Car Mod - LED Tail Light/Indicator/Brake Strip

OptimisticPessimist on 11/02/2018 - 17:09
Last edited 11/02/2018 - 18:47 by 1 other user

Hey all,

Just wanted to get some input on whether this particular item would be legal for use in NSW.

If anyone can find the relevant NSW legislation/rules that either permit or prohibit it, it would be appreciated.
Have tried looking up for specific information, and have had no luck (my google-fu is not sufficient).

Bear in mind, the blue light aspect, that comes on whilst driving will not be utilised, as I am aware that it is definitely illegal. However it is just the additional red brake light feature, the left/right indicator feature and reverse lighting aspects that will be used.

The LED strip is to be installed within the crevice of the boot lid and the top of the bumper, so it is out of sight, and only operates once the headlights are turned on. Essentially, other drivers won't see it unless the car is braking, indicating left/right or reversing.
The lights are not bright enough to dazzle or distract drivers, from what I've witnessed.

Here's a video of it in action Disregard the blue light, it will not be utilized.

It's pretty much a budget implementation of an Audi sweeping/dynamic indicator lights.

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2018 - 17:13
    -1

    there's better ways to modify your car.
    mods from ebay isn't one of them.

  • outlander on 11/02/2018 - 17:37
    +2

    The other modes are fine, but the turning ones are a bit confusing. I think you'd be rolling the dice if you had a police car behind you

  • Euphemistic on 11/02/2018 - 17:45

    Ha ha ha ha. Just: No.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2018 - 18:06

    Not cool at all

  • Switchblade88 on 11/02/2018 - 18:57
    +1

    Here you go:

    https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/design/download_ad…

    If you can prove to your mechanic that it's in line with the Australian Deisgn Rules (ADR) for a roadworthy, then if you ever get pulled over you can clarify to the officer that your mechanic has inspected and verified it is legal.

    Of course, if your mechanic is disinclined to accept the legal liability for such an ambiguous mod, you're on your own to prove to the officer that it complies with the ADR. And you also won't have a roadworthy for your next rego.

    From a cursory overview it would appear the biggest issue may actually be the indicators - they have to be a specific on/off timing (which is OK if it's tapping your existing lights) but the placement against the outer body corners is also important, and where you'll get unstuck. I doubt the red for braking will have any issues passing, nor the reversing white.

    Of course, if you're only left with using red and white LEDs, you could probably just get individual strips of each colour instead - which defeats the entire project anyway…

    • OptimisticPessimist on 11/02/2018 - 21:05

      Thanks for that, I do appreciate it. Will review the material.

  • myusername on 11/02/2018 - 19:04
    +1

    pretty sure because they emit a blue light it makes them illegal

    • OptimisticPessimist on 11/02/2018 - 21:05

      That I am aware of, and hence it will not be connected or used.

  • This Guy on 11/02/2018 - 23:16
    +1

    No, NSW's interpretation of ADR:

    "

    Avoid lights that may dazzle

    Do not use or allow any light fitted to your vehicle to dazzle another road user."

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/ligh…

    It lights up the back of your car. The whole point of it is the dazzle and impress other drivers with how awesome your lights are!

    The orange light could be classed as a flashing light as per:

    "

    Amber/yellow

    An amber or yellow flashing light warns road users of an obstruction to the free flow of traffic. Amber/yellow flashing lights may be fitted to vehicles which operate in hazardous situations, and must only be used when the vehicle is standing in a hazardous position or is moving in hazardous circumstances. The light does not have to be removed when the vehicle operates in non-hazardous situations but it must not flash.

    Examples of vehicles which can be fitted with amber/yellow flashing lights are:
    • Tow trucks.
    • Motor breakdown service vehicles.
    • Public utility service vehicles (eg street sweepers, garbage trucks and elevating platforms).
    • Special purpose vehicles, such as mobile cranes which exceed dimension limits.
    • Vehicles frequently used to transport loads that exceed maximum length, width or height limits (under permit or notice).
    • Escort vehicles for large, overdimension vehicles.
    • Milk delivery vehicles required to stop frequently.
    • Buses used for the conveyance of children to or from school.
    • Private security vehicles.
    • Volunteer vehicles not accredited by the State Rescue Board.
    • Council Ranger by-law officers."

    And if you can comply with that, they need to be fitted on your roof:

    "

    Location of lights

    Flashing warning lights must be mounted on top of the vehicle, except for Police and RTA enforcement vehicles, which are excluded from this requirement. They must be visible in normal daylight from a distance of at least 200 metres to drivers of vehicles approaching from any direction. Additional lights may be used on the vehicle to meet this requirement.

    To avoid distraction to the driver, the lens of any such flashing light must not be visible, either directly or indirectly, including in the rear view mirrors, to the driver of the motor vehicle or trailer to which it is fitted when that driver is seated in the normal driving position."

    www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/standards/vs…

    If you want to go right to the source:

    Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles) 2005

    "
    6.1.4. Additional direction indicator, hazard warning, stop, parking, end outline marker, rear and front position lamps and rear, front and side retro reflectors may be fitted to satisfy specific safety and operational requirements. These additional lamps shall be fitted as close as possible to the maximum height of the vehicle.

    6.1.5. Where additional lamps referred to in 6.1.4 above are fitted, the maximum height as specified in Appendix A for direction indicator lamps, stop lamps, parking lamps, end outline marker, rear and front position lamps and rear, front and side reflectors does not apply.

    6.1.6. In addition to the main-beam headlamps in paragraph 6.1 of Appendix A, a further two or four driving lamps may be installed as long as they comply with clause 7.3 of this standard."

    "
    7.3. ‘DRIVING LAMPS’

    7.3.1. Presence: Optional on motor vehicles. Prohibited on trailers.

    7.3.2. Number:

    7.3.2.1. Two or four.

    7.3.2.2. To be used in conjunction with headlamps.

    7.3.3. Arrangement:

    No individual specifications

    7.3.4. Position:

    7.3.4.1. In width no individual specifications.

    7.3.4.2. In height: no individual specifications.

    7.3.4.3. In length: at the front of the vehicle and fitted in such a way that the light emitted does not cause discomfort to the driver either directly or indirectly through the rear-view mirrors and/or other reflecting surfaces of the vehicle.

    7.3.5. Geometric visibility:

    No individual specifications.

    7.3.6. Orientation:

    Towards the front.

    7.3.7. Electrical connections:

    The driving lamps must be able to be lighted only when the main-beam headlamps switch is in the “lamps on” position.

    7.3.8. Tell tale: No requirement.

    7.3.9. Others:

    The aggregate maximum intensity of the main-beam headlamps as specified in paragraph 6.1.9.1 of Appendix A can be exceeded with the fitment and illumination of driving lamps. Driving lamps do not have to comply with ADR 46/…."

    https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013C00238

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