Automotive lighting FAQ - Current regulations for purchase and retrofitting:

What does ECE or E-code stand for?

Current regulations are often called code, thereof the word "E-code", which is regulations set by Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). The 1958 agreement is stored on United Nations server and here is a direct link. The headlamp regulations are regulation 1, so go into section 1-20. Do not expect to find any section on how to do retrofitting. This is a very large document mostly written for manufacturers of headlamps.

What does the label DOT on a headlamp signify?

It simply means that headlamp is manufactured according to regulations set by United States Department Of Transportation (DOT). Manufacturers are trusted to make headlamps that conform, they do not send in samples for testing. However, if they are found to not conform at a later time, in example in combination with a major accident, lawsuits can take place against manufacturer. DOT perform sample tests from time to time and will issue an official safety recall where manufacturer have to either rapair free of cost or pay back the full amount to consumer.

Canada and other countries in North america and caribbian have adopted these regulations.

What do the round ECE label on a headlamp signify?

The number afterwords signifies the country. Care should be taken when buying E11, which means it has been manufactured in UK. It might only be useful for driving on the left side of the road, unless it is switchable.
A low number does not signify better product quality, the numbers where (and is) given out in chronological order after agreement to conform with current ECE regulations by United Nations.
Canada have adopted the ECE regulations as well, but this is mostly for convienience - all cars that are made in Canada and imported US cars will carry the DOT label. Probably the only E-code headlamps you will find in Canada are special imported cars or aftermarked parts from Europe.

What does the R/D and L/G settings mean on an ECE headlamp?

According to ECE regulations, if headlight is switchable between left and right side driving, R/D is the setting for right hand side of the road driving, L/G is the setting for left hand side. The low beam Hella 90mm ECE versions have these settings.

How do I know if an ECE headlamp is RHD or LHD?

What kind of headlamps are legal to use?

Retrofitting of an ENTIRE sealed OEM HID headlamp from a different vehicle keeping all original functions*) intact is legal in North America. Obviously, it must be mounted in the approximate same height and as solid as on the original vehicle. In a court case worst scenario, it will most likely will be used against you, but the right lawyer will be able to defend you.
*)Note that functions consists of low beam, high beam, markers, turn signals, amber side reflector, leveling system (if equipped), cleaning system (if equipped) and AFS system (if equipped).
All other kinds of retrofits are illegal, unless results from a testing lab can show otherwise. The cost of such test is around $10,000 and consists of various environmental, durability, material, aimiability, and so on. Even if you are willing to pay this amount, it is not granted that you will pass. Based on the report you will have to make design adjustments where it failed and go for another test. All in all, designing legal headlamps is not for the DYI mechanic.

Is it illegal to sell HID kits?

All HID kits containing an HID bulb intending to replace a halogen bulb is illegal to sell in North America. This is not a new regulation, its been there since way before HID kits came on the marked. It basically goes under regulations regarding non-compliant lighting. Equipment commercially made/sold in the US currently carries a fine of up to $10,000 per occurrence.

Is it illegal to import HID kits to the US?

Yes it is illegal. Unless equipment complies with current standard and is covered by a certification. This makes import a criminal act, you cannot blame the shipper or brokerage company. They can only advise you not doing it.

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