approval number and manufacturer. It must also have a security feature, with a hologram given as an example. These details help distinguish the approval label from an ordinary product or sales label.

There is no single compulsory appearance. Manufacturers can vary the dimensions, shape and colour while retaining the required information and security features. DVSA says an example will appear in the inspection manual when the change begins. A different-looking sticker is not, by itself, one of the listed reasons to fail.

Four sticker problems lead to a major defect

For this approval check, the tester examines the sticker rather than searching an approval database. DVSA does not require a comparison of approval numbers, markings or manufacturer details with external records or documents. That keeps the test focused on the evidence presented on the vehicle.

The headlamp must fail where the sticker is absent, cannot be read, appears to have been interfered with, or plainly does not correspond to the fitted bulb. DVSA directs testers to record the major defect for an incompatible lamp and light source.

A major defect means an MOT failure, not an advisory to deal with later. Before presenting a conversion for its test, check that the supplied approval label has been fitted and remains legible. If its condition or correspondence with the bulb is uncertain, resolve that with the installer or supplier rather than assume the tester will overlook it.

An approved bulb does not settle the other headlamp checks

The existing inspection manual separately covers headlamp operation, condition, attachment and alignment. Its requirements include inspection of all fitted dipped-beam headlamps for alignment. A sticker addresses the replacement bulb approval procedure; it does not demonstrate that the beam is correctly aimed or that the lamp is secure.

The manual also distinguishes defects by severity. For example, an insecure lamp is a major defect, while a slightly defective lens or reflector is minor. Owners arranging a bulb conversion should have the finished installation checked, rather than treating the label as proof that every lighting requirement is satisfied.

A lighting failure can qualify for a partial retest

The existing retest arrangements can reduce the cost after a lamp failure. GOV.UK includes lamps, excluding headlamp aim, among the items eligible for a free partial retest when the vehicle returns to the same centre before the end of the next working day. An alignment problem should not be assumed to qualify under that lamps entry.

Leaving the vehicle at the test centre for repair also allows a free partial retest within 10 working days. Taking it elsewhere for repairs and returning within 10 working days allows a partial retest, but the centre can charge for it. Discuss the actual defects and repair arrangements with the centre before deciding where to take the vehicle.