MOT test changes launching tomorrow could have huge impact on drivers

The change will apply to Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles with existing halogen headlamp units that have been fitted with ECE-approved LED replacement bulbs.

It will not apply to Class 1 or 2 motorcycles, halogen headlamp units that have been converted to use high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, or full LED headlamp unit replacements.

Any ECE-approved LED replacement products must come with a secure approval sticker, which must be permanently fixed to the vehicle.

When a vehicle with LED replacement bulbs fitted in halogen headlamps is tested, the garage must only check that the approval sticker is present.

The approval sticker must contain:

• Category (for example, H11 LEDr)
• Variant
• Rated voltage
• ECE approval number
• Manufacturer’s name
• A security feature such as a hologram

They do not need to check the ECE approval number, approval markings, or any manufacturer details, according to the DVSA.

A headlamp can fail if there is no sticker, the sticker cannot be read, the sticker appears to have been tampered with, or the sticker does not match the bulb.

DVSA guidance outlines that MOT testers can select the major defect as “light source and lamp not compatible”.

Automotive bulb manufacturer Osram has been working with the Department for Transport and DVSA for two years to ensure the changes are made.

The updated wording in the MOT will now reflect advancements in bulb technology and reduce confusion around the issue.

Carl Harrison, product manager for bulbs and vehicle lighting at Osram, said: “There has been a lot of work behind the scenes on this issue and we are thrilled the hard work of everyone involved has paid off.

“We want to thank the DVSA and Department for Transport for their assistance on this matter.

“There has been a lot of confusion on this subject for years, but with this change, we are moving forward with the technology on our roads and helping to keep drivers safe.”

Mr Harrison said Osram would continue to pioneer lighting technology, adding that it was dedicated to helping technicians and drivers.

Grant Thunder, head of MOT at the DVSA, explained the motive behind the change was to make it easier to identify ECE-approved LED replacement bulbs.

He added: “We’ve worked closely with the Department for Transport and lighting manufacturers to develop a practical way to identify these replacement light sources during MOT testing.

“ECE-approved LED light sources will be sold with an approval sticker, which must be applied to the vehicle for MOT testers to identify whether an approved LED light source is fitted. This will make sure that those fitted with non-approved LED light sources continue to fail their MOT test.”