NEW Updated Australian Road Rules For You!

[new2ford]

This thread's got stuck in a fog-lit rut! Keepleft, any other significant changes to ARR you want to highlight to us?

[Full Noise]

Thanks for posting this, Keepleft. Some very interesting reading here. I like division 3 - 145. I would love to see this enforced a little more than it is.

Cheers

[The G6ET Spot]

Originally Posted by Keepleft

EU is mandating DRL's, it remains an offence in *most* EU jurisdictions domestically, including Poland, to drive around with your front fog lamps on in clear weather, owing again - 'The Convention', again, front fogs are not UN-ECE Specification DRL's. It takes generations for on-road behavioural change to be seen following regulatory change.

NOTHING stops a country, like Poland, from making law to mandate the use of low-beam during the day - most EU authorities study the effects right down to how much extra energey is required etc when making changes.

The EU Transport Ministerial Directorate can issue 'directives' to any member mandating an action or not. Done usually as a last action.

REM - MANY MORE CHANGES TO THE ARR's - READ AND SEE.

And tell me how the traffic laws in Poland have anything to do with us. :

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by RAPID XR8

And tell me how the traffic laws in Poland have anything to do with us. :

It's called international standards RAPID XR8. Among other things in the bigger scheme of things it helps enable you as a visitor to drive in Poland using your Australian driving licence and a Polish visitor to Australia to do likewise. Small world.

[jakkes]

so i would right in saying xy falcon with original driving light set-up is O.K

[V3RSAC3]

i always use the fog lights when driving my mum's car ... i find they give more class ... i love them .. but i guess that now i have to stop "using" them!

[schmidty]

Originally Posted by DOC

well i am cunfused, simple question the lower lights on a B series xr / fpv are they a yes or a no ?

They are in the prohibited category, and i've got the fine to prove it! Couldnt believe it when i got it! Minding my own business, got targeted by a cop who was specifically and only booking people with driving/fog lights on. After he'd finished with me, took off and had another BA XR pulled over within 30 secs.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by nversace

i always use the fog lights when driving my mum's car ... i find they give more class ... i love them .. but i guess that now i have to stop "using" them!

I wouldn't say "class", **** factor perhaps.

[redranga]

Im glad that people cant drive with these lights on anymore. Im sick of getting dazzled by people with these lights using them in clear conditions.

Part of the problem if the way that they are mounted. The weak mounts allow the lights to move as the car hits bumps which makes them dazzle you.

I dont drive around the city with my driving lights on and I can understand why people drive with these crap lights on that only light up the road for a few metres.

If you want driving lights get proper driving lights that will outshine your high beam for country night driving, or put in yellow lense fog lights.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by police

Im glad that people cant drive with these lights on anymore. Im sick of getting dazzled by people with these lights using them in clear conditions.

Aside from certain late model Commodores, I have never been blinded or dazzled by these lights. Its a stupid law that lots of people will disobey, and I hope so many people disobey it that it doesn't become viable to enforce. That'll learn 'em.

[merlin]

I find the blue xenons on luxury cars far more annoying than fog lights which are normally aimed down and to the sides.

[Pedro]

[QUOTE=Steffo]Aside from certain late model Commodores, I have never been blinded or dazzled by these lights.QUOTE]


Neither have I.
The ones that do blind you are those richard craniums who drive around with their lights on high beam in daylight with the misguided belief that they are being safe citizens. Motor bikes are particular offenders. I'm sure the law pertaining to the use of high beam is the same for day or night. Why aren't these offenders targeted?

Anyone who is not alerted by a vehicle coming towards them in daylight with lights on low beam is vision impaired.

[Keepleft]

Originally Posted by Pedro

The ones that do blind you are those richard craniums who drive around with their lights on high beam in daylight with the misguided belief that they are being safe citizens. Motor bikes are particular offenders. I'm sure the law pertaining to the use of high beam is the same for day or night. Why aren't these offenders targeted?

They are, in NSW it attracts a single demerit point.

Issue as always as to police numbers and the number of HWP who are desk and paper bound, here, you enter politics.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by merlin

I find the blue xenons on luxury cars far more annoying than fog lights which are normally aimed down and to the sides.

Agreed. Although most of the time I am just envious of their vision..LOL

One thing is for sure, Keepleft you know your stuff.

[Full Noise]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Keepleft, you know your stuff.

In my “Maxwell Smart” voice: It’s his job.

Hey Keepleft.
I used to think that the sun was the brightest object known to mankind until a few weeks ago when some silly old bugger in a Camry Altise decided to sit behind me with his high beam on all the way from Broadford to Euroa on the Hume Highway. I think some of these cars have a built in radar that tells the knucklehead driver when he is exactly 200 metres behind the truck in front, so they know exactly when to annoy people. :hihi:

I ended up having to stop and let this bloke go past. Even when I lost speed on some of the hills, he just stayed at the same distance behind me. The funny thing is that when he was in front of me, his lights were pretty ordinary when it came to lighting up the surroundings, yet they are absolutely blinding when they are in your mirrors because of the wide beam.

I think it's time for the old fella to hand the licence in.

[ardei]

Originally Posted by Keepleft

NB - a P plate blitz begins in a week or so, this offence is also to be targetted.

: Thanks for the heads up, Keepleft. Any other details on this? (The P-Plate Blitz - Not the foglight thing)

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Pedro

Neither have I.
The ones that do blind you are those richard craniums who drive around with their lights on high beam in daylight with the misguided belief that they are being safe citizens. Motor bikes are particular offenders. I'm sure the law pertaining to the use of high beam is the same for day or night. Why aren't these offenders targeted?

Anyone who is not alerted by a vehicle coming towards them in daylight with lights on low beam is vision impaired.

Unless, of course, the oncoming vehicle has the sun or something very bright/white behind it.

As far as the keyboard warriors who are just going to break the law and have their foglights on because it is their GOD GIVEN RIGHT, well the traffic branch just LOVE your attitude, it gives them something to laugh about at the pub after work.
Remember all the "I will not wear a push bike helmet" heroes? One, up here, actually ended up in jail over it after he had been caught so many time the magistrate told him, once more and it will be contempt, and it was....

[colossus]

Originally Posted by ardei

: Thanks for the heads up, Keepleft. Any other details on this? (The P-Plate Blitz - Not the foglight thing)

It was on the news last night. In August they will blitz the new P plate laws in August as they said P platers were ignoring the passenger restrictions.

[sgt_doofey]

Thought that I would have a quick browse around the PDF and see what there was. Anyway, I have a question in regards to the use of hazzard warning lights. The rule is:
[CODE]221 Using hazard warning lights
(1) The driver of a vehicle fitted with hazard warning lights
must not use the hazard warning lights, or allow them to be
used, unless:
(a) the vehicle is stopped and is obstructing, or is likely to
obstruct, the path of other vehicles or pedestrians; or
(b) the vehicle is a slow-moving vehicle and is obstructing,
or is likely to obstruct, the path of other vehicles or
pedestrians; or
(c) the vehicle is stopped in an emergency stopping lane;
or
(d) the driver stops the vehicle to sell a product (for
example, ice creams) that may attract children onto the
road; or
(e) the driver is driving in hazardous weather conditions
(for example, fog or smoke); or
Lights and warning devices Part 13
Lights on vehicles (except bicycles, animals and
animal-drawn vehicles) Division 1
Australian Road 212 Rules – May 2007version
(f) the vehicle is a bus carrying children, and the driver
stops the vehicle to drop off or pick up a child and is
required or permitted to operate the hazard warning
lights under another law of this jurisdiction; or
(g) the hazard warning lights are operating as part of an
anti-theft device, or an alcohol interlock device, fitted
to the vehicle.[/CODE]
Now, my question is this: The Peugeot we have has a system where if you perform emergency braking, then the hazzard lights will flash to warn other motorists. Going by my interpretation of the rule above, such a warning system would be illegal, would it not?
Also, I use my hazzard lights to warn other motorists of obstructions/objects on the road. Is this also illegal? My interpretation of the rule would also say that it is.

[dallasv8]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

I for one am glad that this law has come in to effect. I always get dazzled by people driving the other way with fog lights, especially where I had to drive. I live outside of the metro area and there isn't any street lighting. Add a wet road and you can't even see where the road goes.
The Peugeot has fog lights (front and rear) on it and we never use them unless it's foggy.

im with you on this,most of my driving is on the highway and fog/drivng light weather its a Ba or a commode are often brighter than the cars low beam.

[Tiapan]

Originally Posted by Keepleft

Kyro - get the terminology right - they are not 'driving lamps' I suspect your referring to the BA series? These are non ADR'ed slip-throughs. For you, you can ignore the change in rule.


Steffo writes:
The VX-VY SS Commodore, but not the HSV products of same, were supplied with lamps, made in South Korea, that on 'supplied evidence' to then FORS suggested Compliance. The lamps do NO bear UNECE Compliance markings NOR do they bear FMVSS108 markings.

They were discontinued and so complaints from this source reduce as the cars die off. They should not have been permitted, rem though FORS (DOTARS) does not automatically test all supplied 'evidence'.


"Sidelights" in ADR and mothercode UNECE-speak - are "Sidelights-Position Lamps". Basically on a 12 volt system, are the 5 watt 'parkers' as Aussies call em.

They are a mandatory rule. The key 'reason' why these exist AND why they operate *always* - when the headlight switch is on low or high beam, is to serve as a backup signal to oncoming traffic that your low-beam has died, - SO that traffic on approach, or as you approach the rear of another at night - can still see your cars edge-outline. This reduces offset collisions.

So sorry, no out there.

The BA's so called 'decorative lamps' are also 5watts, just like the parkers located at headlight level. An ADR issued arose owing 'grouping' of lamps etc. You'd have not been able to legally fit both extra driving lamps or front fogs! All fixed now.

so what your trying to say is that the FORTARS are in compliance with the FUBARS who are dissagreeing with the BHRADDS but when overlookes by the HDGF commision all fog lights (FJFOWCKOWROGOB) are illegal if used in the day, as per the EOTMSJFKPGKPSOKJGJSOVPVAJR)AQ{KD{PAK{ aggreement???

[new2ford]

This "instructional" video from the Czech Republic will illustrate the issue of lights and indeed many of the other Australian driving "habits" we discuss on this forum - and which the ARR will grindingly seek to overcome:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtiz8...512%26page%3D6

First a disclaimer. This video was made by a crazy fool driving his Beamer illegally but if any of you have a moral problem with that just petend its a camera in a drone like in those nature programs. I don't endorse the circumstances of making this video. The extreme speed does however help highlight important aspects of driver education - present in Europe, absent in Australia.

Note the following:

1. Use of headlights (not driving or fog lights) in rural areas to help identify the position of a vehicle to someone overtaking in the opposite direction.

2. Keeping right (left in Australia) unless overtaking on multilane roads - but hard to see in this video as the "camera" is going so fast, but on the motorway those in the left (outside) lane are doing the limit of 130kph as they pass slower traffic on the right.

3. Drivers monitoring the rear vision mirror constantly so that they are aware of what is happening behind them so they can move over when somebody wants to pass.

4. Drivers moving right (read left for Australia) when somebody wants to pass, even on single lane roads (note Czech roads designed with generous shoulder so this is possible).

5. Not being aggressive to perceived tailgating (note the comment on the only driver who tried this Australian habit).

5. Slowing down to speed limit when passing through village/town (even the fool in the BMW).

Just a few points. Forum members will see others. Just a pity the video couldn't have a more benign origin. Sorry about the sweaty palms.

[PepeLePew]

Disturbing......travelling country roads daily I'll use my fog lights on the BA to enhance my visibility without using my highs...they're not dazzling I prefer this to blinding oncoming road users with highs and having to switch on/off constantly.

Now I can get in the crap for thinking about others...neat!

[Keepleft]

Originally Posted by PepeLePew

Disturbing......travelling country roads daily I'll use my fog lights on the BA to enhance my visibility without using my highs...they're not dazzling I prefer this to blinding oncoming road users with highs and having to switch on/off constantly.

Your 'highs'?? No one, nor this law suggests you drive around daily with your highbeam headlights on.

Rather, to serve the purpose of defacto "Daytime Running Lamps", use your low-beam headlights instead.

With the lamps located in the lower front bar, IF these bear the 'fog' E markings and codings listed earlier in thead, then don't use them in clear weather.

If no markings on the lens, do nothing - you shall or should be fine as you are. But -

IF you have actual ADR'd cornering lamps, as appear on some models, AND you have wired these up virtually full-time, THEN a defect can be issued. A Cornering lamp shoots a diagonal torch-like beam of light across the road.

Have you a front facing pic you could put up? It'd help if one could see the subject lamp.

[Aeron]

Originally Posted by Steffo

Why the hell should they be illegal? They don't dazzle or bring any harm to anybody. Chalk up another on the stupid laws list.

Some do dazzle. Its easy just to ban all of them in clear conditions. I dont see a problem with the rule.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by PepeLePew

Disturbing......travelling country roads daily I'll use my fog lights on the BA to enhance my visibility without using my highs...they're not dazzling I prefer this to blinding oncoming road users with highs and having to switch on/off constantly.

Now I can get in the crap for thinking about others...neat!

Being a country driver as well, I have to disagree on you with this. During the day, yes, they don't dazzle. They are more of a **** factor than anything.
However, at night time, I am constantly dazzled by the morons that drive with them on. Not to mention the idiots that leave their high beams on when traveling down a split highway just because there is a medium strip between us and them. Do they honestly think that I can't see their lights or that it doesn't affect my visibility at all?

If you think that the fog lights improve your visibility, turn off your low beams and see how much light they actually put out. It would be bugger all compared to what your low beams do. Our Peugeot only lights up about 10 metres in front of it with just the fog lights on.

[PepeLePew]

heheh I really have to learn to not post in a hurry....

When I say my highs, that means in situations Id NORMALLY use my high beams, and Im only talking about nights too.....hate the damn things daytime.

I find the combination of lows and fogs I can leave the highs off and not blind oncoming road users at night...and Sgt I also switch them off when vehicles are approaching. Its a compromise thats kinder on their eyes...

"If you think that the fog lights improve your visibility, turn off your low beams and see how much light they actually put out. It would be bugger all compared to what your low beams do. Our Peugeot only lights up about 10 metres in front of it with just the fog lights on."

Good Lord Sgt, what sort of tool do you take me for! As for their performance, they do just fine lighting up the SIDES of the road where the critters come from and provide 'fill'....hence why I feel safe enough not to use the highs.

Lows alone just dont work for me at 100km/h. Sheez you try and show some courtesy to other road users and people jump on you, whatever is the world coming to....

Originally Posted by Keepleft

NB - a P plate blitz begins in a week or so, this offence is also to be targetted.

I almost got done twice on Tuesday night. I went past a hwy patrol on the F6 in the median. As soon as I went past they turned on their head lights and were waiting to pull out so off my fog lights went. Within a matter of moments they came level with me with the driver looking at the front of my car. He then over took and went the same speed as me for a few mins. Then a Pulsar came past arond 120 and that got their attention instead. Then again I had them on whilst going home on Appin Road and as I got to around Rosemedow, a GD was heading the opposite way then turned into the street on my left. There was a bit of an embankment so I turned them off before I was in sight of them again. He did a u-turn and pulled me up for "an RBT"; checked the front then looked at their colleague in the car and shook his head at them.


I got my fulls on Wednesday and I'm still not used to being looked at by coppers or not given dirty looks for overtaking a slow car.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by PepeLePew

I find the combination of lows and fogs I can leave the highs off and not blind oncoming road users at night...and Sgt I also switch them off when vehicles are approaching. Its a compromise thats kinder on their eyes...

At least you do that. There is a lot that don't and they are the one's that dazzle me. Just remember, my comments are just my opinion and not necessary aimed at your behaviour alone.

Good Lord Sgt, what sort of tool do you take me for! As for their performance, they do just fine lighting up the SIDES of the road where the critters come from and provide 'fill'....hence why I feel safe enough not to use the highs.

Lows alone just dont work for me at 100km/h. Sheez you try and show some courtesy to other road users and people jump on you, whatever is the world coming to....

Considering you live at Gawler, we must drive the same roads. I actually live out in Tanunda and take the train from Gawler to work. I drive out along the Sturt Highway and along Gomersal Road back home. I personally prefer to use the high beams to light up the sides of the road and the road in the distance so I can see the animals and potholes on the road, rather than just low beams. Even on the Peugeot which has fog lights, I'd rather use the high beams and light up the whole countryside so I have that visibility, naturally dipping them for oncoming cars. I'd rather see for 1km or so in front of me rather than a few hundred metres that the low beams do. Much easier to see changes in conditions and gives you more time to react.
Oh, and if you see my stolen hubcaps on the side of the road, can you let me know? :