I know one of these questions have most likely been answered before, but have looked and have'nt found exactly what I am looking for.

1. Is it legal to have aux. lights on while driving on the street, like Hella 500's or similar? They are considered "driving lights" right? Are there any lights similar to the 500's that can be lit while driving if the 500's can't?

2. Would it be better to replace the whole oem headlight with a newer better headlight setup, or would just putting some better bulbs in make them alot brighter? My lights hardly light anything at all 30 ft ahead of me.

Thanks in advance!

 

see answers in red

 

x2 on the h4 conversion and new harness.

go with either the roundeyes (http://roundeyes.com) or the Hella's (http://www.rallylights.com/hella/200mm.asp)

I don't know about the 500's being street legal or not, not sure why, but I don't think they are.

 

I just did the IPF headlights with the Super Low Beam bulbs and they made a world of difference.. Cost me about $150 for everything. I also have the Hella 500s and I do use them with my low beams (was heavily relying on them with the stock headlights, now it's just to fill out my beam pattern). Before, my headlights were yellow but the Hellas were white. Now they all look similar even with the stock harnesses. Check your local laws on the aux. lights.. Here in VA they have to be wired to go off with the high beams. Here's a pic of my setup:

 

roundeyes headlights w/ hella 500, this set up works great for me, you have to keep the hella covered while driving on the roads-

 

upgrade lights and harness....by FAR the best changes I have made to this truck....literally night and day difference.

I have noticed the bulbs dont seem to last as long..I went over board with the bulbs...but I feel God LIKe when I say let there be light and there IS LIGHT!

 

Roundeyes conversion with 4Crawler harness.

 

In texas, it is legal to drive with the hella 500s on, cause I do it all the time, but mine are kind of pointed downward, because I drilled the holes to close to the grill, but they still work!

 

Maybe you saw my thread a few months ago, i got a ticket for uncovered aux. PIAA 520's on my surco roof rack. They weren't on, and there was no other reason to pull me over. So, to answer your question on the law, i'm pretty certain that they are illegal unless they are covered.

Edit- This is in california.

 

Well... Here in Texas you CAN have 2 aux driving lights, but they must not be aimed higher than 75' downfield, and must be mounted under 72" verticle height. Had the officer who wrote me my ticket explain that very clearly to me. Just a warning ticket though. Seems every time I get pulled over, it's always one of my officer buds. They like screwin with me

 

I've heard that they need to be covered and have a fusable link, with the fuse removed... Don't you just love living in CA?

 

i've seen those conversion bulb housings for H4's on ebay too. check your local laws for the aux light useage...I think I remember NJ's requirement was no higher than 12" off the road surface and wired to lowbeam only. They vary by state. I haven't found a compiled list of state laws on a website pertaining to lites, but a search of motor vehicle code and your state name should give you a site with the traffic laws. In NJ its title 39.

 

It's funny, I would guess that the lgihts would need to be wired to the high beam. When you have the lows on, chances are it's because there is another car around you. You wouldn't want your Aux's to blind the other car. When your highs are on, you are not near cars, and don't have to worry about blinding people...