Can I fit an LED headlamp bulb to my motorcycle? (UK)

It's surprising how complicated it can be to upgrade the lights on a motorcycle. Understanding the legalities around LED lights can be confusing. So we have done our best to compile accurate and current information from a variety of sources in order to clarify the issue.

Are LED lights on a motorcycle road legal?

The legality of LED lights on a motorcycle is complicated. According to Section 4.1.4 of the MOT inspection manuals, existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to use high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, the headlamp must be failed during an MOT inspection. This meant that if you had already converted your motorcycle’s headlamps to LED, it would not pass an MOT inspection and therefore would not be road legal. You may have read this outdated information before.

LED lights are now legal on a motorcycle

Update March 2021 Since 22 March 2021, some changes have been made so that motorcycles with headlamp conversions to use HID or LED bulbs will not necessarily fail their MOT.

Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect "Light source and lamp not compatible".
Headlamps must still comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.

REF: MOT special notice 01-21:headlamp conversions

So, as long as the headlight beam pattern doesn't dazzle other drivers, LED light conversions can be legally done and you won't fail the MOT for the conversion. This recently passed amendment to the law has resulted in some confusion with a lot of outdated information still online.

Will my motorcycle pass an MOT if an LED headlight bulb is installed?

Yes, your bike will pass an MOT test with an LED bulb provided it meets all other requirements.
During the MOT your lights are tested for:

• Condition
• Security
• Running order
• Colour (must be white or yellow)
• Headlight beam angle (aim)
• Indicators, rear light, brake light and reflector are also tested.

Are LED lights required to have a British Standard or approval mark?

LED bulbs do not need an ECE approval mark or British Standard Mark.
So, motorcycle headlamp conversions are legal as of March 2021 if they conform to all MOT testing guidelines.

What about an LED bulb in a Classic bike headlamp?

Of course, motorcycles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing in the UK, although many owners still have their bikes tested for peace of mind. Even without MOT testing the lights should still meet the same standards for your and other road users' safety.

NOTE Complete new LED headlamps do require an ECE or British Standard Mark.
So that cheap eBay Chinese unit, besides looking daft on a classic bike, is almost certainly illegal. Beware, some even have fake E approval markings.

Classic Bulbs is the leading supplier of bulbs and LED bulbs to fit classic vehicles

Classic P36d 12v LED bulb

Performance upgrade for British pre-focus headlamp bulbs. Good low beam dip and very low current draw. Classic warm white colour.

Bosch BA20d with Lens

Bright white upgrade for Bosch-type bulbs with double contact base. Good low beam dip and very low current draw. 6 or 12v, Pos or Neg Earth. Warm white versions available.

Performance H4 p43t LED

High-Performance upgrade for H4 lamps. Good low-beam dip. Much brighter and 50% less current draw than 60/55w halogen. Micro-fan for cooling.