What’s the Difference Between ADR Approved and ADR Compliant?

ADR approved headlamps are Asymmetrical RHD, Right Hand Drive – For Australian Vehicles that have the steering wheel on the right side, and drive on the left-hand side of the road. You will see an Emark on them, (E9, E27 etc…), and other markings. Note: ADR approved headlamps must still be set up correctly by a professional so as not to be too high on low beam.

ADR Compliant headlights can be symmetrical headlamps that are set up correctly so low beam is not too glary or bright, have the relevant ECE certification, and are not aimed too high to impede drivers coming the other way, which will be according to the ADR regulations for passing beams. Basically, you don’t want them too high when set up the low beam passing side.

***Note: ECE Certification is a standard adopted by countries all over the world based on the regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. For headlamps, it means the lights have been tested and passed the requirements for visibility durability, safety, and reliability and other requirements. You will see an EMark on the lights that show which country the ECE certificate was submitted to and passed by. EMarks you will see on the glass of the headlamp such as E9, E27 etc… It does not matter which country the ECE certificate was passed in, for Symmetrical headlamps, to be able to be used on LHD or RHD vehicles, but it does matter for Asymmetrical headlamps. Asymmetrical headlamps will be made for either a dedicated RHD vehicle or a dedicated LHD vehicle.

 

What’s the difference between Asymmetrical and Symmetrical headlamps?

Asymmetrical headlamps have one light pattern angled up and the other side angled down. In Australia, the left is angled up and the right is angled down.

Modern Symmetrical headlamps have both beam patterns on each side horizontal, or flat across both sides on the low beam, they are also referred to as universal headlamps, left or right-hand drive compatible.

 

What vehicles use Asymmetrical Headlamps and what use Symmetrical Headlamps?

Modern vehicles use asymmetrical headlamps, older cars can have asymmetrical or symmetrical headlamps.

If you have ever gone to an auto shop and bought or seen the old sealed beam headlamps you get off the shelf, the are generally symmetrical, universal.

Vehicles like older Toyota Landcruiser’s, Toyota Hilux, Holden, a lot of motorcycles and trucks etc, use either 7” Round, 5 ¾” round, 4x6” rectangular, or 5x7” rectangular Symmetrical sealed beam halogen lights, universal, suitable for left hand or right-hand drive vehicles.

This is why you can get a old Jaguar, or a Jeep, or a Toyota, and replace the headlamps with aftermarket symmetrical universal headlamps no matter if the vehicle is made for the roads in the USA, or made for the roads in Australia, as they can still be set up so that the beam angle on either side can be used as a passing beam.

***Note: You will see headlamps with DOT on them as well, this is a USA requirement for their Department of Transport regulations. It is not required in Australia, but you will see it on universal headlamps so factories can sell them to Australia, and the USA.