Reading through hundreds of post on HT I came across someone's topic about the jdm conversion being illegal. I've waited a long time to get my conversion done and now that its almost done, I find out its illegal. Is this true and if it is how so? and is there anyway way to make it legal? Last thing I want is harassment from cops. Any feedback would be helpful. thanks

 

Unless you live in Cali, I don't think you have to worry about it that much.

 

Thats the problem....I do live in Cali lol

 

Yes, it is technically true.

The front end has not met DOT crash test standards, and the lights are not DOT approved (and are designed for RHD roads).

 

Oh ok. That would make sense. What doesn't make sense is how the lights are designed for RHD. Can you clarify a little more. Im just trying to get as much info on the matter before I hit the streets with the new hotness lol

 

something about the direction of the light, it may cause excessive light here on LHD roads

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thinkblu33 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh ok. That would make sense. What doesn't make sense is how the lights are designed for RHD. Can you clarify a little more. Im just trying to get as much info on the matter before I hit the streets with the new hotness lol </TD></TR></TABLE>

LHD light pattern: _____/-----
RHD light pattern: -----\_____

The kick is to prevent blinding oncoming traffic (which you will do with JDM headlights), and provide better illumination for road signs and the shoulder (which you won't have with JDM headlights).

 

The beam pattern of the headlights is designed for driving on the left side of the road. It casts more light up and to the left, which is the opposite of what you want for LHD use.

TunerN00b provided a good illustration.

Here is an actual photo of a proper, LHD beam pattern. Imagine the opposite for the JDM lights:

 

A light just went off on my head. (pun intended) lol. It makes perfect sense now. Thanks for the visual help.