light bars.. are they legal?

[Malgreen]

Hi all,,,
hey i was just chatting to a truckie here at the road house and he mentioned that light bars are illegal...!!
has anyone heard about this ?
or does this guy really know jack??

this could be an interesting thread...

cheers all

[megatexture]

as a light i dont think they are as you would only use them as a high beam. but it could be considerd illegal depending on how you mount or wire them up.
mounting one on your bull bar possibly blocking your field of view (think its seeing the ground 11m in front your car) would be illegal or if you had it hard wired and not on your high beam would make it illegal also.
on a roof rack.. i rember reading that lights on your roof rack need to be symmetrical so one on the roof rack should be fine

[russ81]

Here is a link to a document QLD transport have just released
http://www.cviaq.com.au/PDFs/VSI%20HV25.0%20Driving%20Lamps.pdf

I know that WA is drafting laws regarding light bars.

The issue with them at the moment is they don't fall into a category set out by the transport departments.

Obviously having them mounted on the roof is dependent on each state and the interpretation of the DOT documents.

After reading this document from here in WA I would interpret they they would be legal on the roof (mounted as a work light)

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/LBU_VS_IB_123.pdf

[threedogs]

I have 40" mounted on the roof and have had no problems {so far}
The comment on it being a work light rings a bell. mine is wired
through a switch on the dash via AUX battery

[macca]

A builder we worked for had a jacked up F100, the 4 or 6 driving lights on the roof were too high and illegal.

He got stopped many times even though they werent in use and in fact were diconnected via andersons. In the end he put air rams so they folded back, pointing them up in the air.

Also it was jacked so high the origional headlights were also too high and he was having to put another set of headlights lower.

He had "Big" tyres & HiJacker gear on it and it was high, the tow ball & bracket looked like a dogs tail!!

The whole vehicle looked bloody stupid, he was a little bloke with a huge truck so copped alot of ribbing.

This is in NSW about 5 years ago.

[threedogs]

AAhhh small man syndrome, you can buy 22" lift off the shelf in the states for the EFIE,
triple shocks front and rear, cant see how'd you get in.
So you're saying it was a height thing not length ??

[Bigrig]

Here is a link to a document QLD transport have just released
http://www.cviaq.com.au/PDFs/VSI%20HV25.0%20Driving%20Lamps.pdf

I know that WA is drafting laws regarding light bars.

The issue with them at the moment is they don't fall into a category set out by the transport departments.

Obviously having them mounted on the roof is dependent on each state and the interpretation of the DOT documents.

After reading this document from here in WA I would interpret they they would be legal on the roof (mounted as a work light)

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/LBU_VS_IB_123.pdf

That QLD release is an interesting one - it certainly implies that roof mounted is illegal irrespective due to stating they 'must' be mounted to the front and in such a fashion to not affect the driver by lighting up reflective surfaces of the vehicle (which I would suggest constitutes the bonnet, the back side of polished alloy bullbars, aerials, etc).

Hmmmm ... my 42" is roof mounted, and has its own switch (not connected to high beam as I got it primarily for night runs whilst 4 wheeling).

[macca]

AAhhh small man syndrome, you can buy 22" lift off the shelf in the states for the EFIE,
triple shocks front and rear, cant see how'd you get in.
So you're saying it was a height thing not length ??

It was a hieght issue.

He came around home one weekend in it, a mate who was here shot out with a 4' step ladder - that didnt go down too well!!!

Had a cheque for me and made it clear if I wanted it to have a word with my mate LOL

Asswipe peed off to Queensland leaving a pile of debts owing me $8G so I dont have any pity for him.

[BigRAWesty]

Here is a link to a document QLD transport have just released
http://www.cviaq.com.au/PDFs/VSI%20HV25.0%20Driving%20Lamps.pdf

I know that WA is drafting laws regarding light bars.

The issue with them at the moment is they don't fall into a category set out by the transport departments.

Obviously having them mounted on the roof is dependent on each state and the interpretation of the DOT documents.

After reading this document from here in WA I would interpret they they would be legal on the roof (mounted as a work light)

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/LBU_VS_IB_123.pdf

Any lights mounted behind the driver is illegal. Any more than 6 lights (hi, low, fog or combination) are illegal.
And any light protruding 300mm above the bonnet line is illegal.

All from the cop pas mouth at the local 4x4 meeting we had so we were all informed.

Also anything higher than 50mm (hub to gaurd) is illegal unless certified.. And tyres bigger than 2" than standard is illegal.

That's SA for ya.. Bloody nanny state..


Sent from a device which doesn't always agree with my thumbs...

[oncedisturbed]

I havent seen the draft doc for WA yet but most the traffic coppers have stated that it is still a grey area and are being treated as spot lights at this stage so the 6 light rule applies.

Will be interesting to see how it goes with those who have multiple lights mounted on the roll bars in utes etc


Tap, Tap Taparoo

[Bigrig]

So here's a question ... maybe a dumb one.

What about rear facing camping/reversing lights? Mine aren't wired to the reverse switch, but are definitely not on the front of the vehicle, and I realise they're not driving lights per-say, but wouldn't they still be counted in the number of lights on the truck? Same as side facing spotties on pigging utes etc??

Dumb question?? I'm happy to be dumb in order to get things resolved!! lol

[Yendor]

So here's a question ... maybe a dumb one.

What about rear facing camping/reversing lights? Mine aren't wired to the reverse switch, but are definitely not on the front of the vehicle, and I realise they're not driving lights per-say, but wouldn't they still be counted in the number of lights on the truck? Same as side facing spotties on pigging utes etc??

Dumb question?? I'm happy to be dumb in order to get things resolved!! lol

My understanding is they are classed as work lights and are fine as long as they are not wired to come on with reverse lights.

[russ81]

With the rear work lights the switch also needs to be in a position that cannot be enabled from the drivers position (so as not to blind drivers behind you).

[BigRAWesty]

Spot on with the work lights


Sent from a device which doesn't always agree with my thumbs...

[Rumcajs]

With the rear work lights the switch also needs to be in a position that cannot be enabled from the drivers position (so as not to blind drivers behind you).
That would mean that every single prime mover in Australia has/is illegal and those vehicle have work/load lights fitted from the factory! I wonder how is that possible cause every single one has a switch reachable from the driver seat. So all the manufacturers are having their vehicles certified illegally?! Not to mention that most of those vehicle are being checked at the weight bridge/checking stations around the country at least once a week.
What about garbage trucks, they all got rear work lights wired to reverse light circuit. I for one want to see a large vehicle reversing early and clearly those work lights will do that just fine. Nothing like idiotic rules and regulations imposed by stupid politicians and their so called experts.
Cheers

Edit: I've been trawling through SA rules book and: 4x additional spot/driving lights can be fitted but not on the roof rack/roll bar only at the front of the vehicle. (according to ADR13) No specific mention of light bars.
Could not find anything about reverse lamps/work lamp except that they can't be mounted higher than 1.2 m(applies to reverse lights only). No information on work lights so far......

[megatexture]

That is from factory though, like the old cars getting about with no mirrors it’s not illegal as that how they came factory
I’ve got 4 spots on my roof rack and no one’s said a thing and will be sticking on a light bar as soon as i can. what’s the fine worth? if its only like fishing rod holders i will wear it if a cop wants to be a tosser about it.

Also on that QLD pdf they say that the bar must look like two individual lights at 250 metres ... if someone’s in front me at 250mtrs i wouldn’t have it on out of courtesy so how is that really relevant?

[macca]

Also on that QLD pdf they say that the bar must look like two individual lights at 250 metres ... if someone’s in front me at 250mtrs i wouldn’t have it on out of courtesy so how is that really relevant?

You would have to have better peepers than mine to look at a light bar from 250mtrs when its turned on and see that little black square!

[Yendor]

edit..... link was already posted

[Malgreen]

thanx for the info guys...

[BigRAWesty]

Another thing which I just remembered over the weekend, your driving lights must be in pairs...


Sent from a device which doesn't always agree with my thumbs...

[Coldcomfort]

Speaking of jacked up fords.... Saw this a few weeks ago driving into LA.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/outbackjack0870/IMG_0503.jpg

[P4trol]

Three things I want to see:

It loaded to capacity

Towing a trailer

Helping a mate move house.


Places it would excel:

At the fence outside the drive in.

In the movie 'cars'

Parked outside the phallic clinic




Tipsy-tap

[megatexture]

haha imagin if that was allowed here you would need a single bed matress for mud flaps. and looks like some one hit there head on the bumper walking past

[happygu]

Speaking of jacked up fords.... Saw this a few weeks ago driving into LA.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/outbackjack0870/IMG_0503.jpg


But did he have a Light Bar?
:p

[macca]

As a mate used to say " it would ride like a turd in the ocean"

Wheres the ladder?, dont say its in the back cause you need one to get there as well!!!!

[P4trol]

Maybe it wasn't too tall for ones ego to get in.



Tipsy-tap

[MudRunnerTD]

So the Law in QLD is set to be changed!!!

Here is the UPDATE

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/Vehicle%20standards%20and%20modifications/Vehicle%20standards/Vehicle%20standards%20instructions/drivinglampsvehiclesguidelinemay13.pdf




Vehicle standards instruction (general 15.0)
Fitment and use of driving lamps including light emitting diode (LED) light bars on vehicles Released May 2013

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has recently dealt with a number of issues relating to the use of LED light bars, fitted to the front bumper bar or bull bar on some vehicles, as driving lamps. The main issue faced by vehicle operators is that when a light bar is used as a driving lamp on a vehicle manufactured from 1991, Australian Design Rule (ADR) 13/00 requires that either two or four lamps are fitted.

Transport and Main Roads is of the opinion that this ADR requirement was set before the introduction of LED type lamps and the requirement does not reflect this new technology.

To ensure national consistency, Transport and Main Roads raised this issue with the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board, who have endorsed a change to the ADR to allow an odd number of driving lamps to be fitted to vehicles. Until this update to the ADR is made, Transport and Main Roads has provided this Vehicle Standards Instruction for ADR vehicles and vehicles manufactured prior to 1991.

Requirements for the fitting fitment and use of driving lamps including Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Bars on Vehicles, excluding motor bikes and motor trikes.

• The lamps should, as far as is possible, be installed symmetrically in pairs to the front of the vehicle.

• If lamps are not fitted as pairs (e.g. one, three etc), they must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, symmetrically about the centre.

• The lamp/s must be installed in a way that the light produced does not cause the driver of the vehicle discomfort either directly or by reflection.

• The lamp/s must only come on when the main-beam (high beam) headlamps are used, and must automatically turn off when the main-beam headlamps are turned off.

Note: This exemption from complying with a part of ADR13/00 only applies in Queensland and may not be recognised in other states or territories. Vehicle operators who travel between states and territories must ensure that lamps fitted to their vehicles comply with the requirements in each state or territory.

This Vehicle Standards Instruction (VSI) was originally issued as H25.0, but is now being re-issued as a General category VSI. VSI H25.0 is now repealed.

Further Information

For further information about the vehicle standards, please contact Vehicle Standards and Modification Advice on (07) 3114 5844 Monday to Friday, 10:00 am–4:30 pm.
Related Documents Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 2010

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TrantOpRUVSSR10.pdf
Australian Design Rule 13/00 Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L- Group Vehicles http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2005L03991

[threedogs]

Hope the powers that be see the light so to speak.
Mate came back from the States years ago with an Auto magazine
you can buy 22' lift kits off the self to suit the "F" series trucks.
Triple shocks on all 4 corners , ridiculas IMO

[NissanGQ4.2]

Very old thread dig.

So I know LED bars are legal on roof racks now but are they legal on a bull bar or could you be done for this reg "the lamps must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road"?

[garett]

its gotta be below the line of the bonnet and not a hazard to people stupid enough to run out in front of you.

[NissanGQ4.2]

its gotta be below the line of the bonnet and not a hazard to people stupid enough to run out in front of you.

Thanks Garett, any links to regs that state this?

[the evil twin]

Very old thread dig.

So I know LED bars are legal on roof racks now but are they legal on a bull bar or could you be done for this reg "the lamps must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road"?

LED bars on Roof Racks are not legal in all states so best to double check the regs and not go off Forum posts unless the link is to an official document
Links or quotes from individuals/spokespersons/etc (no matter who they are) won't save you if that person got it wrong either.

Here is the VSSIB document for WA and it is the same as some but not all other states http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/licensing/LBU_VS_IB_132A.pdf

One of the Clubbies up north on hols was pulled over last month and asked politely by Const Plod to remove his Roof Bar when he got to the Caravan Park.
No other reason for the stop IE he wasn't speeding etc.

[threedogs]

Time to send off a few emails and see if I can get a proper answer for the Vic guys.
IMO the rules/laws have not kept up with technology eg HID,, LEDs etc etc

[the evil twin]

Time to send off a few emails and see if I can get a proper answer for the Vic guys.
IMO the rules/laws have not kept up with technology eg HID,, LEDs etc etc

Here is the Vic one... roof bars would not be legal under that document as they wouldn't be on the front of the vehicle
https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/fog-and-driving-lights

- the lamps should, as far as is possible, be installed symmetrically in pairs to the front of the vehicle
- if lamps are not fitted as pairs (e.g. one, three etc), they must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, symmetrically about the centre

[Clunk]

Time to send off a few emails and see if I can get a proper answer for the Vic guys.
IMO the rules/laws have not kept up with technology eg HID,, LEDs etc etc
Doesnt make any difference what light you use on your rack, as far as i was aware its never been legal to have lights on your roof rack

[the evil twin]

Roof Lights are legal in QLD and SA (unlike ACT, WA and Vic and whatever other states)

Soooo... in summary
QLD - OK
SA - OK
NSW - ambiguous
ACT - illegal
WA - illegal
Vic - illegal
can't be arrsed googling the rest

[threedogs]

I have a plate in the centre of mine ,but may see the sheetie and get a proper cover made.
It should just slide over the bar, alloy checker plate of course,lol

[mudski]

Roof Lights are legal in QLD and SA (unlike ACT, WA and Vic and whatever other states)

Soooo... in summary
QLD - OK
SA - OK
NSW - ambiguous
ACT - illegal
WA - illegal
Vic - illegal
can't be arrsed googling the rest

Roof lights are legal in VIC. I just depends on the amount. I think. But there was a thread here and someone posted a screen shot of a FB conversation with a Vic Roads rep and they said it was legal. That was for a light bar anyway...

Same here, can't be arrsed getting the link to it. Lol.

[the evil twin]

Roof lights are legal in VIC. I just depends on the amount. I think. But there was a thread here and someone posted a screen shot of a FB conversation with a Vic Roads rep and they said it was legal. That was for a light bar anyway...

Same here, can't be arrsed getting the link to it. Lol.

Hiya cobber...

I posted the Vic Roads link above... it states bars are only legal if fitted to the front
Happy to call it ambiguous if it suits

Facebook 'posts' aren't worth a pinch of shit.. even if it was the Premier or the Minister who said it
None of which means much anyway including my opinion.
I just go by the documents

As a point of interest I have a light bar (a big sucker at that) on my roof bar.
The WA cops haven't fined anyone to my knowledge but may insist you take it off.

[threedogs]

Mego got done up Mansfield for having his lights
uncovered ,I think he runs 5 IPF square lights up top.
when he returned to Melb he just put the covers back on
and all was sweet ,,,well as far as I know thats all he did

[mudski]

Hiya cobber...

I posted the Vic Roads link above... it states bars are only legal if fitted to the front
Happy to call it ambiguous if it suits

Facebook 'posts' aren't worth a pinch of shit.. even if it was the Premier or the Minister who said it
None of which means much anyway including my opinion.
I just go by the documents

As a point of interest I have a light bar (a big sucker at that) on my roof bar.
The WA cops haven't fined anyone to my knowledge but may insist you take it off.

Nah mate. It wasn't you. It clearly did state that light bars were ok on the roof. It was the amount of lights that was the issue from memory. If was in one of the documents too. I must find it.

[mudski]

Here tis'
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?31103-Latest-LED-light-bar-news-from-Vic-Roads&highlight=light+bars%27
Take it with a grain of salt. I am confused as ever. As far I am aware from this and reading through the rambles of the state laws, its ok in Vic. As long as it doesn't hamper or obstruct the driver view at all.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Here tis'
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?31103-Latest-LED-light-bar-news-from-Vic-Roads&highlight=light+bars%27
Take it with a grain of salt. I am confused as ever. As far I am aware from this and reading through the rambles of the state laws, its ok in Vic. As long as it doesn't hamper or obstruct the driver view at all.

That's what I thought originally but would agree with ET's comment about what is clearly stated in the VIC regs

- the lamps should, as far as is possible, be installed symmetrically in pairs to the front of the vehicle
- if lamps are not fitted as pairs (e.g. one, three etc), they must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, symmetrically about the centre


The roof rack would not be classified as front of vehicle, well unless of course you have a roof rack mounted above your bull bar

[mudski]

That's what I thought originally but would agree with ET's comment about what is clearly stated in the VIC regs

- the lamps should, as far as is possible, be installed symmetrically in pairs to the front of the vehicle
- if lamps are not fitted as pairs (e.g. one, three etc), they must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, symmetrically about the centre


The roof rack would not be classified as front of vehicle, well unless of course you have a roof rack mounted above your bull bar

Yeah dunno... Even though its a Face book comment. It is from a Vic roads rep so I would take it that they know what they are saying. They seem to not really make it clear though in their regs. Spose time will tell.

[the evil twin]

snip... It is from a Vic roads rep so I would take it that they know what they are saying.

Wrong thread mate... that bit should be in the 'jokes and pics' thread :devilred:

Nah, just joking... The facebook post could be right, could be wrong, could be from the head of vehicle standards, could be from the tea lady.
What I was getting at is that if 'another' vic roads source such as a mermaid (or maybe Mr Plod) deems them not OK then a reference to Facebook prob won't sway them.
If the Facebook post had a letterhead, reference # and signatory block or source then it would be better

[the evil twin]

Handy Links to the State Regs regards at bottom of article... WA remains the main PIA about roof mounting... typical!!!!!

http://www.aaaa.com.au/newsletter.asp?id=139