Thread: Sealed beam lights

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Looks to me like an NT plate, not a Qld one!

John

John, the regulations are supposed to be uniform nation-wide. Whether they are enforced is another matter. They certainly are enforced around Brisbane.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

I mention this, because, if you attract the attention of a stroppy copper or a zealous transport inspector, you may find him/her looking at any number of illegal/unsafe items on your vehicle, leading to a defect notice, a fine, points, or worse, a trip over the pits. The latter event may well put your vehicle off the road for a long and expensive time.

Highly obvious items like very large, very visible, and illegally mounted driving lights are just the thing to attract attention.

Moral: Don't draw the crabs.

We have yearly inspections. My Rangie passed its insection only three days ago. I don't think I have anything to worry about! (no it wasn't self inspected, it went over the MVR pits).

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

John, the regulations are supposed to be uniform nation-wide. Whether they are enforced is another matter. They certainly are enforced around Brisbane.

The regulations are supposed to be uniform. In fact, they are interpreted differently in each state, and in this case I strongly suspect that the "uniform" regulation simply says "nothing in front of or above the bull bar", with the more detailed explanation being a state addition. In NSW, for example, while the lights above the bullbar would probably be considered in breach, neither antennae above it nor lights in front of it would be.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

The regulations are supposed to be uniform. In fact, they are interpreted differently in each state, and in this case I strongly suspect that the "uniform" regulation simply says "nothing in front of or above the bull bar", with the more detailed explanation being a state addition. In NSW, for example, while the lights above the bullbar would probably be considered in breach, neither antennae above it nor lights in front of it would be.

John

"Long Range Radio Antennas" (sic)

"Forward mounting should only be undertaken when it is impossible or impractical to instal the antennas to the rear of the vehicle."

The installation must be attached as low as is practical to ensure the large diameter section of the antenna projects above the bonnet line for the minimum distance."

"Only one long range antenna (large diameter base) may be fitted to the front of a vehicle and must be fitted to the left side. The maximum diameter permitted is 75mm."

"All sharp edges or protrusions which could cause injury to anyone making contact with the device must be removed or rounded."

There are also very specific rules about ladder racks, external roll bars and cages, and fishing rod holders.

Qld. Transport used to have random inspections for safety and compliance. Not seen one for a while, but then I am not out and about all day every day like when I was in the workforce. They would set up a team of inspectors and police usually on a busy road where they were out of sight until too late to avoid them. Some specific roadside pull-ins were laid for this purpose and for random breath testing on some major roads. The usual procedure was to pull over most vehicles 10 years old or more, or any vehicle with obvious damage or problems. Licences and registration, and outstanding fines and warrants would be checked by police whilst a transport inspector quickly eyeballed the car. Any problem (worn tyres, broken lights, etc.) and the driver would be told to move over to the other inspectors who would have a good look. This often resulted in fines, loss of points, a defect notice requiring repairs and a Safety Certificate (RWC) to be obtained, or a trip over the Departmental pits ordered. Many vehicles were ordered to be left at the site only to be moved by a tow truck. This is why I preach a bit about obviously non-compliant accessories. Could cause the owner big problems. Don't draw the crabs.