Replacement Bulbs

If you wish to improve the performance of your headlamps, you can replace your bulbs with upgrade bulbs, such as the Ultra Plus and Cool Blue bulbs.

However, these replacement bulbs must still comply with New Zealand Lighting Rules. A compliant lamp (headlamp or tail lamp) must also have an approved light source if the light source is replaceable.

Most Hella bulbs will be marked with an ‘E’ mark to show compliance. Some, to suit older vehicles or imports not originally destined for our market, may have different standards such as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard). Hella shows compliant bulbs under the category column in the bulb section.

LED Replacement Bulbs

These are generally illegal as they do not come with any compliance. If the LED bulb has been specifically tested in a specific lamp to an approved standard (with supporting documentation) then it may be allowed. While, for example, the rear position lamp may come close to fulfilling the light output requirements, the stop light function is generally well under the minimum outputs required, making the vehicle dangerous to other road users.

You need to ensure lighting equipment complies with the law and meets approved standards – otherwise you risk failing your next warrant/certificate of fitness inspection.