You need to get the proof!
You should be concerned whether or not your LED headlights are DOT approved: According to the FMVSS108 legal document that regulates automotive lighting – what the manufacturers can and cannot offer to customers – there are a lot of rules and regulations that need to be adhered to in order for a new headlight product to be considered “DOT Approved” or “DOT Compliant” or “Street Legal“.
Therefore a lot of headlight products on the market today are not DOT compliant. In fact, a bunch of headlight upgrade products are stamping their packaging or products with the infamous DOT logo in hopes that nobody questions them…
LED Headlights for cars and trucks
If you’re looking for an LED headlight upgrade for your Ford F150, Mustang, Chevy Silverado or other popular car or truck you need to be careful that what you’re buying actually has the appropriate legal requirements to back up their DOT approved claim.
What it comes down to is this:
If they tell you it’s legal or DOT compliant, just ask to see the proof! The last thing any of us need is to be caught at an inspection point to find out the headlights we’re running are illegal… In other words, if you are driving with non-compliant headlights you could get a ticket or a fine.
Morimoto is well known in the aftermarket automotive lighting industry as one of the best of the best, and in 2018 they launched a new line of replacement LED assemblies for headlights and fog lights for popular vehicles. These are the only LED Projector headlight assemblies available that are DOT compliant, AND prove it! Some other products are out there that use halogen bulbs in a projector housing… who cares? There are other LED projector headlights that say they are DOT approved but aren’t willing to prove it! That’s what we’re talking about here!
Links to the testing documents are here:
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2015 – 2017 Ford F150 Headlights
Morimoto XB LED Headlight part number LF502: https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/15-17_F150_Heads.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2016+ Chevrolet Camaro Tail Lights
Morimoto XB LED Tail Light part number LF400
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/16+_Camaro_Tails.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2017-2019 Ford F350 Superduty Headlights
Morimoto XB LED Headlight part number LF503
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/17_SuperDuty_Heads.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2018-2019 Ford F150 Headlights
Morimoto XB LED Headlight part number LF501
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/18_F150_Heads.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2015-2019 Ford F150 Tail Lights
Morimoto XB LED Tail Light part number LF430
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/F150_Tails.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado Tail Lights
Morimoto XB LED Tail Light part number LF424
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/Silverado_Tails.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette Headlights
Morimoto XB LED Headlight part number LF460
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/Vette_Heads.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette Tail Lights
Morimoto XB LED Tail Light part number LF461
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/Vette_Tails.pdf
DOT Compliant Testing Document for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Tail Lights
Morimoto XB LED Tail Light part number LF450
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/products/Wrangler_Tails.pdf
Everybody nowadays seems to want better, brighter and cooler looking headlights but it’s hard to know what is worth spending your hard earned money on because not everyone is willing to prove the performance or legality! Because of this you may unknowingly install something that will not stand up to inspection, or may be less bright than your original headlights!
Morimoto has DOT testing proof!
In conclusion, if you’re going to upgrade your car or truck with new advanced technology lighting make sure you’re getting what you pay for. One simple way to make sure you’re getting the real deal is to look for their certifications, test documents, and real-world light output examples. In conclusion, in this day and age, it’s becoming harder to know who to trust and who just has a good marketing department!