As far as I understand USDoT regulation, as long as the headlights are properly aimed and not "diffuse" (not in a reflector housing without a baffle), they are fully approved. The illegality comes in with the baffles missing (creates a cut-off line in the light) and/or un-aimed lights that are the equivalent of running your high beams all the time and blinding people.
However, you live in California, all bets are off...
Thanks DroppedMitsu, will do my best to pull it off cleanly.
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