How to Tell If Your Vehicle Lighting Is Non-Compliant? Practical Inspection Methods｜BLIAUTO Legal Lighting Guide

As automotive lighting technology evolves rapidly, more and more car owners are opting to upgrade to higher-brightness and more visually striking LED lighting. However, while enhancing aesthetics and performance, a frequently overlooked safety issue arises—non-compliant lighting.

What is “non-compliant lighting”? Simply put, it refers to vehicle lighting components such as headlights, fog lights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals that do not meet regulatory technical standards or usage requirements. This can result in fines, failed inspections, and in more serious cases, safety hazards that may lead to traffic accidents.

Today, BLIAUTO presents a practical set of vehicle lighting compliance inspection methods to help you quickly determine whether your car’s lights are legal and safe.

I. Common Signs of Non-Compliant Vehicle Lighting

In daily driving or during modifications, the following situations often indicate non-compliant lighting:

Replacing original factory lights without adjusting the beam angle

Using overly bright bulbs or bulbs with abnormal color temperatures

Headlights that cause glare and discomfort for oncoming drivers

Tail lights or turn signals with non-standard colors (e.g., blue, purple)

Installing colorful ambient lights or underglow lights and using them on public roads

Using fog lights as daytime running lights for extended periods

Adding strobe lights or unauthorized flashing warning lights

II. Practical Lighting Compliance Self-Check Methods

1. Check the Light Color

According to China’s GB 4785-2019 regulation:

Headlights (high/low beam): White or light yellow

Fog lights: Front – white or yellow; Rear – red

Turn signals: Amber (orange-yellow)

Brake lights & tail lights: Red

Reverse lights: White

Inspection tip: Park your car in a dark area, turn on the lights, and visually check if any light appears abnormal in color or if there are tinted films or RGB LEDs installed.

2. Inspect Light Brightness & Angle

Lights that are too bright or incorrectly angled can cause glare, which is a violation.

Inspection tip:

Park 5 meters away from a wall and turn on the low beams. The beam pattern should form a “Z” shape—lower on the left, higher on the right.

The beam should not exceed the height of the headlight center.

You can use a lux meter or visit a repair shop/testing station to measure brightness and adjust alignment professionally.

3. Check Light Brand and Certification

Many uncertified or brandless “knockoff” lights on the market often do not meet legal standards.

Inspection tip:

Look for certifications like CCC, DOT, or E-Mark on the light housing.

Imported products should come with compliant packaging and installation instructions.

4. Check for Illegal Flashing or RGB Effects

Some owners install strobe lights, RGB strips, or sequential turn signals—these are often considered illegal on public roads.

Inspection tip:

Look for continuously flashing or color-changing lights on the vehicle body.

Observe whether external lights flash or move dynamically while driving.

5. Test the Full Lighting System Functionality

To save power or for aesthetics, some drivers disable certain lighting functions like DRLs, fog lights, or one side of brake lights.

Inspection tip:

Step on the brake and ensure both brake lights illuminate.

Turn on the indicators and check if front and rear turn signals flash in sync.

Shift to reverse gear to see if the reverse lights come on (white light).

III. How to Fix Non-Compliant Lighting

If your vehicle has non-compliant lighting, we recommend these steps:

Replace with certified lighting: Choose LED lights from legitimate brands like BLIAUTO, which ensure compliance in color temperature, brightness, and wattage.

Adjust light angles properly: Visit a professional shop or testing station.

Remove unauthorized decorative lighting: Such as underglow or strobe lights, especially when used on public roads.

Use fog lights and high beams correctly: Avoid overuse that could disturb other drivers.

IV. Tips for Buying Compliant Vehicle Lights (BLIAUTO Tips)

Choose lights with proper certifications (CCC / E-Mark / DOT)

Keep color temperature under 6000K to avoid excessive glare

Ensure the product offers beam angle adjustment

Avoid products marketed as “super bright strobe” with no manual

When in doubt, have installation done at a professional shop

Conclusion

In the journey of upgrading your car’s lighting, remember: “brighter” doesn’t always mean “better,” and “flashier” doesn’t mean “legal.” Compliant lighting not only ensures your own driving safety but also respects the rights of others on the road.

BLIAUTO reminds you: While enjoying the performance and style of modern lighting, always stay compliant with regulations. Light the road ahead—and illuminate safety.