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legality of HID's?

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Old 03-24-2004 | 11:30 AM
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Hey Guys,
I have a 1997 Accord SE, and I was just curious about HID's. I've read many times that the aftermarket kits are now illegal. What about using honda/acura OEM HIDs in my accords stock housing? I work for a body shop that repairs brand new Hondas/Acuras everyday and we've thrown away many Hid systems because once one piece is damaged we normally just order a complete new OEM set. So I can easily get the stuff for myself for free...

I'm just wondering, would it be legal for me to use these in my car? Or would I get a ticket? I live in Ohio
Old 03-24-2004 | 11:39 AM
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It will still be illegal because your car wasnt available with HID from the factory. Thats not gonna stop me though. Hey if you can get a set of ballasts i'd be willing to buy from you.
Old 03-24-2004 | 11:42 AM
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its illegal .. but whos going to know?
Old 03-24-2004 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by remues
its illegal .. but whos going to know?

im pretty sure cops will know that 1995 hondas don't come with HID kits ...
Old 03-24-2004 | 04:55 PM
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all cars that dont come with them from the factory (minus cars like a new mazda 3 where as they were an option and you swapped later on) cant legally use them on-road
Old 03-24-2004 | 07:03 PM
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I guess I'll just buy some bright bulbs for now...which ones do you recommend? I've heard silverstars are good, but burn out fast?

I plan on getting a newer TL in a few months, so I will have HID's one way or another...
Old 03-24-2004 | 07:07 PM
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Had my silverstars for almost a year and they're great!
Old 03-24-2004 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by vassil3427
I guess I'll just buy some bright bulbs for now...which ones do you recommend? I've heard silverstars are good, but burn out fast?

I plan on getting a newer TL in a few months, so I will have HID's one way or another...
for bulbs.. silverstars > *.. you wont be dissapointed..
Old 03-24-2004 | 09:54 PM
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i got HID 600k NO problem... i dont think a cop will pull you over .. all i would say is that they came with the car =)
Old 03-25-2004 | 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by vassil3427
I guess I'll just buy some bright bulbs for now...which ones do you recommend? I've heard silverstars are good, but burn out fast?

I plan on getting a newer TL in a few months, so I will have HID's one way or another...
American SilverStar: 55w/30% brighter than OEM, blue/amnethyst coating on bulb.

European SilverStar: 55w/50% brighter than OEM, clear coating on bulb.

I'm running the Euro-S (lol) as my highs and lows in my TYC Projectors. I'll post pictures soon at night (versus my mom's 98 Mercury Tracer with Ford OEM bulbs.) I'd love to get a side-by-side comparison of the American SilverStars vs the European SilverStars, but alas. . .

BTW: The Euro-S bulbs meet EEC compliance (I'm guessing Europe's DOT/SAE?), and I've been told if they were tested by the DOT they would "likely" gain compliance. They are AWESOME bulbs (but I never tried then without the TYCs, but I had regular American SilverStars in my OEM housing).

Long story short: If you don't want to mess with HIDs, I'd get the European SilverStars (I paid $71 for 4 bulbs shipped from Europe; eBay), but be warned they may be "illegal" (bleh!.) I love when cars flash their highs at me when I'm on low, I show then what a REAL high looks like h:

EDIT: My course of action, should I be pulled over for having "bright" lights would be to show them my TYC certificate of compliance that came with the headlights saying they're DOT/SAE. The card does note that the compliance is only valid using TYC/OE bulbs, but what cop is going to remove my front bumper, to remove the housing to get to my bulbs?


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