LED Retrofit Light Sources

Before September 2020, the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority) did not permit the replacement of headlamps with LEDs for driving and passing beams, as the appropriate homologation guidelines did not exist in Germany for LED vehicle lights. Consequently, vehicle owners could not retrofit old halogen lights with LEDs, and manufacturers were unable to sell LED retrofits for vehicles registered on German public roads. 

In collaboration with the German Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, TÜV SÜD created Germany’s first test procedure for the LED retrofit homologation of vehicle headlights. The first general type approval (Allgemeine Bauartgenehmigung) was granted to TÜV SÜD’s test procedure on 25 September 2020.  

Nowadays, LEDs can be safely installed in any vehicle lights on used vehicles, allowing retrofitted vehicles to be registered on German roads. To obtain general type approval (Allgemeine Bauartgenehmigung) for LED retrofit vehicle lights, independent tests must be carried out for each individual light type. We support manufacturers to meet those testing requirements, so their led retrofit lights achieve German market approval. 

According to a study by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), LED retrofit lights offer a road traffic safety gain. This is because, compared to halogen lamps, retrofitted LED vehicle lights are more durable, have a longer beam range, and their white light improves contrast. LEDs have also been proven to increase driver safety through improved visibility and earlier detection of road hazards. LEDs also have a longer lifetime, are highly resistant to vibration and shocks, and produce lower emissions.

All external light sources on a vehicle, such as headlights or brake lights, are considered “technical lighting equipment” and must be type approved. Any subsequent modifications to the type-approved lighting equipment, will impact type approval of the entire vehicle. This will result in the loss of the operating licence for public roads. 

To not disadvantage other road users and meet current safety requirements, it is essential that any retrofitted LED car lights are installed correctly. LED retrofit headlights and other vehicle lights must be tested according to a defined testing procedure to achieve type approval and gain permission for public road use.  

We have an unmatched understanding of how to gain German market approval for your LED retrofits, as we developed Germany’s first LED retrofit testing procedure. Our experts’ in-depth understanding of the testing criteria ensures seamless communication with the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt. Our close relationship with regulatory authorities ensures we are always up to date with the latest automotive regulations.  

TÜV SÜD’s technical expertise as a neutral third-party organisation is backed up by over a century of automotive testing experience. By testing your LED retrofits according to TÜV SÜD’s test procedure you increase customer trust that your LED retrofit headlights and other LED vehicle lights are safe and approved for public road use. Working with our technical service helps you gain a competitive edge and increase profitability.

Once you obtain type approval for your LED retrofits you will be allowed to drive on German roads. TÜV SÜD can support you throughout the defined testing procedure for LED retrofit type approval. Our LED retrofit services include: 

• Photometric measurements – For ECE regulation compliance. 
• Vehicle fitting tests – To ensure LED retrofits are installed correctly. 
• Organisation of all necessary test vehicles – Those not provided by the LED manufacturer. 
• Application range development – Specific to your LED retrofit and individual vehicle programme. 
• LED retrofit approval support – By providing a comprehensive test report to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt.