Odd number of driving lights illegal???

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it says one or more, up to a maximum of four, LED light bars can be fitted.

I don't see any mention of a requirement for pairs?

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

This is how stupid WA is - now they have made an exemption for LED light bars being able to be fitted with no pairing requirement.

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/media...VS_IB_132A.pdf

So according to this, I can fit 3 LED light bars but not 3 spotlights. Wonder what category the ARB type LED spotlights fall in to?

LED spotlights are different from LED lightbars. The old (WA) rule for spotlights still applies: must be mounted in pairs. The new and temporary allowance for lightbars is as previously mentioned: any number up to max of four. (And not mounted above bonnet line for forward facing lights) for all you cowboys with lights mounted up on your roofracks.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

LED spotlights are different from LED lightbars.

Yes they are, but not according to the definition provided by Department of Transport.

The notice I posted reads: 'LED light bar means a lamp which contains multiple LED light sources in one or more rows.'

Interpret the intention how you like, but that description covers LED spotlights.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Well I fought the law and I won!

I submitted a review of the infringement and they have both withdrawn it, and told me I can keep my three spotlights.

So now I can tell you how I did it...

In WA, vehicle specs are governed by Australian Design Rules (ADR) and by the Road Traffic (Vehicle) Regulations 2014.

Under Reg 289 of the Road Traffic Regulations, it states 'If 2 or more additional headlights are fitted to a motor vehicle with 4 or more wheels, the additional headlights must as far as possible be fitted in pairs.'

So that's the law I got done on, HOWEVER

Under Reg 230 it states 'A provision of Divisions 5 to 13 inclusive does not apply to a vehicle if - a) the provision is inconsistent with a requirement of a second or third edition ADR applying to the vehicle; and b) the vehicle complies with that requirement'

It is important to note here that Reg 289 sits under Division 8, so this means it's included.

So now if you turn your attention to ADR 13/00 which concerns installation of lighting, in July 2015 Clause 7.3.2.1 was amended where they removed the bit about additional driving lamps needing to be fitted in pairs and replaced it with 'Up to a maximum of four'.

SO, I argued that because Reg 289 is inconsistent with the ADR, and that the Reg 230 states if they are inconsistent, then that bit doesn't apply, they should withdraw the infringement.

Bare in mind though, you need to have them installed as per the other bits in the ADR, but yeah, three spottier is legal in WA! A win to the little guy!

Also, this is not to say I won't cop another infringement, because I don't reckon most traffic cops will be across this interpretation. So to try and prevent a road side argument, I am keeping a copy of the letter I sent to get the infringement reviewed in my glovebox.

[Guest Close Guest]

Good work, there's usually always some form of a legal loophole as most laws/ rules have a grey area when it comes to the AUS govt..


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[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Winner, winner.

Obviously your spot lights were not fitted above the bull bar.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

I think common sense is the winner here. To have previously allowed 2 or 4, but not 3 spotlights, just does not make any sense whatsoever.

And to be pulled over for such a petty ruling, and not even breathalysed at the same time, is even worse on behalf of the officer.

And you are right Bushie, my spotlights are not above my bull bar. The comply with all other ADR's.