Thread: Defect Notice for Roof Rack Lights

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

It's interesting there is nothing in section 9 to say they can't be on top of the bullbar.

The ADR's don't say so but the state registration authorities do.

Single central mount driving lights (Cyclops lights) are now permitted again on new vehicles according to the latest tranch of the ADR's. They were originally permitted in the first tranch, then not in the second tranch. Note that you may not be able to have a Cyclops light on vehicles built in the period covered by the second tranch. You may get in an argument with Police and/or Transport Inspectors over this. I have an '86 County-Isuzu and I had a central single mount 11" Hella marine searchlight for a long range driving light. I took to carrying laminated copy of the relevant section of the ADR's because of the number of times I was pulled over. I also carried a copy of the Brisbane city Council parking regulations regarding buses using loading zones when engaged in carrying cargo. My LR is complianced as a motor omnibus.

Yes, but as I pointed out earlier, Federal law overrules state law.

Also the Queensland wording is unclear because it refers to lightbars not being forward of the bullbar or higher than the bonnet.
Does that mean the lightbar is OK on top if it's behind the front of the bullbar and below the height of the bonnet? See my previous post.
It may all come down to a court case about the absence of a comma in the wording.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Yes, but as I pointed out earlier, Federal law overrules state law.

Also the Queensland wording is unclear because it refers to lightbars not being forward of the bullbar or higher than the bonnet.
Does that mean the lightbar is OK on top if it's behind the front of the bullbar and below the height of the bonnet? See my previous post.
It may all come down to a court case about the absence of a comma in the wording.

Check again. The Qld. TMR Modifications book says very clearly that lights may not be fitted to the top of any bullbar.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

Check again. The Qld. TMR Modifications book says very clearly that lights may not be fitted to the top of any bullbar.

Which part are you reading?

From TMR:

Driving lamp/s must not be in the driver’s line of sight and must be installed in a way that the light produced does not cause the driver of the vehicle discomfort from glare either directly or by reflection.

So, if it is not in the drivers line of sight and does not cause the driver discomfort, it is ok.

The placement of driving lamps and associated brackets must not increase the risk of injury to pedestrians. Driving lamps must not be fitted to the top of a bull bar above the forward bonnet line, or protruding forward of the bumper bar or bull bar in a way which would adversely change the profile of the impact zone.

So, if the light bar is fitted below the forward bonnet line and behind the bull bar in a way that does not adversely change the profile of the impact zone, it is ok.

Therefore, your statement is incorrect.

I've been having a quiet giggle for years at the "look at me" brigade with their $1000's of dollars worth of spotties protruding from the front of the bullbar. Not only are they likely to lose them to a 'roo strike, but they could get booked as well

Originally Posted by donh54

I've been having a quiet giggle for years at the "look at me" brigade with their $1000's of dollars worth of spotties protruding from the front of the bullbar. Not only are they likely to lose them to a 'roo strike, but they could get booked as well

Yes the spotties are vulnerable when they are fitted to the bullbar But having them fitted greatly reduces the likelihood of an impact due to the better visibility they impart.
Any decent impact on the bullbar will cost you a new bar and a couple of hundred bucks to replace the spotties is small change compared to the cost of replacing the bullbar So the added costs of fitting spotlights/driving lights is pretty good value considering the extra "Insurance" these provide in preventing an animal strike in the first place

When I worked for Baja Racks a few years ago they were developing a "stealth" rack with a hinge at the front and a small electric motor which rotated the spotties around about 90 degrees so they pointed downwards AFAIR.
I note from your picture that you have big round lights, but if you swapped them for rectangular lights and added a hinge to swing them out of the way for urban use , you would probably avoid a lot of drama.
Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Which part are you reading?

From TMR:

So, if it is not in the drivers line of sight and does not cause the driver discomfort, it is ok.

So, if the light bar is fitted below the forward bonnet line and behind the bull bar in a way that does not adversely change the profile of the impact zone, it is ok.

Therefore, your statement is incorrect.

I agree with you that it can be interpreted that a lightbar on top is okay if it's below the bonnet level and behind the front face of the bar, but I also recognize the police are stating it can't be on top of the bullbar, so I just don't know, and it may take a court case to get a ruling.
The federal ADR doesn't ban it.
In reality, lots of vehicles have spots, lightbars and fishing rod holders on top, so if that is illegal, it's being widely ignored. Magazines show this all the time, including in ads from lightbars retailers.
It's another example of inconsistency between state laws, I think.