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Why is it that when we from the UK go to Europe we are 'supposed' to use headlamp defelectors but it seems that those coming from Europe to the UK don't need them?

Have you ever seen a car from Europe in the UK with them?

Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 08/3/2010

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Because when we change from left to right our beam shines into the oncoming traffic but when you change from right to left it shines into the hedge so not a problem.

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As a commercila vehicle fitter for 45 yrs, I can assure you that continental cars do not need beam benders, as the headlamps use an asymmetrical beam that is flat and does not have any bias one-way or the other. It is only the UK market that uses a beam with a bias towards the kerb, it is this bias that has to be removed to travel on the continent, as our kerbside turns into their offside and consequentially dazzles oncoming traffic.

Steve W

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 08/3/2010

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Oh well we will agree to differ then. Try getting an 80s/90s imported lhd German campervan/motorhome thru UK mot without beambenders. Do you actually have experience of lhd vehicles, trucks or cars, have you actually sat in one, in the dark with the headlamps on?

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This is beginning to get boring - I've first drove a LHD Audi 100 in 1974 in Germany.  Since then a variety of hire cars usually in France, Citroens Peugeots, BMWs Skodas. VWs, a volvo...... oh and a Ctiroen Xantia in Holland and a Passat in Holland. 

French police do check for Beambender type attachements - I've been questioned about lack of them ( my car has the facility to change to Continental pattern from the dashboard) and seen others stopped for the same reason at the same time.

|Even modern cars with clear headlamp glass/plastic/polycarbonate have asymetric beams in the uk and so should be changed for the continent  many cars fitted with xenon headlights are easily adjustable either by lever under the bonnet or fron the interior ( eg Mercedes and Audi depending on the model and year)

Thwack - it's asymetric patterns which are the trouble - symetric ones don't point sideways they just point ahead and dip down. 

Actually it is pretty interesting, I'm surprised some legal eagle hasn't landed yet with the definitive answer, surely there is some law on this?

The CC is clear in it's advice which is that you should use deflectors or adjust your lights, not just because of night driving but also tunnels, fog etc, but it does not appear to say this is a legal requirement. Though I'm sure not dazzling other drivers will be.

I've always used them on the Continent partly to avoid any over zealous plod but also because if it does help to avoid dazzling people all well and good. Modern deflectors are not of the black tape type and were easy enough to fit.

I'm surprised at such conflicting views though as I had assumed you were required to fit them if you car could not be adjusted for continental driving, you learn somert new all the time!