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Revocation of a driver's license for installing non-standard xenon. Deprivation of rights for xenon - is it legal and how to avoid it? Punishment for xenon in fog lights

Reading time: 7 min.

Is there a fine from the traffic police for installing xenon lamps in a car, or are they deprived of their license for xenon?

What is the penalty for xenon headlights in 2020? Fine or deprivation of rights for xenon 2020?

The traffic police fine for installing xenon lamps in halogen headlights in 2020 is

3000 rub. with confiscation of the specified instruments and devices

Article 12.4.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation

The traffic police fine for driving a car with xenon lamps in halogen headlights in 2020 is

Deprivation of rights for a period of six months to one year with confiscation of the specified devices and devices

Article 12.5.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation

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Is xenon allowed?

Xenon headlights were invented by German manufacturers as a replacement for obsolete halogen incandescent lamps. This significant event took place in the late 80s of the 20th century, but to this day the technology of gas-discharge lamps has not moved into mass automotive industry. Is xenon allowed? No, but for the unauthorized installation of xenon, Russian motorists face a traffic police fine, and often deprivation of their license for 6-12 months under Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation for “non-compliance of the color and mode of operation of the lights with the requirements of the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation.”

Punishment for xenon headlights

For xenon, that is, the installation of xenon lamps in halogen headlights or, as traffic police officers say, “for the installation of xenon lamps in headlights intended for their manufacturer,” the law provides for a very severe punishment. Installing xenon leads to a fine of 3,000 rubles, driving a car with non-standard xenon headlights leads to deprivation of rights for up to one year.

Most often, traffic police officers, during raids to identify cars with abnormal xenon, apply Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation to violators:

“Driving a vehicle on the front of which there are installed lighting devices with red lights or red reflective devices, as well as lighting devices, the color of the lights and the mode of operation of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety (as amended by Federal Law No. 210-FZ of July 24, 2007) entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of six months to one year with confiscation of the specified devices and accessories. (Part 3 introduced by Federal Law No. 120-FZ of July 22, 2005).”

However, since Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation does not specifically refer to xenon lamps, in a number of situations both traffic police officers and motorists caught using “collective farm xenon” correlate their actions with the elements of the crime provided for in Part 1 of Article 12.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

“Installation on the front of the vehicle of lighting devices with red lights or red reflective devices, as well as lighting devices, the color of the lights and the mode of operation of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety , (as amended by Federal Law No. 210-FZ of July 24, 2007) entails the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of three thousand rubles with confiscation of the specified instruments and devices.”

Punishment for xenon in foglights

There is a common myth that the fine for xenon does not apply to fog lights (sidelights, PTF). Indeed, in some situations, when inspecting a car, a traffic police officer may not notice xenon lamps in the foglights and thus not react in any way to their installation.

However, if during a detailed inspection of the car the unauthorized installation of xenon lamps in the fog lamps of a car whose design does not imply the use of this type of headlights is revealed, the penalty from the traffic police will be the same 3000 rubles. for installation and deprivation of rights for up to a year for driving with xenon in the PTF.

The fact is that the law regulating the installation of lamps in a car does not separate the concepts of “headlights” and “fog lamps”; Articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses 12.4 and 12.5 talk about installation “on the front of the car,” and as you know, “fog lamps” are located in the front.

Deprivation (cancellation) of vehicle registration for xenon

An observant motorist will notice that in paragraphs 12.4.1 and 12.5.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation there is no direct “ban on xenon”. These are not xenon articles! And one can only be held accountable for them by subtly interpreting them.

This state of affairs, however, gives reasons for traffic police officers to invent new and unusual ways of punishing drivers who have allowed the installation of non-standard lamps in their headlights.

A relatively new method was invented by Moscow traffic police.

For the first time, a driver with xenon was stopped by traffic police and employees Gostekhnadzor checks for the presence of oddities in the design, devices not provided for by the manufacturer from the factory. It could be anything, from xenon to kangaroo. There are cases when even a tow bar (trailer hook) is a non-standard device.

Then the traffic police officer checks whether the registration certificate for the car contains marks indicating specific changes to the design. Since in 99% of cases there are none, the traffic police officer issues a fine for the same xenon at 500 rub. under Article 12.5.1 - “Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.”

And it seems like they got off easy, but no, along with the fine, the traffic police officer gives the driver of the “non-standard” car “an order to bring the car to standard condition within a certain period of time.” The information goes into the traffic police database and if, during the next inspection, non-standard modifications are again detected on the car, the car will be deregistered - the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled. After this procedure, the car turns from a means of transportation into scrap metal, on wheels which cannot be sold or re-registered. Increasingly, this scheme is used in the case of xenon.

Fine for xenon on foreign cars 2020

Most often, when it comes to traffic police fines for xenon or deprivation of rights for xenon bulbs, it is understood that the object of the proceedings will be the owner of a domestically produced car. The fact is that standard factory xenon was never installed on UAZs, Ladas, Moskvichs and GAZelles. Traffic police officers know this very well and automatically catch overly bright Russian cars near the road.

It is important to understand that xenon, as such, is not prohibited and, if it is installed from the factory or installed on a car that is technically suitable for such modification, the owner will not have problems with the law, traffic police fines or deprivations. As a rule, on cars suitable for the installation of xenon lamps, a large Latin letter “D” should appear on the headlight socket; if the symbol “H” is shown on the headlight, then the device is suitable exclusively for installing conventional halogen headlights. Traffic police officers know this rule and can use it to determine the type of lamps used in your car.

However, foreign cars above a certain price level in Russia, in 2020, as a rule, are not stopped for xenon. This is due to the unnecessary hassle of determining the types and types of headlights on rare foreign-made cars. By the way, a completely legal xenon on a foreign car must be surrounded by three attributes - a lens, a light beam corrector and a washer.

Why do car owners install xenon?

Several circumstances actively contributed to the spread of xenon lamps. Firstly, the xenon lamp installed in the headlight shines noticeably brighter than a conventional lamp. The spectrum of the gas-discharge lamp is close to natural, solar - xenon headlights work great in rain and fog, on snowy and wet roads. Secondly, the price of Chinese sets of lamps together with ignition units rarely exceeds 4-5 thousand rubles. Thirdly, the resource of a xenon lamp is many times greater than that of a halogen lamp.

How to avoid deprivation of rights for xenon?

There are three main ways by which a motorist will not lose his license and will not be subject to any other penalties for installing xenon lamps in the headlights of his car.

Path No. 1 Do not install xenon lamps in the headlights of cars whose design does not provide xenon headlights.

Path number 2 Purchase a car whose design initially provides for the installation of xenon headlights. Now xenon has entered the mass segment and finding, for example, an affordable car with xenon on the secondary market is no longer difficult.

Path number 3 Officially register the modification of the car for xenon headlights with the traffic police. The option is expensive, difficult, requiring patience and determination, but anything is possible.

How to register xenon installation according to the law:

  • Step 1. Obtain a certificate from an expert organization about the hypothetical possibility of converting a car to use xenon headlights.
  • Step 2. Obtain permission from technical supervision at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate based on a preliminary assessment of experts
  • Step 3. Buy a full list of licensed spare parts, including xenon lamps, lenses, high-pressure headlight washers and correctors.
  • Step 4. Install the equipment at a licensed technical center
  • Step 4. Re-examination of the work performed in the expert center
  • Step 5. Obtaining a new diagnostic card (technical inspection)
  • Step 6. Final examination at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate and receipt of a PTS on which xenon in the headlights will be indicated in special marks.

Legal conversion of ordinary headlights, for example Lada, to xenon will cost a five-digit figure in rubles and will require a month spent in offices even in Moscow. This is difficult, but as we see, it is still possible to legalize xenon in 2020.

Xenon is a colorless and odorless monatomic gas with atomic number 54, designated Xe. In fact, for most motorists, the mention of xenon will evoke completely different associations, namely the presence of extremely bright headlights in the front of the car.
Well, it’s quite natural that xenon has received such an associative niche. After all, it is xenon that is widely used in gas-discharge lamps, which are installed in the headlight and PTF units, providing a bright glow and good visibility on the road. Although recently LEDs have put an end to this light source!
However, we will touch on the topic of installing xenon lamps. Because it's still relevant!

Marking on the headlamp for installing xenon (xenon lamps) into it

If a car headlight is designed for use with xenon lamps, it will be marked accordingly. Information on the use of lamps may also be indicated in the instruction manual for your machine. By default, we will only provide a breakdown of the markings on the headlights in which xenon lamps can be installed.

By default, the letter D is assumed to be xenon and H is halogen. However, there are small exceptions.

So, if there is a marking on the car headlight:

DCR (xenon for low and high beam);
- DC (xenon low beam);
- DR (xenon high beam);

some of the Japanese cars are marked

HCHR (xenon for low beam, halogen for high beam).

This is the hardest option. Since some inspectors will have to prove that everything is fine with you!

Actually, the main criterion for the possibility of installing lamps will not be the marking at all, this is a consequence. It is important to look at the factory instructions stated in the instruction manual! If according to the manual it is possible to install the lamp, then there is no problem; if not, then the operating mode of the lamp is broken. The mode of operation of the lamp as a light source is the main stumbling block in this matter. Read more about the operating mode of lamps in the article “Lamp operating mode in a car.”
If there is no corresponding marking, and the manual does not say anything about the possibility of installing xenon, then installing xenon is a violation. An indirect sign that xenon lamps are acceptable or not acceptable for use will be the mount for the ignition unit on the headlights. Usually these are ebb-mounts to which standard ignition units are attached. They either exist or they don't. But this is an argument, not a fact!

It is important to note that violation of the installation of xenon lamps in vehicle lighting devices is not regulated for any specific group, be it a block headlight or a fog light. If it is not possible, then it is not possible for any lighting device; there are no exceptions here. The liability will be absolutely the same in each of these cases.

Now once again about administrative liability for the unauthorized installation of xenon lamps in lighting devices not intended for them.

Fine and deprivation of rights (Administrative Code of the Russian Federation) for xenon

Since there is no specific article specifically about xenon lamps. Indicating a discrepancy between the operating standards for lighting devices on cars, only a “general” article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation can be applied to violators. Our universal article is Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. It in particular describes those cases when the operation of a vehicle due to certain malfunctions or deviations is prohibited. This is exactly what we can sum up in the case when xenon is installed on a car, and when it is not provided. Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Part 3 states the following:

Driving a vehicle on the front of which are installed lighting devices with red lights or red reflective devices, as well as lighting devices, the color of the lights and the OPERATING MODE of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of safety officials road traffic - entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 6 months to 1 year with confiscation of the specified devices and accessories.

As we can see from paragraph 3 there is a reference to the norm “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles ...”. Open this document and find “List of malfunctions and conditions under which operation of the vehicle is prohibited.” 3 “External lighting devices” clause 3.1 reads:

The number, type, color, location and operating mode of external lighting devices do not meet the requirements of the vehicle design.

It may also be possible to apply clause 3.4

Light fixtures do not have lenses or use lenses and lamps that do not match the type of light fixture.

Everything is clear here. You installed the wrong diffuser or the wrong lamp, changed the operating mode, and this is a violation of the “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles...”. All this means that the driver is liable under the above-mentioned Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Deprivation of rights for installing xenon in headlights (Administrative Code 12.5 of the Russian Federation)

We have already talked about the punishment itself, but if someone missed it, we will repeat it. This is deprivation of rights for up to 1 year with confiscation of xenon bulbs. The driver's light bulbs will most likely be taken away as a dock item in administrative cases (Article 243 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Especially if the case goes to court. And deprivation of a driver’s license, a special right, is a very real measure that can be applied to a violator. There is no talk of any fine here, that is, it is not even provided for. Deprivation and all!
So the driver may not even count on an alternative solution to the problem if it comes to registering a violation. The only thing that remains to be said is about the practice of depriving special rights. Deprivation of rights, that is, confiscation of a driver’s license, can only be legal by a court decision. (Article 3.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). No one will take away the driver’s license on the spot.

Confiscation of xenon lamps in case of violation

So, if it turns out that xenon is placed where it should not be, then such light sources may be confiscated. Confiscation of lamps and ignition units will have to be carried out in accordance with the law, on video camera or in front of two witnesses. The protocol will be sent to court, where the judge will decide the driver’s fate. After all, deprivation of a special right is possible only by a court decision. This has already been discussed.
There will be another depressing circumstance: after the end of the period of deprivation of a special right, you will have to take an exam on your knowledge of traffic rules, which can also partly be attributed to some kind of additional punishment.

Detention of a vehicle due to the illegal use of xenon in headlights

It should also be noted that, along with the deprivation of rights, the operation of a vehicle cannot be limited under Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Detention of a Vehicle,” since such a restriction applies only to Part 2 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. That is, a vehicle can be detained only if the brake system is faulty; all other faults under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation do not fall under Article 27.13. That is, a car cannot be detained just because xenon was used on it. They can confiscate lamps, but they can’t detain a car!
Here it should also be said that confiscation occurs in the presence of two witnesses, or under video recording.

Question and answer on the topic “Fine for xenon in 2020. Deprivation of rights for xenon"

Question: What will be the fine for xenon if its installation is not provided for in the standard headlight unit?
Answer: There is no fine, only deprivation of rights for up to 1 year. The lamps themselves will also be confiscated.

Question: Is detention applicable for the illegal use of xenon?
Answer: No, they do not have the right to detain a vehicle.

Video about deprivation of rights for xenon

Today, the problem of installing xenon lamps in headlights is very relevant, because many consider them better than halogen ones. Let's look at whether this is true and whether deprivation of rights and a fine for xenon are provided for in 2017.

Features of xenon installation

Before we clarify what kind of fine can be issued for xenon in 2017, let’s look at why drivers choose these types of lamps. Xenon shines brighter and illuminates the road better, you can’t argue with this fact.

But it is worth remembering that headlights are designed for a specific type of lamp. Reflective elements are installed in them in order to maximize the lighting efficiency of a particular type of lamp. Therefore, if you insert xenon ones into a headlight designed for halogen illuminators, you should not expect improvements in visibility.

Since the headlight elements are not designed for this illuminator, it will not be possible to improve illumination with its help, but rather will have the opposite effect. This is due to the very serious distinctive features of different types of light bulbs.


What is the punishment - deprivation of rights or a fine for xenon in 2017

So, in unsuitable headlights, xenon will shine much brighter, but the distance of the beam is small, i.e. good visibility will only be close to the car. It is also worth remembering that unadjusted illuminators will cause trouble for other road users, blinding them in the dark. This also applies to the installation of xenon in fog lights, for which there is no fine, but it threatens with more serious punishment.

Deprivation of rights and fine for xenon in 2017

The traffic rules and relevant regulations do not provide for a fine for xenon from January 1, 2016. No changes were made in 2017. However, in part 3 of Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses describes situations in which it is impossible to drive a vehicle. These are various types of malfunctions and other conditions that create problems for other road users, interfere with the driver’s visibility, and can lead to an accident.

Regarding lighting, here are the following points for which the driver faces not a fine, but deprivation of his license for xenon:

  • The headlights and their operating mode do not meet the manufacturer's standards. If you change the lamps to a different type of lighting, this is a violation, because the manufacturer adjusted the headlights for a specific type.
  • The adjustment is not up to standard.
  • Diffusers and illuminators are not correct.
  • Installing red lamps in the headlights.
  • Installation of devices that do not comply with the rules for authorization to drive a vehicle.

Thus, deprivation of rights for xenon in 2017 threatens anyone who replaced the illuminators with ones not specified by the manufacturer of their car. The term of imprisonment is assigned in the range of 6-12 months. This rule also applies to fog lights.


When the rights are not taken away

The driver does not face deprivation of his license for xenon if the car is initially sold with it. In this case, the manufacturer makes adjustments in such a way that the reflectors and other elements of the headlight help improve the quality of lighting and do not cause inconvenience to other drivers.

If your car is equipped with halogen lamps, and the manufacturer has already begun producing new models with xenon, you can upgrade your vehicle. You should contact your manufacturer's authorized representatives to ensure that the headlights are adjusted or replaced in accordance with your manufacturer's standards. In such a situation, there is no longer any need to fear deprivation of rights and a fine, because the illuminators will correspond to the required type.

Thus, we have made it clear that there is no penalty for xenon in 2017. But if you replace the lamps with others that do not correspond to the type of headlights, then the inspector has the right to punish the driver with deprivation of his license for up to a year.

Video: How to avoid deprivation of rights for xenon?

There is no fine for using xenon, but the driver faces a more serious penalty. How to avoid losing your driver's license for xenon, watch the video.

To begin with, let us turn to the clarifications on the use of “Xenon” headlights provided by the Road Safety Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation dated February 20, 2010.

Currently, the following officially approved types of headlights are installed on vehicles:

  • C - low beam, R - high beam, CR - dual-mode (low and high beam) light with incandescent lamps (UNECE Rules No. 112, GOST R 41.112-2005);
  • HC - low beam, HR - high beam, HCR - dual-mode light with halogen incandescent lamps (UNECE Rules N 112, GOST R 41.112-2005);
  • DC - low beam, DR - high beam, DCR - dual-mode light with gas-discharge light sources (UNECE Rules N 98, GOST R 41.98-99).

The approval mark is depicted in the form of a circle with the letter “E” inside, followed by the number of the country that granted the approval, as well as the number of the approval itself. Such a sign, together with the corresponding headlamp marking, is applied to the headlamp lens or to its housing if the lens can be separated.

Gas-discharge light sources (including xenon), the category marking of which, indicated on the base, begins with the letter "D", according to requirements UNECE Regulation No. 99 And GOST R 41.99-99 "Uniform regulations concerning the official approval of gas-discharge light sources for use in officially approved gas-discharge optical elements of motor vehicles" Designed for use only in headlight types DC, DR, DCR.

Based on clarifications FSUE "Research and Experimental Institute of Automotive Electronics and Electrical Equipment" (NIIAE) the use of light sources in external lighting devices that do not correspond to the type of the given lighting device violates the conditions for ensuring road safety due to a number of physical (dimensions of the spark discharge, wavelength, scattering angle of reflected radiation) and technical (class of the reflective surface of the reflector, presence on the vehicle automatic light beam corrector and headlight washer) factors.

Thus, the use of gas-discharge light sources in headlights intended for use with incandescent lamps, including halogen ones, should be qualified as a discrepancy in the operating mode of external lighting devices (a set of technical characteristics of headlights corresponding to a particular light distribution that ensures road safety depending on road situation and weather conditions) to the requirements of the vehicle design.

Responsibility

In answer to this question, I would like to note the following: it just so happens in Russia that the burden of proving guilt no longer lies with traffic police officers in the event of going to court to resolve a controversial situation. From now on, it is you who will have to prove your innocence; the courts, as a rule, have little understanding of all the intricacies of this issue and in most cases take the side of the traffic police officers.

So, what is the fine for xenon in 2017? And are they deprived of their rights for xenon? Illegally installed xenon is a malfunction in which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

Clause 3.4 of Chapter 3 of the List of faults:

Light fixtures do not have lenses or use lenses and lamps that do not match the type of light fixture.
Driving a car with unauthorized xenon lamps installed in headlights not intended for their installation entails deprivation of the right to drive a car for a period of six months to a year with confiscation of these lamps and devices for their operation (Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Just like that, but there is no fine - you immediately lose your license for xenon.

Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation

Devices for operating xenon lamps are devices designed to ensure their functionality (ignition units and other equipment directly servicing the operation of xenon lamps).

If you decide to install lights that have a red light or reflective devices of a similar light on the front of your vehicle, then be prepared to pay a large fine.

Part 1 of Article 12.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

Installation on the front of a vehicle of lighting devices with red lights or red reflective devices, as well as lighting devices, the color of the lights and the mode of operation of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, (as amended by Federal Law No. 210-FZ of July 24, 2007) entails the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of three thousand rubles with confiscation of the specified instruments and devices; for officials responsible for the operation of vehicles - from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand rubles with confiscation of the specified instruments and accessories; for legal entities - from four hundred thousand to five hundred thousand rubles with confiscation of the specified instruments and devices. (as amended by Federal Laws dated June 22, 2007 N 116-FZ, dated July 23, 2013 N 196-FZ)

Many people call it " xenon law", but this is incorrect. This is only the name for a set of rules that establish responsibility for the use of illegal (collective farm) xenon.

Is xenon allowed in Russia?

Many people are concerned about the question: is xenon officially banned? I would like to reassure all owners of legal “xenon”: there are no and cannot be any complaints against you from the traffic police, since the headlights of this category of vehicles are certified for use specifically with gas-discharge light sources. I would also like to note that “xenon” itself is not prohibited, and the Code of Administrative Offenses does not provide for liability for the use of “xenon”.

However, it should be noted that the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides for liability for drivers of vehicles whose headlights intended for use with incandescent lamps (including halogen) are equipped with gas-discharge light sources, also known as “xenon” lamps. These headlights are not certified and are not intended for this type of light source; therefore, their light is distributed in such a way that it blinds other road users.

In other words, if, according to certification and GOST, incandescent lamps (including halogen) must be installed in your headlights, you cannot install xenon in them, but if you have a light source with gas-discharge lamps installed in your car from the factory, then the traffic police will not have the right to hold people accountable.

We communicate with the inspector if you have xenon installed

So, the traffic police inspector stopped you for xenon. What to do?

1. We ask the inspector to present his official identification card in expanded form. Then we copy down the ID details, badge number and telephone number of the duty station. This information will be useful to you in the event of any conflict situation, for example, going to court to appeal the actions of an inspector.

2. According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation dated March 2, 2009 No. 185, in order to stop a vehicle, there must be compelling reasons. It turns out that illegal xenon refers to signs of violation that were identified visually. Please note that for this violation you can be stopped anywhere, since from now on at a stationary checkpoint they only stop you to check your documents. At the same time, stopping by an inspector is prohibited in those places where stopping is prohibited by traffic regulations.

3. In order for the inspector to make sure that you have a “left” xenon installed, he will need to open the hood.

Part 1 of Article 27.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

An inspection of a vehicle of any kind, that is, an examination of a vehicle carried out without violating its structural integrity, is carried out in order to detect the instruments or objects of an administrative offense.
Since this will be an inspection (not to be confused with an inspection), this requires the mandatory presence of two witnesses or video recording.

Part 2 of Article 27.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

The inspection of the vehicle is carried out by the persons specified in Articles 27.2, 27.3 of this Code, in the presence of two witnesses or using video recording. (as amended by Federal Law dated October 14, 2014 N 307-FZ)

4. The vehicle inspection report must contain all the information about who compiled it, in relation to whom it was compiled, as well as everything that concerns your car. In the column “Responsibilities and rights explained” we indicate “Rights and obligations are not explained” - we put a signature, but only if this is really the case.

Important: The inspector is obliged to explain your rights to you, and not to tell you to read them on the back yourself. At the driver’s request, the inspector must explain the procedure for appealing his actions, and provide the location and telephone number of the officer on duty or the responsible official.

5. When filling out the protocol, in the column “explanations of the person” we indicate “I do not agree with the alleged violation. I need the help of a lawyer." Often, there is a high probability of winning the case and ensuring that your driver's license remains in your hands.

6. They do not have the right to send a car to an impound lot.

Legalization of xenon

A few years ago it was still possible to make xenon legal. To do this, it was necessary to collect more than one document and go through many checks. On February 24, 2014, Order No. 1123 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia dated December 22, 2014 came into force, which cancels the orders allowing the legalization of various changes in the design of a vehicle.

In addition to xenon, such a ban will affect disabled drivers, for whom it is necessary to convert the car for manual control. But that’s not all, in driving schools it is simply necessary for training to have a car that will be equipped with additional mirrors and pedals.

For those who began to convert their car before this order came into force, the entire procedure will be completed according to the old rules. As for driving schools, in order to change the design of a vehicle, they need to contact commercial structures and go through the procedure for admission to the market, as provided for by the rules for a single vehicle.

When can xenon be installed?

It's not all bad. There are two reasons why you can install HID lamps in your car.

  • Fog lights are originally designed to operate with xenon lamps;
  • The vehicle has standard xenon. In other words, xenon lamps are already installed from the factory and have a special class D marking.

In all other cases, any re-equipment threatens you with deprivation of your rights.

If you decide to use an “LED chandelier” on the roof of your car, then also be prepared to give up your rights. Its operation is intended exclusively for travel in the forest, mountains and other places that are not public roads. Driving along the highway with the lamp on, you can involuntarily become the culprit of many accidents. To avoid an unpleasant conversation with traffic police inspectors or even a fine, we recommend making or buying some kind of cover. On the highway, simply cover it with a cover, then the inspectors will not have any questions.

As for LED headlights, this is a separate conversation. Most LEDs are not perfectly white. Often the shade reaches blue or blue. According to traffic regulations, operating a car in this case is prohibited.

Clause 3.6 of Chapter 3 of the List of traffic rules faults:

The vehicle is equipped with:

  • in front - lighting devices with lights of any color other than white, yellow or orange, and retroreflective devices of any color other than white;
  • at the rear - reverse lights and state registration plate lights with lights of any color other than white, and other lighting devices with lights of any color other than red, yellow or orange, as well as retroreflective devices of any color other than red. (clause 3.6 as amended by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 28, 2006 N 109)

If you use fairly expensive lamps that produce pure white light, then this will at least help you reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being stopped by a traffic police officer. But if the inspector still stops you, then deprivation of your license cannot be avoided. Therefore, based on most judicial practices, I advise you to refuse to use this type of light source altogether.

If the car uses standard LED lamps or as daytime running lights, there is no problem. However, if you decide to change something in the design yourself, thinking that this will make you see the road better, then I hasten to disappoint you: such experiments fall under clause 3.1 of the traffic rules.

Clause 3.1 of Chapter 3 of the List of traffic rules faults:

The number, type, color, location and operating mode of external lighting devices do not meet the requirements of the vehicle design.
Note. On discontinued vehicles, it is permitted to install external lighting devices from vehicles of other makes and models.

And this, in turn, brings you under responsibility under Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

Driving a vehicle on the front of which are installed lighting devices with red lights or red reflective devices, as well as lighting devices, the color of the lights and the mode of operation of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of safety officials road traffic (as amended by Federal Law No. 210-FZ of July 24, 2007) entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of six months to one year with confiscation of the specified devices and accessories. (Part 3 introduced by Federal Law dated July 22, 2005 N 120-FZ)

Conclusion

Based on everything we wrote above, we can conclude: any change in the design of your car, in particular the headlights, can lead to deprivation of your license. If your car already comes with xenon lights from the factory, then you can drive on the roads of Russia without worrying that you may be punished to the fullest extent. Of course, many inspectors now turn a blind eye to these “pranks,” but do not forget that there is a percentage of those traffic police officers who, just give a reason, will issue a fine. Be careful and most importantly, respect other road users

Every car enthusiast values ​​his “iron horse” and tries to get the maximum benefit from it. Knowing that a car is not only a means of transportation, but also a method of self-expression, drivers strive to distinguish their “faithful” friend from hundreds of others by tuning.

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Among the improvements, as many believe, is the installation of xenon lamps. But inspectors do not approve of the desire of motorists to “illuminate their path” as brightly as possible, and there is a completely legal justification for this.

Pros and cons of HID headlights

Gas discharge lamps, also known as xenon lamps, have a sufficient number of advantages:

  • the light emitted by them is close to daylight, which creates much better visibility in the dark for the driver;
  • under unfavorable atmospheric conditions, for example, fog or heavy rain, xenon bulbs better “pass” through raindrops or a curtain of fog, perfectly illuminating the road surface;
  • less stress is created for the driver (both for the eyes and for the nervous system as a whole) due to the ability to fully control the situation on an unlit road;
  • the beam of light created by gas-discharge lamps is wider than that of halogen lamps, which allows you to expand the field of view and see objects located on the side of the road at night;
  • xenon is durable - the service life of gas-discharge lamps is much longer than that of conventional lamps - 3000 and 500 hours, respectively;
  • The power consumption is lower for xenon bulbs, which reduces the risk of draining the car battery;
  • Xenon lights adorn any car - from a distance such vehicles look simply magnificent.

Where there are pros, there will certainly be cons:

  • xenon lamps installed in headlights intended only for halogen lamps blind oncoming and passing drivers;
  • it is a mistaken opinion that xenon creates more light - yes, this is true, only its direction leaves much to be desired - the light can fall anywhere, but not on the road;
  • there are not so many practical benefits from xenon - yes, it’s beautiful, yes, impressive, but expensive and absolutely unjustified;
  • xenon installed externally does not fulfill its direct functions, which entails liability in accordance with the Administrative Code.

Amount of penalties

Despite the fact that xenon lamps look impressive, especially at night, their unauthorized installation can lead to serious consequences, including accidents with casualties.

An oncoming driver may simply be blinded by the bright light, which is why he will not notice the pedestrian ahead and will fly onto the side of the road or into an oncoming car equipped with emergency lighting.

Due to the high danger posed by xenon lamps, the legislator has introduced fairly strict liability.

Fine

What is the fine for xenon? Let’s say right away that there is no fine. Let's figure out why.

Part 1 art. 12.5. The Code of Administrative Offenses determines that when driving a car with faults specified in the List of Faults, the driver is punished with a fine of 500 rubles. or even a warning.

Moreover, in clause 3.4. of this List (to which the reference is made from this part of the article) we find:

  • there are no lenses on headlights or lanterns, or lenses and lamps are used that do not correspond to the type of this lighting device.

This is precisely the malfunction that occurs due to the installation of gas-discharge lamps in halogen headlights.

It turns out that the fine for xenon is only 500 rubles?

In Part 1 of Art. 12.5. it is stated that the appropriate punishment is applied only for malfunctions that are not separately established in other parts of this article.

In Part 3 of the same article we see that for lighting units, the color of the lights and the mode of operation of which do not correspond to the List, the responsibility is completely different, and no fine is provided there.

Deprivation of rights

Yes, your license will be revoked for unauthorized xenon. Part 3 art. 12.5. does not regulate sanctions other than deprivation of a special right.

Duration of imprisonment – ​​from 6 to 12 months. In addition to the fact that the driver will have to give up driving for quite a long time, the illegally installed xenon will also be confiscated.

Important! A car enthusiast who decides to tune his car in this way loses not only his driver’s license, but also the equipment purchased with his own money.

The specific period for which the owner of xenon will be deprived of his rights is decided by the judicial body hearing cases of administrative offenses.

To reduce the term, you will need good characteristics from your place of work or study, committing an offense for the first time, as well as other circumstances recognized as mitigating ().

Legislation

Note that the legislation provides for punishment for xenon only if its installation is not required by the design features of the vehicle.

For those cars that initially come with xenon lamps from the factory with corresponding lenses and reflectors, the legal requirements for the ban do not apply.

Changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses

The year 2012 was marked by the introduction of some changes to Art. 12.5. Code of Administrative Offences. Since that time, traffic police officers began to pay closer attention to the operating mode of external lighting devices in driving cars.

Amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offenses regulating the inadmissibility of using lamps that do not comply with the List of Faults, as well as GOST.

In 2015, the Code of Administrative Offenses was published in a new edition. Drivers who install non-standard xenon lights will be deprived of their license and the equipment will be confiscated. In this regard, many began to think about the advisability of illegally installing gas-discharge lamps and leave standard halogen lamps.

Penalty for xenon fog lights

The law, namely the List of Faults, speaks of “external lighting devices”, and a distinction is made between front and rear lighting devices. We are not talking specifically about fog lights.

In this regard, some conclusions can be drawn:

  • PTF are front light devices;
  • clause 3.4. The list of faults applies to external light units, that is, dimensions, low beam, high beam, tail lights and fog lights;
  • Accordingly, liability arises under the same Part 3 of Art. 12.5., which provides for deprivation of rights for up to 1 year with confiscation of illegally installed lamps.

Note! There is no fine for xenon in fog lights - instead, the driver, just like for xenon in low beam, will face deprivation of rights and confiscation.

When is it allowed?

The Code of Administrative Offenses does not contain a direct ban on the use of xenon. There is a penalty for installing it in those headlights that are designed for halogen or other types of lamps, except gas-discharge ones.

Thus, xenon will be absolutely legal if the car comes from the factory with pre-installed xenon and corresponding headlights and reflectors.

List of markings

There will be no penalty for xenon if you install gas-discharge lamps in those headlights that have special markings on their housings.

DC

If the headlight is marked DC, xenon can only be used for low beam.

D.R.

If such a letter combination is indicated on the headlights, it is permitted to install a gas discharge lamp in the high beam unit.

DCR

If such markings are present on the headlight housing, xenon can be installed for both low and high beam on completely legal grounds.

Actions when stopped by a traffic police officer

Actions of the driver when stopped by a traffic police inspector on suspicion of using xenon:

  • ask the traffic police officer to introduce himself and show his official ID;
  • copy the number from the badge and ask the telephone number of the duty station (this information will be required when);
  • to stop the vehicle there must be good reasons - you need to ask the inspector about the reason for the stop;
  • when checking for illegal xenon, the inspector must carry out - the presence of two witnesses is necessary or the procedure must be recorded on a video camera;
  • the protocol must contain information about the person who compiled it, about the person in respect of whom it was drawn up, data about the vehicle, contact numbers and address of the territorial division of the traffic police;
  • in the “Explanations of the person” field in the protocol you must indicate “I do not agree with the violation. I require the support of a lawyer.”