DVSA · Vehicle testing · MOT guidance change
DVSA MOT change: approved LED replacement bulbs
DVSA published Special Notice 05-26 on 13 October 2026 and amended the MOT inspection manual from 14 October 2026. MOT testers must accept ECE-approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamp units when the required manufacturer-issued approval sticker is present. The change is limited to Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 MOTs.
What changed on 14 October 2026?
DVSA's Special Notice 05-26 was published on 13 October 2026. The MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles was then amended on 14 October 2026 so ECE-approved LED replacement bulbs may be accepted in compatible halogen headlamp units for Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.
The change does not apply to Class 1 or 2 motorcycles, HID conversions in halogen headlamp units, or complete LED headlamp-unit replacements. It is also not a change to the HGV annual-test regime.
What does the MOT tester check?
DVSA says an approved LED replacement product must be supported by a secure manufacturer-issued approval sticker that is permanently fixed to the vehicle and easy to see during the MOT.
The tester does not need to verify the approval number or manufacturer details against a database. The headlamp must be failed where the sticker is missing, unreadable, appears tampered with, or clearly does not match the fitted bulb.
Official requirement
This is an MOT inspection requirement for the covered vehicle classes. It does not create a new fleet-wide requirement for operators to retrofit LED bulbs or carry out a separate inspection of every vehicle.
Where an affected vehicle has LED replacement bulbs fitted to compatible halogen headlamps, the approval-sticker requirement is relevant to whether that vehicle can pass its MOT.
Suggested office action
If your fleet includes Class 7 or other covered vehicles with aftermarket LED replacement bulbs, consider checking before the next MOT that the bulbs are approved for the relevant headlamp and that the manufacturer-issued approval sticker is present, legible and secure.
That pre-MOT check is an Outrig editorial suggestion to reduce avoidable test failures; it is not a new DVSA-mandated fleet inspection form.
Where Outrig fits — and where it does not
Outrig can help keep MOT dates, maintenance records and follow-up actions organised alongside the wider fleet record.
Outrig does not certify bulbs or headlamp compatibility, carry out MOT tests, or guarantee a vehicle will pass. This article is independent commentary and does not imply DVSA endorsement.
Suggested office actions
- Official requirement: MOT testers must apply the amended Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 inspection guidance from 14 October 2026.
- Official requirement: where an LED replacement bulb is fitted in a compatible halogen headlamp, the required approval sticker must be present and acceptable at the MOT.
- Suggested office action: identify affected Class 7 or other covered fleet vehicles before their next MOT and check the sticker is present, legible and secure.
- Do not apply this update to HGV annual testing or present it as a requirement to retrofit LED bulbs.
Official sources
Check the original wording before changing your arrangements. Outrig's review date is not the date a legal requirement took effect.