Compliance & Car Modifications

We have imported and UK registered cars from all corners of the world.

Before your car can be UK plated, it has to be road legal for the UK roads and pass an MOT (over 3 years old).

Cars that have been imported from countries that drive on the left (RHD) potentially require less modifications.

The modifications required for UK registration, centre around lights (both headlights & rear fog lamps) and speedometers. Although cars from some countries may need additional lighting compliance.

Most auto electricians will be able to help you with these alterations:

 

Headlights (head lamps):

In the UK, we drive RHD cars with headlights designed for driving on the left. They either have a flat beam or the beam illuminates the curb side on the left and 'dips' on the right so not blind on coming traffic.

The headlights on LHD cars do the opposite. So, when a LHD car is driven on UK roads the lights beam has to be altered. This can be done on most modern cars fitted with LED or xenon lights as a feature of the car or with a manual switch. Older cars or cars with halogen lights tend not have this facility and therefore their head lamps need to be changed. 

If your lights need to be changed, it may be an idea to look on www.ebay.co.uk for secondhand lights. 

Please note, headlight beam benders (stickers) are not sufficient for cars that are sub 10 years old and require either an IVA test or IVA GB compliance certificate.

 

Rear fog lamps:

Cars that are being driven on UK roads require a rear fog lamp, this needs to be in front of the driver behind them, on the right side OR the centre of the car (looking from behind). 

Many modern cars have fog lamps on both sides of the car which is fine.

If your car does not have a rear fog lamp or it is on the left side of the car (looking from behind) an additional fog lamp needs to be fitted. 

Please note, cars of every age need a rear fog lamp as part of the MOT test.

 

Speedometer (speedo):

Speed limits in the UK are measured in miles per hour (MPH) opposed to kilometers per hour (KPH). 

Most modern cars have a facility to change this display or if the dial shows KPH but a numeric display show MPH this is fine.

If your car is incapable of showing MPH, you will need either a replacement speedo dial or look on www.ebay.co.uk for a complete secondhand MPH speedometer head unit.

Please note, cars over 10 years old can pass an MOT and be UK registered without modifiction to their speedometers.

 

 We are happy to give advice on compliance, please get in touch.