What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Light bulb legislation

I was wondering whether there is any legislation to force manufacturers to build cars that allow the 'ordinary' motorist to change a light bulb.

I have just bought a 2007 Vauxhall Vectra and when I returned to it one evening I was informed via the warning system that I had a faulty offside front light.
As I had purchased the 'recommended' set of bulbs, I popped open the bonnet - then shut it again, went to the glove box, pulled out the owner's handbook and soon discovered that I needed to take the car to a Vauxhall workshop. Aside from leaving the car parked overnight in a dodgy part of London, I had no option other than driving home – illegally.

Next day, I took the car to my local Vauxhall dealership and several hours and £52 later I had a fully functioning set of lights!

I have written to Vauxhall several times to no avail. Oh, I get a reply alright, but not one admitting that this 'design' is not fit for purpose, e.g. the necessity to be able to change a headlamp bulb by the roadside! And, no surprise here, they won't be helping me towards the cost incurred, giving the reason that the bulbs are wear and tear items.

Asked on 9 January 2012 by rayc

Answered by Honest John
No. Rather stupidly, some EC countries (like France) require drivers to carry a kit of spare bulbs, but do not require manufacturers to build cars in a way that makes it possible for a driver to fit them.
Similar questions
My 2012 Audi A6 is using a lot of screen wash fluid. It has headlamp washers which I suspect are the culprits. Is it feasible (and legal) to disable them?
I replaced the headlight bulbs on my Volkswagen Golf about 18 months ago. Since then the new MoT rules have been introduced. The replacement bulbs are Osram Night Breakers. will my car pass the MoT with...
Three months ago I purchased a 2015 Audi A4 Avant. When driving at night I noticed a patch of darkness. This strange beam pattern is only affected by the offside headlamp unit. I took the car to my local...
Related models
Far better than previous Vectra. Now with decent handling and an excellent ride. Plenty of safety kit. Roomy in the front. Big boot. Good looks.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer