Thread: Spot or Flood light bar up under roof rack? NSW roof light legality?

Originally Posted by JDNSW

A similar situation could be that with wheel spacers - legal if factory fitted, not otherwise. But that, I suspect is not in the ADRs, just all state regulations.

John

This is precisely the beraucratic nightmare that Federal legislation is supposed to get rid of. If it's ADR compliant then it is, and the States should have no say in it. It makes my blood boil that something that's legal and acceptable in Victoria can cost me upwards of $1500 in NSW. I'm referring to heavy vehicles here, but the principle is the same. NSW signed up to the NHVR system, but then choose to totally ignore it when it suits them. They know that most people won't be able to take a couple of days off to go to Court in another State to defend against over zealous Highway Patrol thugs.

Back to the lights issue. How is it illegal to fit them? Usage on the highway might be not ok, but if they aren't turned on then so what.

I reckon we all are too compliant. I don't know what else we can be though, given that our pollies don't give a stuff once they have our votes. FmRicky Muir wasn't such a dweeb I'd write to him to get a Senate Enquiry going on the road law situation.

OK, vested interest, I have to declare that in the last 24 months I've clocked up over 400,000 km, and as such am a bit of a target. But t stinks.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

It would depend on what state the vehicle is first registered in.

ADRs are not legally binding in every state, unless that state has adopted them in part or in full, as the regulatory requirements.

Jeep ( Chrysler ) applied to get the ADRs changed to allow their vehicles to be sold with roof lights but the individual states own laws still applied.

QLD never had a height restriction and NSW has changed it's regs to allow for roof mounted lights.

What the rest of the country has done, I wouldn't know.

Those vehicles I mentioned are sold in every State and Territory. Both also sell accessory light bars to augment the standard, and they are fitted above the windscreen. I know trucks are just a bloody nuisance to most people, but take a look when you're out and about. These light bars can have six or even more lights attached, and that over and above the extra lights fitted to the bull bar.
Anyone remember Ned and his Neddy? The trucks that Ken Maynard drew have nothing on the ones that are around today.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

The big problem with having roof mounted is when you have a small rise between you and an approaching car. If their lights are below the horizon, you don't know that they are there, but their eyes, and your roof lights are both above the horizon. You will be blinding them without knowing that they are there. All lights used on the road should be mounted below the driver's eye level.
Aaron

Of course, in the old days one would see the 'bloom' of the approaching vehicles lights before they crested, and dip. It was common courtesy. These days not so much. People these days think that there is no need to dip if they are on divided road, or behind. And today's lights are much brighter than the old sealed beams.

From QLD Roads--


Driving lamps may be fitted above the roof line. Thedriving lamps must be fitted to the front half of thevehicle, when measured from the front to therearmost point of the vehicle.


This instruction only applies to light vehicles in Queensland, excluding heavy vehicles, motor bikes andmotor trikes. Check to ensure the fitting of driving lamps complies with other jurisdictions requirementsbefore travelling interstate.

Would be a bit interesting fitting lights above the "roofline" on a motorbike! Maybe a couple of light bars tec screwed on the helmet?

compliance by manufacturer has precedence over local regulations. not all vehicles comply with ADR to the letter of the law.
life goes on.


Letter of compliance can e issued by manufacturer.
When I worked at a GM dealer in 80-90's they had compliance specification for each model so that they could issue the initial registration or supply documents to RTA when issues arose with interstate registration.


My boss told me this week about a lights fitted to new small Toyota. after much complaints about the wiring at the end of the instructions was not suitable for on road use.-------

Originally Posted by schuy1

Would be a bit interesting fitting lights above the "roofline" on a motorbike! Maybe a couple of light bars tec screwed on the helmet?

work mates had issues with a bike-they use ratio of height above seat.
keep telling him to by a pizza delivery bike with the weather proof cab.

Originally Posted by schuy1

Would be a bit interesting fitting lights above the "roofline" on a motorbike! Maybe a couple of light bars tec screwed on the helmet?

Seems to work for the cyclists around here.