Vehicle lights are a driver’s first line of defence when driving in the dark, in hazardous weather conditions, or in times when road visibility is poor.

1. Vehicle Lighting & Accessories:
Lighting the Way to Better
Driving
Outback Equipment
Phone: 1300 854 185
Email: info@outbackequipment.com.au

2. Vehicle lights are a driver’s first line of defence when driving in the dark, in
hazardous weather conditions, or in times when road visibility is poor.
Visibility is poor at any time when, owing to insufficient daylight or
streetlights, or in unfavourable conditions when people or vehicles on the
road are not clearly visible from a certain distance. This is where the various
lights of a vehicle come in handy.
The lights on vehicles have two primary functions: these light up the road in
front of the driver (at night or in poor conditions) and these make the car
more visible to other road users. Incorrect usage can make it difficult for
other drivers to see, and can result in fines or loss of points from the driver’s
licence.
Fog Lights
LED spotlights and other types of fog
lights are designed for driving in poor
visibility, such as fog, rain, dust, or snow.
It is also frequently a requirement that
the lights only be used in such conditions.
In NSW, for example, it is illegal to use
fog lamps when there is no adverse
weather or atmospheric condition that
restricts visibility. This lighting option is
common in 4x4 vehicles designed for off
road or outback driving.
As with all forward-facing lights, fog
lights should illuminate the road ahead
without dazzling other drivers.

3. Daytime Running Lights
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are
increasingly prevalent on vehicles in
Australia. These automatically come on
when the engine starts and is designed
to boost the vehicle’s visibility in
daylight.
A study by the European Commission
on Mobility and Transport found that
DRLs improved road safety. Drivers
reported that having the lights turned
on during the drive helped them
identify and recognise other vehicles
earlier.
In Australia, DRLs are not required,
but are permitted. It follows certain
requirements under the Australian
Design Rule 76/00.
Headlights
Headlights are required when driving from sunset to sunrise or in poor
conditions. In NSW, the law explains proper visibility as having “sufficient
visibility to see a person wearing dark clothing at a distance of 100 metres”.
These use a combination of a high beam and a passing/low beam. Drivers
use the low beam when there is oncoming traffic to avoid undue dazzle,
discomfort, or glare for other road users.

4. Vehicle owners should follow the design specifications for all aftermarket
accessories, including lighting options, by working only with reliable installers.
Drivers, meanwhile, should familiarise themselves with the dashboard knobs
and switches to avoid inadvertently switching any lights on.
Resources:
http://www.outbackequipment.com.au/product-category/spotlights-led-lights-
bars/spotlights/led-spotlights/
https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2013C00238
http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/the-drivers-handbook/driving-night
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/nsw-road-rules-
top-10-misunderstood.pdf