New Writeup on HID and Halogen Lamps from LTA

[Lightspeed]

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onem...dification.html

 

Here's an extract concerning those halogen white bulbs that many have been buying. From this portion, it seems that they have been approved by the LTA

 

 

A[/url]re halogen bulbs that produce whiter light allowed? Besides HID headlamps, halogen bulbs that produce whiter light are also allowed. These bulbs are designed to filter out the yellowish spectrum, hence emitting a whiter light that helps the motorists to see what's ahead at night.

 

However, vehicle owners are advised not to use bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage rating by the vehicle manufacturer. They should also ensure that headlamps are properly aligned after replacing the bulbs to prevent glare that might distract other road users.

 

 

What is a High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamp system, and how is this system different from normal halogen lamps?[/url] Unlike normal halogen headlamp systems, HID headlamps do not use a filament. Instead, they contain an inert gas (Xenon), which emits light when it comes in contact with a high-voltage electrical arc.

 

HID lamps produce up to twice as much light as halogen lamps, with a bluish-white cast and minimal fading at the periphery of the beams. However, the brightness perceived by an individual depends on the distance from the light source, beam direction, relative brightness of the surrounding environment, and other factors.

Nevertheless, HID lamps have been proven to improve visibility. A motorist using an HID lamp system is able to see about 100 metres to the front of the vehicle, compared to about 58 metres with standard halogen lighting. See example below:

 

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onem....html#anchorTop What are the regulations on vehicle headlamps?[/url] The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires all designs of vehicle lights to comply with the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Lighting) Rules. They must bear approved markings to show that they comply with internationally recognised standards, such as those adopted in the European Union countries, Japan and the United States. The lights must also conform to their illuminated colour and intensity.

 

For headlamps, the LTA requires every unit fitted on the vehicle to be capable of casting a white light to the front of the vehicle. The intensity and alignment of a headlamp must also be within the specified limits.

 

Please view the attachment to find out more about headlamp intensity requirements.

Why are HID headlamps/whiter headlamp bulbs allowed for use on vehicles registered in Singapore since our streets are adequately lighted?[/url] The use of HID headlamps/whiter headlamp bulbs is a technological trend in the automotive industry. We believe vehicle manufacturers will be producing more vehicles fitted with such headlamps/headlamp bulbs in the future. It is anticipated that by the year 2010, about 1 in 2 cars manufactured in Japan and Europe would be factory-fitted with HID headlamps.

 

This is because HID headlamps are more efficient in terms of energy consumption, have longer lifespan and can improve visibility for the driver as compared with halogen lamps. As they have also met the relevant safety standards, such headlamps and bulbs on vehicles are allowed for use on our roads.

 

Some motorists have given feedback that HID headlamps and whiter headlamp bulbs are bright and glaring. We understand the concerns raised by motorists in Singapore, as they have not been exposed to such lighting. As with other lighting systems, the HID lamp system or whiter headlamp bulbs will not cause unwanted glare or discomfort to other road users if they are properly aligned.

 

We note that when the automotive industry switched from yellowish tungsten lighting to whiter halogen lighting in the 1970s, many motorists also had similar feedback about the brightness and glare caused by such lamps initially. However, motorists have grown accustomed to the use of halogen lighting over time.

 

Can I retrofit my halogen headlamps with an after-market HID headlamp system?[/url] In general, we do not allow the retrofitting of HID lamp systems on existing vehicles, unless it is duly certified by the vehicle manufacturers.

 

This is because converting the existing headlamps to HID headlamps would require the entire headlamp assembly, including the electrical system, to be replaced as the reflectors and lenses are different from those in a conventional halogen headlamp.

 

In addition, the wiring of the existing headlamp system would not be able to handle the much higher starting current required for a HID headlamp system. This could cause extensive damage to the headlamp assembly and electrical system and therefore could pose a fire hazard to road users.

 

Will HID lamps/white halogen lights cause glare?[/url] As with other lighting systems, the HID lamp system or whiter headlamp bulbs will not cause unwanted glare or discomfort to other road users if they are properly aligned.

 

For some vehicle makes and models with factory-fitted HID headlamp systems, vehicle manufacturers have incorporated an auto altering or levelling feature, which automatically adjusts the headlamp angle and direction based on road and driving conditions to minimise glare. Some vehicle manufacturers are also attempting to reduce glare by changing the constitution of the glass used in the vehicle's headlamps, windshields, and windows.

 

 

 

What can I do to avoid glare from misaligned vehicle headlamps?[/url] The following are some tips on how to cope with glare from misaligned vehicle headlamps (applicable to right-hand drive vehicles only):

 

a) If the headlights from oncoming cars are too bright, look straight ahead or slightly to the left. If you momentarily look, say, at the white line on the side of the road, you'll still be able to see what you need to with your peripheral vision.

 

b) Adjust your side mirrors properly to minimise glare from cars behind you. Here's how: While sitting in the driver's seat, lean to the right and rest your head against the window; adjust the driver-side mirror so you can just see your right rear fender. Next, lean to the left so your head is in the center of the vehicle; adjust the passenger-side mirror so the left rear fender is just visible.

 

c) Make sure all glasses on your vehicle (the headlights, windshield, windows, and mirrors) are clean. Dirt diffuses light, therefore creating glare.

 

 

Enquiries

For further advice and clarification on the use of headlamps or vehicle modifications, vehicle owners can write in to the Vehicle Engineering (VE) Department of LTA at 10 Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575701. Alternatively, they can contact the Department through 1800 - CALL LTA (1800 - 2255 582) for further assistance.

[Mugen18]

really can le meh ??

[Zxcvb]

this thread was created 2.5 years ago.

[Ahliew]

Can I retrofit my halogen headlamps with an after-market HID headlamp system?[/url] In general, we do not allow the retrofitting of HID lamp systems on existing vehicles, unless it is duly certified by the vehicle manufacturers.

 

This is because converting the existing headlamps to HID headlamps would require the entire headlamp assembly, including the electrical system, to be replaced as the reflectors and lenses are different from those in a conventional halogen headlamp.

 

In addition, the wiring of the existing headlamp system would not be able to handle the much higher starting current required for a HID headlamp system. This could cause extensive damage to the headlamp assembly and electrical system and therefore could pose a fire hazard to road users.

 

tempting though

[Ixat]

Reading the rules and regulations, it seems that almost any mods is possible as long as it is duly certified by the vehicle manufacturers.

 

Which is really...impossible...or very costly!

[Chemz]

haha got me excited for nothing.. i thought lta just released news that can retrofit hid or what