What Car? Q&A - Are xenon lights legal on the Continent?

Q: I'm about to buy a new Volkswagen Golf GTI with xenon headlights as an optional extra. However, I do a lot of driving in France, and a friend told me that xenon lights aren't legal in Europe. Is this correct and, if so, would I be better off with the standard lights?
James Miller

A: Xenon lights are perfectly legal in Europe, but you will need to adjust them before driving abroad.

Unlike standard lights, you can't simply fit beam deflectors. You need to adjust the light's internal shutter, which is done by moving a lever on the bottom of the unit.

This changes the shape of the light beam, preventing it from dazzling other drivers on the Continent.

Unless you're handy with a spanner, expect to pay around an hour's labour at your local garage.