are light bars illegal?

[wes]

Dunno about SA but having spotties mounted and not connected is also an offence in WA - even if they are mounted in the right spot.

[Snort]

In vic I think spot lights shouldn't be higher than the headlights and must be wired to only come on when high beam are on

[Fat Chili]

I'd challenge the interpretation of section 7.3 of ADR 13.
I got pulled up many years ago due to running my cowl mounted spotties. A cop tried the hard line on me and kept pushing that I was not allowed to have them mounted there. I rattled off the ADR requirements and reference and I think I caught him out, he wouldn't let go of the issue but wouldn't give me a ticket...think he started to doubt himself. In the end I got advised to have them covered and was warned ---- oooh!

[LeighP]

People get confused....ADRs may be a basis for state registration rules, but you can't argue the ADR thing if the state regulations forbid something. Registration is a state based thing, controlled by state regulations. ADR's are a Federal design rule.
You also would have a hard time arguing against the lights being there "for off road use only"....since the regs say you can't mount lights up there...doesn't matter why you use them...use isn't covered in the regs.
There are a lot of people getting away with stuff like this...just some people get caught occasionally. For example, separately switched white flood lights on the rear of a lot of 4WDs are technically illegal....you aren't supposed to have white lights on the back of a vehicle unless they're switched on by the reverse light switch.....doesn't matter what your intended use is. Just another example of annoying rules that don't take into account why the lights are mounted.

[xdefender]

Originally Posted by LeighP

People get confused....ADRs may be a basis for state registration rules, but you can't argue the ADR thing if the state regulations forbid something. Registration is a state based thing, controlled by state regulations. ADR's are a Federal design rule.
You also would have a hard time arguing against the lights being there "for off road use only"....since the regs say you can't mount lights up there...doesn't matter why you use them...use isn't covered in the regs.
There are a lot of people getting away with stuff like this...just some people get caught occasionally. For example, separately switched white flood lights on the rear of a lot of 4WDs are technically illegal....you aren't supposed to have white lights on the back of a vehicle unless they're switched on by the reverse light switch.....doesn't matter what your intended use is. Just another example of annoying rules that don't take into account why the lights are mounted.

If it is true that ADR rules state you can't mount lights on the roof of your vehicle, why is it that most new European primovers like scana and mercedes have spotlight mounted above the windscreen s. The new volvo truck has two 8" LED bars on its roof from factory. And all trucks have work lights at the back and some have the on there mirrors.

[chris0375]

Plenty of work Utes also have rear facing white "work lights". I was under the impression if the switch wasn't in reach of the driver they were ok, but that is hearsay. Many vehicles cone with absolutely pathetic reverse lights. Many companies probably demand aftermarket ones are used. Imagine a utility company fixing something in the middle of the night and running someone over. I imagine work safe probably promote them. I guess it comes down the the individual using them if they are safe. Turning them on in a suburban Street in the middle of the night isn't going to hurt anyone. Often you see people turn them on in 80 and 100 zones. This is dangerous and does blind people. I guess to outlaw stupidity you have to impact everyone sensible at the same time.

[layback40]

Originally Posted by Snort

In vic I think spot lights shouldn't be higher than the headlights and must be wired to only come on when high beam are on

Your comment about being wired with high beam is correct. The bit about height I have never heard of.
Have a look at the lights mounted on some police cars.