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[Lee Borgersen]

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Are xenon headlamps legal in Minnesota?

Dec 13, 2015

Q: Are the blue or xenon headlamps legal in Minnesota?

A: Xenon or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are legal and must comply with the same requirements as halogen and incandescent headlamps. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169.468 requires the commissioner to adopt vehicle safety rules in substantial conformance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for any new vehicle, or for any new item of motor vehicle equipment.

Xenon lights are legal if they conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements. If the vehicle has not been altered since the time of purchase from a dealer, it is almost certain that the lights are legal, as the manufacturer and dealer would need to follow federal guidelines.

The aftermarket use of xenon lights poses a more difficult problem. Most aftermarket systems are in compliance with SAE and federal standards, however some “look-alike” systems are not. The vehicle lighting system in question would need to be inspected by a reputable mechanic. The bulbs should contain the proper markings to permit the lighting device to be traced back to the appropriate SAE standard. If they are not legal, a person can be issued a citation.

If someone wants to convert their vehicle to xenon HID, they must purchase completely new xenon HID headlamps. HIDs installed in headlight systems designed for halogen lights produce substantially different beam patterns.

Sgt. Neil Dickenson is a public information officer with the Minnesota State Patrol.