headlights

[Malc88]

Hello 

I would like to know if I need to change the headlights on my 2014 rav 4 2l. 4x4 auto invisible if I register it in France. I bought it in the uk. It has the projector type dipped beam with a halogen bulb. Thanks in advance. Malc

[Avalon]

I would imagine in order to register it, it would need to pass a French equivalent of the MOT (Control Technique) - it’s a requirement to fit beam converters if you visit from the UK.

[philip42h]

Yes, I believe that you would need to change the headlight units in order to register the car in France.

The projector type headlight on a RHD RAV4 'dips left'. There is no built-in adjustment to change this and beam converters / masks are required in order to legally drive a UK RAV4 on French roads temporarily - i.e. for up to 6 months as I understand.

For longer term use you would be required to register the car in France, and, as above, it would then need to be able to pass the French CT. There appears to be some debate as to whether a test centre would accept beam converters to make the car legal but the consensus on the web seems to suggest not. Either way, I wouldn't want to use beam converters as a solution long term because they simply cut-out too much light (and don't illuminate the right-hand kerb).

So, if you want to use a RHD RAV4 on Continental roads longer term you would want to fit LHD headlamp units - even if that isn't an absolute legal requirement ...

[Devon Aygo]

Double check on the position of your rear foglamp as well, I can't remember if your Rav has a single rear fog lamp on the RHS ( reverse in opposite LH lamp ) if it does this will need swapping as well