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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 8 Hansard (9 August) . . Page.. 2921 ..

Motor vehicles-fog lights

(Question No 370)

Mr Wood asked the Minister for Urban Services, upon notice:

In relation to fog lights:

(1) What rules exist in the ACT in relation to the use of fog lights, usually yellow.

(2) Are these rules policed.

(3) How many cars now fit as standard, white lights below the headlights.

(4) Are these white lights regarded as fog lights.

(5) Are these extra lights able to be used without restriction.

Mr Smyth: The answer to the member's questions is as follows:

(1) Fog lights are defined by the Australian Design Rules and by the dictionary to the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2000 (the regulations). The fitting of fog lights to vehicles is prescribed by Schedule 1, Division 8.12 of the regulations. The Australian Road Rules restrict the use of rear fog lights and generally the use of lights to dazzle other road users. Rules 217 and 219 refer.

(2) Yes, these rules are policed by the Australian Federal Police, on-road vehicle inspectors and authorised inspection stations.

(3) It is not possible to estimate the number of vehicles that have standard fitted white lights below headlights. This will depend on manufacturers' discretion and choices made by consumers.

(4) White lights may be regarded as fog lights, providing they meet the relevant criteria regarding beam pattern, location and wiring in the Australian Design Rules and the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2000.

(5) No. The legislation precludes the use of rear fog fights unless the driver is driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility. The legislation also precludes the use of any light to dazzle another road user. Correctly mounted, aimed and wired fog lights should not dazzle other drivers.

In general terms, any light fitted to a vehicle that does not comply with the legislated requirements for fog lights, headlights, parking lights, daytime running lights, tail lights, brake lights, numberplate lights or indicator lights would be considered illegal and a defect notice may be issued.

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