Replacing LED Headlights is Now Illegal in Massachusetts: Fines Start at $100 and Can Reach Thousands if You Get into an Accident

In the past decade, LED headlights have become increasingly popular in new vehicles due to their longer lifespan and improved visibility. However, many drivers have started to complain that the brightness of these headlights can be hazardous on the roads.

While LED headlights are legal in all 50 U.S. states when installed by the manufacturer, some regulations have fine print that could lead to drivers getting tickets under certain conditions. If drivers replace their LED headlights with components that don’t meet federal standards, they may unknowingly be breaking the law and could face fines of hundreds of dollars.

In Massachusetts, officials have started inspecting LED lights for compliance with regulations, as reported by Unión Rayo. Fines for headlight violations can range from five dollars to several hundred, and if illegal LED headlights are involved in an accident, the fines can be even higher.

So, how can drivers find out if their headlights are legal? A letter from John Donaldson, the former Acting Chief Counsel for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, provides some clarity. He wrote this letter in February 2024 in response to an inquiry from Mark Baker, the founder of the Soft Lights Foundation, which promotes safety standards for LED lights.

Donaldson explained that headlight regulations not only apply to the light source but also to parts like the lens and reflector. While drivers can replace headlamp bulbs, those replacements must meet specific requirements. He stated, "While LED light sources that are part of an integral beam headlamp are permitted... no LED light source is currently permitted to be used in a replaceable bulb headlamp."

LED lamps are allowed in headlight systems designed by car manufacturers, which follow their own safety standards. However, they are not approved as replacement bulbs. One common mistake drivers make is trying to upgrade their standard halogen headlights to fit LED bulbs. This can create dangerous glare for oncoming drivers, even if the LED bulbs themselves meet Department of Transportation standards.

According to Massachusetts law, vehicle headlights must be bright enough to illuminate objects on the road within 115 feet. Additionally, drivers must adjust their headlights while driving to avoid blinding other drivers.