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HID High Beams

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Cloud, Dec 21, 2010.

  1. Cloud

    Cloud New Member

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    Many People have asked whether or not to get HID kits for their high beams and the majority have decided not to due HID warmup times etc.

    Regardless of the negatives of having a HID kit for high beams I have gone and installed 55 W 5000k HID's for my highbeams

    I have taken pictures to show the illumination of a 55W HID kit.

    This is to help you decide for yourself whether a HID kit is really worth having for your high beams

    Note: There was absolutely no other lighting on this road. It was pitch dark. The sign is meant to be used to show just how far the high beams illuminate. It lights up the tress above as well

    [​IMG]
    Picture of Just low beam and fogs
    [​IMG]
    Picture with High beams on
    [​IMG]
    Just outside my car high beams on
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Far away High beams on
     
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  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Once again, it should be pointed out that HID conversion lamps are illegal on all public roads in the U.S.

    Tom
     
  3. Dochatley

    Dochatley Junior Member

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    Thats a scarey looking road......Lights work good.
     
  4. Cloud

    Cloud New Member

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    Yeah, It's near an abandoned mental facility. It was the only place I could think of that had little to no traffic and no lights.

    I just want people to see how HID High beams turn out for their prius if they're interested
     
  5. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    It's illegal but it's up to the LE to enforce it. Here where I live, no LEs enforce that. They'd rather ticket no seat belts, tinted windows (limo front) and other moving violations. There's no state required lighting inspections. I've been using 4300K HID BiXeons on my Tacoma for 6 months now with no tickets. There are some laws that the cops don't care if people break them. You'd have a better chance of getting a jaywalking ticket than an HID ticket. I do have to say that the color temp plays a huge part on your chance of getting away of having HID kits. Cops will never question 4300K HIDs. 5000K is still pretty safe. 6000K is right at the border of being safe. 8000K and up and you're asking for trouble.
     
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Exactly. When you go to high color temperatures you risk being ticket for having blue lights, which is illegal whether HID or not. The law does not take kindly to civilians impersonating police officers, and blue lights are reserved for police.

    I point out that installing retrofitted HIDs are illegal just to make sure people are making a conscious decision to break the law. While it is unlikely that you will get an equipment citation, it does open you to liability if you cause an accident. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

    Tom
     
  7. Cloud

    Cloud New Member

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    I didn't want this to turn into another over played discussion about the legality of hid kits, just trying to show people what the results are if they choose to convert.
     
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