Driving Light Legalities

Frosty2086 · Post by **Frosty2086** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:58 pm

Just wondering what if any legal issues are their when installing the spotlight like driving lights, thinking about perhaps increasing the vision at night on my l series, is this often done or is their a cheaper easier more effective way? Only asking because i for some reason have always thoght spotlights were illegal to use as driving lights...anyways...cheers

BaronVonChickenPants · Post by **BaronVonChickenPants** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:20 pm

The first thing I would look at is one of the Hella or equivelant wiring kits for you existing lights, you will not believe the difference this can make (see Subarino's thread)

Then maybe some Xenon bulbs, supposedly 30% brighter for the same amount of power just with a narrow colour spectrum.

Driving lights like the ones fitted into the front bumper on most modern cars are technically illegal to use unless it's a low visibility situation.

Spot lights should really only be tied in with your high beam and apparently it is illegal to have them operating at roof height no mater what the conditions.

Jordan.

BlackMale · Post by **BlackMale** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 10:49 am

Frosty2086 wrote:Just wondering what if any legal issues are their when installing the spotlight like driving lights

There are legal issues (about having them wires to hi beam off a switch, how high from the ground they can be mounted etc.) and I would recommend that you check with your local roads and traffic fellas as the states are all different… sorry I could not give you more then this.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 11:52 am

The relevant ADR is 13/00 and is worth reading to know where you stand (eg NSW Highway Patrol cars have non ADR compliant spotlight mounting...)

Frosty2086 · Post by **Frosty2086** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:39 am

Thanking you!! Will make sure i check that out, sounds like new bulds etc are the go then!!

cheers

cooloothin · Post by **cooloothin** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:23 pm

doesn't have to be expensive even for a numpty like me. $20 relay kit, $80 to install it from a local auto electrician, $20 driving light set.

Possibly like yourself, i am NOT after any sort of serious light. just wanted to fill the gaps in headlights that are 23 years old.

main legality as mentioned is that it has to be wired through your high beams so they can only turn on when your high beams are on. Then the high beam rule applies - not within 200m front or behind any other vehicle, not anywhere there is street lighting, etc etc.