Irish regulations require lamps that show a light to the front of a vehicle to be fitted and constructed in order that they will not dazzle or mislead other traffic when lit. In addition, they must be either white or amber in colour. Such lamps must be fitted with a dipping device in order that the beam of light from the lamp, when dipped, is incapable of dazzling a person more than 25 feet away from the lamp and in a specified position, which approximates to that of the driver of an oncoming vehicle. Dipped headlamps must be used when a vehicle is either passing another vehicle or travelling close behind one. Within this framework a maximum power rating is not specified for vehicle lights. Checks on headlamp alignment and condition are carried out as part of both the national car test and the commercial vehicle testing scheme.
Standards for lighting for new vehicles are specified in EU type approval law. These standards have been adopted at EU level following extensive consultation with vehicle and lighting manufacturing interests and with member states. All new cars sold in Ireland are required to meet the standards which are also deemed to comply with national vehicle lighting law. Within this framework, gas discharge headlamps and other headlamps that contain inert gases such as halogen or xenon, have been type approved in accordance with European Union law and are consequently in compliance with Irish lighting law.