UK now allows approved LED replacement bulbs in MOT tests

What’s changing

The MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles will be updated on 14 October 2026. From this date, MOT testers must accept ECE approved LED replacement (LEDr) bulbs in compatible halogen headlamp units.

This change only applies to class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles with existing halogen headlamp units that have been fitted with ECE approved LED replacement bulbs.

It does not apply to:

• class 1 and class 2 motorcycles
• halogen headlamp units that have been converted to use with high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs
• full LED headlamp unit replacements

How to check if an LEDr bulb is approved

ECE approved LED replacement products come with a secure approval sticker. The sticker must be permanently fixed to the vehicle so it can be seen easily during an MOT test.

When you test a vehicle that has LED replacement bulbs fitted in halogen headlamps, you only need to check that the approval sticker is there.

You do not need to check the ECE approval number, approval markings, or manufacturer details against any databases, documentation or records.

What the approval sticker looks like

The approval sticker must include:

• category (for example, H11 LEDr)
• variant
• rated voltage
• ECE approval number
• manufacturer’s name
• a security feature such as a hologram

Manufacturers may produce different sticker designs (for example, size, shape and colour) as long as they contain the required information and security features.

You will be able to see an example of an approval sticker in section 4.1.4 of the MOT inspection manual from 14 October.

When to fail a headlamp

You must fail the headlamp if an LED replacement bulb is fitted and:

• there’s no sticker
• you cannot read the sticker
• the sticker looks like it’s been tampered with
• the sticker clearly does not match the bulb fitted

Select the major defect light source and lamp not compatible.