Inspection guide.
This time we’re sharing information about headlight and turn signal compatibility and non-compliance.
In recent years, inspections have become stricter (basically the new standard), and there are some vehicles we simply can’t accommodate anymore.
I’ll give examples of compatible and non-compatible items so you can check your own vehicle.
*Sadly, parts that people buy and install with good intentions often end up being non-compliant.
【Caution】
We cannot accept inspections for vehicles with major modifications or severe damage. Such vehicles must be repaired to meet safety standards before inspection.
Additional charges will apply in the following cases:
• When critical parts are worn and replacement is necessary
• When exterior parts or mufflers require removal or modification
• When illegal modifications need to be corrected for inspection compliance
I often hear people say during inspection intake: “This condition was fine last time/before” or “It passed at such-and-such inspection station.”
But passing before might have just been good luck. Inspectors are human, after all.
They overlook things, they get busy, some don’t know the rules—but if you know them, you can go in fully prepared. On the flip side, now that you know, you might worry about non-compliant spots.
I want to share this information so everyone can avoid trouble.
【Two-lamp headlight configuration】
• One on each side (different shapes allowed)
• Color tone must be identical left and right.
• HI beam luminous intensity 15,000 cd or higher
【Common non-compliance issues】
• Only one lamp (one side permanently out)
• Light color is clearly blue
• Tester luminous intensity insufficient (from experience, about 8-9 out of 10 aftermarket LED bulbs don’t produce enough intensity)
• Left and right colors differ (one side LED/HID, the other not)
When left and right colors differ:
What inspectors check is the color tone when shined on paper. In the image above, there’s a clear difference, so this would be flagged as non-compliant.
Headlight luminous intensity.
Luminous intensity of 15,000 cd or higher is required. Note that some stock standard models don’t pass this. Vertical and horizontal alignment issues are automatic failures.
Vertical pass range: 1/5 cm below the headlight center, 10 cm above.
The standard isn’t whether it looks bright or dim to the human eye—it’s whether the headlight tester picks it up and registers luminous intensity.
Colors that look white and easy for people to see often don’t register well with the tester, so intensity often falls short.
(From experience, about 8-9 out of 10 aftermarket LED bulbs don’t produce enough intensity.)
【Luminous intensity cautions】
• Weak battery
• Low charging output
• Aftermarket LED bulbs
• Chinese multi-reflector units
• Coated bulbs (blue or mirror-like coated) / Chinese bulbs
• Aftermarket plastic cowl-mounted lights
【About turn signals】
• Turn signal pitch: Front 250 mm or more, rear 150 mm or more
• Turn signal area: 7 cm² visible from front/rear
Area exception: “Inspection-compliant, Regulation 50 approved product, E-mark E13R50” ← Even 7 mm diameter passes. Bringing evidence at inspection is recommended.
• Flash rate: 60–120 flashes per minute
• Color: Orange only
【Common non-compliance issues】
• Aftermarket LED turn signals with hyper-flash.
• Aftermarket LED turn signals with one or two LEDs burned out. (This counts as a bulb failure.)
• Visible area too small. (Less than 7 cm²)
• Tail lamp integrated turn signal with insufficient pitch (150 mm or less)
• Position lamp combined with variable brightness (position light doesn’t turn off when turn signal flashes; Kawasaki Z-series stock position lights are non-compliant, by the way).
Shined on white paper and it’s orange—OK
At this level, it’s up to the inspector’s judgment.
Inspection stations have testers to distinguish orange from red. In the worst case you can ask them to check, but… it’ll probably fail. Be careful.
