morimoto XB or OEM Lariat LED

[ControlNode]

That's probably because FMVSS 108 and the DOT regs are so incredibly out dated and are in the process of being updated since, I believe 2016. There was recently a special dispensation to allow adaptive matrix lights that have been in use in Europe for years.

Several new vehicles with multiple projectors wouldn't meet them either. They probably consider the whole multiple projector assembly as one headlight.

Actually the replacement of any headlight assembly or part thereof with a non-OEM part (as it came from the factory) is "TECHNICALLY" illegal to use on the road. But, it is not a priority with LEOs unless there is an obvious violation.

My understanding of the multi matrix is that they are allowed as part of an adaptive lighting system, but there is nothing about this light kit that is adaptive. If they are truly legal and not just a misunderstanding of the self-certification team/person for that company, it sounds more like a loophole that got created with the adaptive lighting updates.

I still want the AlphaRex Luxx series LED lights, but they refuse to remove that unneeded reflector/side marker on the side, incorrectly stating it is required by FMVSS 108. It just shows how poorly these companies understand those requirements, they are for the lighting equipment as installed on the vehicle, since the Ranger has that reflector/side marker on the wheel well trim there is no need for in the headlight housing, even proven by the fact it is absent on the OE lights. I've emailed them a few times about replacing that reflector with a black heat sink looking insert and maybe with the Alpharex logo on it, but every time I get that BS story that it is required.

I've always understood it as replacing with a non-DOT certified light is illegal. But perhaps enough abused that wording and improper installs of lights from one vehicle to another has resulted in stricter policies for everyone.

Granted, the light housings on my 84 Civic are non-DOT. But the OE H6054 suck next to the euro H6054 to H4 conversion light. All the light output (brightness, color, cutoff) meets all FMVSS when properly installed, and 9003/H4 bulbs are legal for road use.

I know that adding the Euro adaptive lights for my Focus may not be legal, but once the adaptive lighting rules get more finalized if the those lights met the requirements, I'll likely try getting all the lights, sensors and windshield to allow adding that to my Focus, as they are better than the NA-OE lights, were developed for that car, and as long as they met the requirements when installed I would "self-certify" them.

I'm willing to push those rules because I know now lax the laws are, but while doing so I make sure my setup as installed and configured is withing the rules.

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[Socalnative]

My understanding of the multi matrix is that they are allowed as part of an adaptive lighting system, but there is nothing about this light kit that is adaptive. If they are truly legal and not just a misunderstanding of the self-certification team/person for that company, it sounds more like a loophole that got created with the adaptive lighting updates.

I still want the AlphaRex Luxx series LED lights, but they refuse to remove that unneeded reflector/side marker on the side, incorrectly stating it is required by FMVSS 108. It just shows how poorly these companies understand those requirements, they are for the lighting equipment as installed on the vehicle, since the Ranger has that reflector/side marker on the wheel well trim there is no need for in the headlight housing, even proven by the fact it is absent on the OE lights. I've emailed them a few times about replacing that reflector with a black heat sink looking insert and maybe with the Alpharex logo on it, but every time I get that BS story that it is required.

I've always understood it as replacing with a non-DOT certified light is illegal. But perhaps enough abused that wording and improper installs of lights from one vehicle to another has resulted in stricter policies for everyone.

Granted, the light housings on my 84 Civic are non-DOT. But the OE H6054 suck next to the euro H6054 to H4 conversion light. All the light output (brightness, color, cutoff) meets all FMVSS when properly installed, and 9003/H4 bulbs are legal for road use.

I know that adding the Euro adaptive lights for my Focus may not be legal, but once the adaptive lighting rules get more finalized if the those lights met the requirements, I'll likely try getting all the lights, sensors and windshield to allow adding that to my Focus, as they are better than the NA-OE lights, were developed for that car, and as long as they met the requirements when installed I would "self-certify" them.

I'm willing to push those rules because I know now lax the laws are, but while doing so I make sure my setup as installed and configured is withing the rules.

This is copy/pasted straight from Morimoto’s website:

DOT Approved: Make no mistake, these will produce a much better result than slapping some LED replacement bulbs into your stock headlights. Their triple-projector optics meet & exceed all SAE, DOT, and FMVSS108 regulations when aimed properly... and that's easy to do with their integrated adjusters.

Also, unlike the Alpharex, these don’t have the reflector strip/side markers. I know 3 Ranger owners with Alpharex and all 3 have had to replace a headlamp housing due to failure.

Seems easier to just buy the Morimoto’s than convincing a company to remove/cover up reflectors on a mass produced product because you’re unconvinced of their stated legality. They wouldn’t be advertising it as such so blatantly if it were illegal but what do I know?

 

[NotBudule2]

Your insurance should wave the deductible on any type of road hazard that flys up and damages your truck , they will certainly resist at first and scream about "your responsibility" on the deductible (especially at the local level if you have an agent), but they will come around if you escalate up the ladder...

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