morimoto headlights not approved?

[Alwaysthinking]

Was looking at replacing my jt headlights and was going through the usual, oracle, diode and my installer recommended dv8. However I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews on morimoto headlights however when I go to checkout it makes me sign two different waivers saying I understand these are not dot approved.

So does this mean I cannot legally drive on a road with them?

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[ATL_Rubi]

Was looking at replacing my jt headlights and was going through the usual, oracle, diode and my installer recommended dv8. However I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews on morimoto headlights however when I go to checkout it makes me sign two different waivers saying I understand these are not dot approved.

So does this mean I cannot legally drive on a road with them?

Be sure to check the source of the reviews. Morimoto is owned by a large conglomerate who puts out reviews under their different companies of their own products. It’s hard to find a review on that’s unbiased.

As for legality, that’s up to you. Does your state do inspections? Are the local cops up to spec on headlight codes?

Check out the normal name, Diode Dynamics, KC, JW speaker, Truck lite. If I remember correctly they’re all dot approved

 

[Klicht87]

The diode dynamics headlights are on sale right now!

 

[Hootbro]

"DOT Approved" is a misnomer as the Federal Department of Transportation does not approve anything. They set the DOT (FMVSS) Standard 108 (571.108) for headlights.

Generally it is up to the light manufacturer to self certify their lights are meeting the previously mention DOT standard. The fact that Morimoto is not doing this is telling they do not meet the DOT standards for whatever reason.

Like already mentioned, every state sets their inspection requirement and lights meeting the DOT standards is usually required to pass inspection.

FWIW, most of the no name Amazon and Ebay special LED lights lack any provable provenance stating they meet DOT standards even if they have DOT markings on them stating as such

 

[Sweetums]

Was looking at replacing my jt headlights and was going through the usual, oracle, diode and my installer recommended dv8. However I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews on morimoto headlights however when I go to checkout it makes me sign two different waivers saying I understand these are not dot approved.

So does this mean I cannot legally drive on a road with them?

Technically yes. The manufacturer is telling you they don't meet DOT standards - regardless of your state's inspections, that means they are not road-legal. People will run them illegally if their state doesn't have inspections, but police can still ticket you. More importantly, you are likely putting light were it doesn't belong and blinding other drivers.

+1 on watching out for false reviews. This is common practice these days; install the Fakespot browser extension to help spot these - especially on Amazon.

 

[cjoanzy]

I installed Morimoto H13 2 Stroke 3.0 bulbs on my 2022. I had the awful dim halogens. I like the look of the old school halogen lenses, not a fan of the ugly LED lenses. The bulbs were much cheaper than buying an entire light fixture. Think they come with a 3 year warranty. They have fans in them to keep them cool. Have their own resister pack built into the wire harness, no need to flash software. No flicker, just pure brigtht white light. One of the best upgrades I made to the Gladiator. Mine passed Pennsylvania Inspection. Now PA inspections is strict, but I'm sure the mechanic didn't put a HeadLight Internsity Meter on them to check Lumens/Lux level. I couldn't find a definitive answer on how strong they are, one web site had them at 3000 lumens each.
When installed, you can rotate the bulb to "clock" it so the filament is correctly lined up.
Warning, brace yourself for everyone flashing their high beams at you. I actually adjusted mine lower to ease up on blinding oncoming traffic.
Get the "2" filament bulbs, obviously. They do make a single filament for Fogs.

Here's a link to the bulbs.
They are on sale - 20% off Black Friday.
But all the big Jeep aftermarket sites carry them, maybe have them cheaper?

https://www.morimotohid.com/morimoto-2-stroke-2stroke-h13-led-bulbs?quantity=1

 

[ORACLE Terry]

Just wanted to throw it out there that the Oracle Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights are DOT certified.

https://www.oraclelights.com/collections/2020-2023-jeep-gladiator-jt-products/products/oculus-bi-led

And right now through 11/27/23 get 25% off using Black Friday Code: "FRIYAYSAVINGS"

 

[Terminus33]

https://www.morimotohid.com/street-usage

From that link morimoto says they are not legal of you drive on US roads at all because the led bulbs do not meet the NHTSA's standards.

It's basically a CYA for morimoto if you get ticketed for using their bulbs on the road. They make you sign those preliminary things so they know you are now aware about it.

 

[Terminus33]

Just wanted to throw it out there that the Oracle Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights are DOT certified.

https://www.oraclelights.com/collections/2020-2023-jeep-gladiator-jt-products/products/oculus-bi-led

And right now through 11/27/23 get 25% off using Black Friday Code: "FRIYAYSAVINGS"

LeL Friyay... I like it

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