Car Headlights on at All Times When Driving

Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 13:07
Last edited 02/06/2023 - 15:35

This was law for a time (in Victoria) for all motorbikes headlights wired always on through ignition wiring to make the bikes more visible. A side effect of this was if the globe blew you couldn't legally ride anywhere to replace the globe, day or night. It was proven to be a stupid law and dropped.

A new suggestion in Victoria is car headlights on 24x7 whilst being driven. So any motorbikes with headlights on during the day will now disappear into the sea of headlights, again making an optional safety option for riders useless. Motorbikes need to be clearly visible AND heard. High-Vis gear is almost useless and camo gear just plain stupid.

Also, if a car has one or more headlights fail will they be unable to be driven day or night, including on bright sunny days? Will this headlights on 24x7 requirement not only apply to cars, but also motorbike, omnibus, truck, tram, pushbike, tractor, horse with or without cart, etc.?

I'm all for road safety but I remember the motorbike headlight rule, car headlights on in daylight greatly reduced any benefit of headlight flashing and also the old saying - people who drove with headlights on during the day were all idiots and that includes all Volvo drivers.

[EDITED] Missing "?" in para 3 inserted

Automotive

Comments

  • FoxJump on 02/06/2023 - 13:10
    +14

    it's okay there.
    We all already have, or will soon have, daytime running lights on the car.

    • spaceflight on 04/06/2023 - 13:18

      But DRL introduce other problems compared to not having them.

      On cars without automatic headlights (the feature should be a legal requirement, and is elsewhere) DRLs can lead people to think their headlights are turned on at night time when they are not.
      This means the car is less visible (especially with no lights in at the back) and also creates glare for other motorists as DRLs do not need to point downwards line headlights do.

      On daytime highway driving DRLs are less effective at preventing collisions versus normal headlights.
      Plus with DRLs fitted people may not manually turn their headlights on because they have DRLs (and that's being generous as most people just don't think to turn their headlights on during the day for highway driving…)

      Poorly designed DRLs (and there are plenty) also make indicators harder to see, and on some cars nearly impossible.

      • SydStrand on 04/06/2023 - 14:27
        +6

        DRLs can lead people to think their headlights are turned on at night time when they are not.

        Unless you're not observant to the point of not maybe 'shouldn't be allowed on the road,' I don't see how anyone can make this mistake. DRLs don't illuminate the road in front of you, and the interior of the car's dials will also be dimmed if the headlights aren't on. So if someone is wondering why they can't see anything inside or outside the car but continue to drive at night, they probably shouldn't.

        • Lord Ra on 05/06/2023 - 00:02
          -1

          I've seen this happen many times mate. Usually women, and Asian. Usually. The occasional P plater. Completely oblivious.

        • meong on 05/06/2023 - 08:28
          +1

          My car is the other way around… When the headlight is on, it will dim the dashboard lights and display.

          I've seen other cars do this as well.

          • Lord Ra on 06/06/2023 - 16:03

            @meong: Yep, this makes sense. As during the 'day' when the lights are off, the dash needs to be illuminated MORE. Happens on my Golf and Mazda this way.

          • SydStrand on 06/06/2023 - 20:53

            @meong: So at night, you run without interior dials lit? Madness.

            • meong on 06/06/2023 - 21:49

              @SydStrand: its dim, not turned off.

              the concept of dimmed dials at night ended when cars started putting electronic displays. so during the days, these 'LCDs' don't look quite as bright and requires extra brightness.

              older cars with non-LCD displays dont require any backlights to be visible during the day.

              similar concept as your phone or OLED smartwatches. it gets brighter during the day as there are more lights outside its harder to see whereas your old digital G-Shock watches or analogue watches dont require lights during the day but will be backlit at night

  • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 13:10
    +2

    Source for the suggestion?

    • buckster on 04/06/2023 - 11:04
      +1

      The suggestion is regarding Daytime Running Lights, not headlights. Just a bit of clickbait

    • Vater Woods on 04/06/2023 - 13:17
      +6

      Politicians are definitely out of touch.
      If they are in touch, they would crackdown on those neon headlights that act like highbeams, blinding incoming drivers.

      • ConsumerAffairs on 05/06/2023 - 00:02

        Prado's and Ranger's cough* cough*

        • Vater Woods on 05/06/2023 - 00:12
          +1

          I have noticed Mazda is the first, then followed by Benz and BMW, these ones, even the small sedan will blind you 2km away.

  • apple2016 on 02/06/2023 - 13:28
    +1

    A new suggestion in Victoria is car headlights on 24x7 whilst being driven.

    a policy created by politician who are literally blind…. Such a waste of resources!

    • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 13:32

      What is the policy?
      Who created it?

      • apple2016 on 02/06/2023 - 15:33
        +1

        not a policy yet. Its a proposal by Nick McGowan
        https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/victorian-mp-nick-…

        • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 15:42
          +15

          Proposed by a politician from a political party that is in disarray and unlikely to be in power for decades to come. This won't even make it to be a serious consideration.
          What a waste of a forum post by OP.

          • Leadfoot6 on 02/06/2023 - 15:55
            +9

            @GG57: I, for one, believe it is a good idea.
            I have been driving "headlights on" during daylight since the early 1980's.
            It is with no difficulty that I would recommend adherence to the proposal.
            It is amazing the number of cars that I see(and have to actively warn), even in twilight, with "headlights off".

            • Extreme on 03/06/2023 - 08:14

              @Leadfoot6: With the number of vehicles on the road today fitted with daytime running lights (DRL’s) it’s kinda a pointless idea.

              But if you wanted to entertain the idea, a better option would be to change the ADR’s to ensure DRL’s are a compulsory requirement for new vehicles.

              DRL’s are automatically on when headlights are switched off. So they’re a much safer option also. They prevent someone “forgetting” to turn them on.

              • Ghost47 on 04/06/2023 - 01:48
                +4

                @Extreme:

                DRL’s are automatically on when headlights are switched off. So they’re a much safer option also. They prevent someone “forgetting” to turn them on.

                I've noticed a large increase in people driving with their DRLs on at night but their lights off which is very dangerous not only for them but cars behind them also.

                Also seen plenty of drivers in cars without DRLs with their lights off at night. I think driver education is just getting worse these days for some reason.

                • Euphemistic on 04/06/2023 - 07:39
                  +1

                  @Ghost47: It’s much easier to miss that your lights aren’t on when there’s some light coming from the front from the DRLs and the dashboard is lit up.

                  Good old days the dash only lit up when the lights were on so if you couldn’t see the speedo, the lights needed to be on.

            • Antikythera on 04/06/2023 - 02:07

              @Leadfoot6: how do you "actively warn" the other drivers?

              before you answer, flashing high beams is illegal.

              • Leadfoot6 on 04/06/2023 - 03:59

                @Antikythera: Here is a comment on your comment:

                "Offences Under the Road Rules
                The use of headlights is governed by Rule 218-1 of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW). It is an offence to drive on a road with the high-beam headlights on if:

                There is another vehicle in front, travelling in the same direction within 200 metres; or
                There is another oncoming vehicle within 200 metres.
                The offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $2,200. However, generally police will only issue a penalty notice of $112 which incurs one demerit point.

                If a person wishes to dispute this fine then they can elect to have it heard in front of a Magistrate at Court.

                Once the fine is listed at Court, you will have to advise the Court whether you are pleading guilty or ‘not guilty’.

                If you plead guilty, the Court may be willing to dismiss the infringement and not record a conviction pursuant to Section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW). This will result in no fine being imposed and no demerit points being incurred as well.

                If you plead ‘not guilty’ and the Court agrees, then the charge can also be dismissed.

                But if you are found guilty and convicted, you will incur the demerit point and the fine can be increased up to $2,200.

                There is also Rule 219 of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) which sets out that the use of any light fitted in a vehicle to dazzle (or likely to dazzle) another road user can incur a fine of up to $2,200.

                Again, generally a police officer will usually issue an on-the-spot fine of $112. This will also incur a single demerit point.

                Hinder Police
                […..]"

                https://astorlegal.com.au/is-it-illegal-to-flash-your-headli…

                If the vehicle I am trying to warn is more than 200m away, it is not illegal.

                If a car is not using their headlights when it is twilight or indeed dark, I consider it my responsibility to warn them.

                I have never received an infringement notice for using this practice, and I have been doing so since my earliest days of driving since 1978.

                If I was to receive an infringement, I would challenge it in front of a Magistrate, not that it would get that far in the first place.

                Furthermore, what I do to warn other drivers is not only to "flash", but I also turn off my low beam & briefly/rapidly cycle it off/on.

                Most people understand this and turn on their lights without too much prompting.

                I was ALMOST collected by a car with headlights off at night and running a red light.

                I was lucky I was paying attention, but consider it my responsibility to ensure that I take an active role in preventing such potential mishaps.

    • Ade99 on 03/06/2023 - 07:44
      -1

      I think we also need to bring back some one walking in front of vehicles with a red flag! Despot Dan would subsidise it….he does every thing else!

  • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 13:39
    +6

    AND heard

    This keeps coming up and is frequently repeated but is there any evidence for it beyond the annecdotal?

    • Exhaust pipes face backwards which is great if the drivers also happen to be blind.
    • Cars are soundproofed,

    Random example.

    • spackbace on 02/06/2023 - 14:21
      +3

      Not to mention, they're subject to the same decibel limits as cars

      Despite the number of obnoxious harleys going around without getting pulled over for excessive noise

      • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 14:24

        Despite the number of obnoxious harleys going around without getting pulled over for excessive noise

        They're easy enough to report to your local state's EPA. eg NSW.

        • spackbace on 02/06/2023 - 14:25
          +6

          Then they swap the muffler, get inspected, then put it back on again

          Same thing has been happening with modified cars for decades

          • ass3ts on 04/06/2023 - 10:28
            +1

            @spackbace: It's still an annoying and time-consuming process. Make them go through it several times and the majority would give up eventually.

    • Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 15:32
      -7

      I had a car on my right, beside me in a 2 lane road, fairly heavy moving traffic, changed lanes and hit me "because he didn't see me there". I had been beside him for probably 2 - 3 minutes not splitting traffic.

      If I had loud(er) exhaust on my Harley he might have at least heard me because car drivers don't look out properly, it's always "I didn't see him".

      Luckily he didn't swing over too fast (hard) and only broke two of my toes with front tyre hitting my foot along with bending my rear brake lever. And yes, I had boots on, not Japanese safety boots either.

      It didn't cost or save my life but in a different situation anything could have happened. Oh, and headlights didn't matter in this situation.

      • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 15:45

        It's always hard to judge based on simply a comment but as a rider, I would seriously be concerned about a driver who didn't notice you for 2-3 minutes. I feel like this would likely come under situational awareness and positioning.

      • StingyBritches on 03/06/2023 - 08:35
        +7

        Sitting BESIDE a car is a recipe for disaster. I try to avoid being in blind spots or ‘beside’ a tin top.

        I have running lights on my bike and they’ve ‘saved’ me heaps of times.

  • Seraphin7 on 02/06/2023 - 13:43
    +2

    Only in the land of government would it make sense to make it illegal for a vehicle to be driven in bright sunny conditions without headlights operating even if the sole purpose for driving was to have the headlights repaired.

    • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 14:10
      +2

      Is it illegal?
      All I've seen is OP's statement of a supposed 'suggestion', and OP asked a question (without a ?) about what would happen in the case of headlights needing a replacement bulb.

  • pegaxs on 02/06/2023 - 13:48
    +22

    They are talking about DRL not main lights. The article you read was most probably going for the outrage narrative and click bait… A title like "DRL may become mandatory" doesn't generate as many clicks as "OMG!! GOVERNMENT SAYS; YOUR HEADLIGHTS NEED TO BE ON ALL THE TIME!!! KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!"

    • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 13:56
      +6

      It seems 9News and Daily Mail went with this angle. Truly awful reporting.

      • pegaxs on 02/06/2023 - 14:08

        It wasn't as bad as the ABC article on EV batteries ended up in landfill. That was like something right out of a Sky News report.

        • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 14:13

          Wow. Just had a look at that article.

          That is some real incompetence in letting that get to publication. Hopefully, they post a correction to that.

          • pegaxs on 02/06/2023 - 14:45

            @ihfree: Almost like the ABC is still taking donations from big fuel companies and Liberal politicians…

            I expected the ABC to at least be a little more down the middle with their reporting, but this just sounds like it was written by big fuel and posted as a news article without vetting any of it.

      • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 14:11

        Perhaps that is why OP didn't provide a link to the supposed 'suggestion'.

        • Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 15:40
          -2

          Perhaps you are right. I saw a few reports on this pollie's brainwave. I couldn't quote one or be bothered trying to remember the headline seeking pollie's name either.

          And for cars, bikes, etc. that don't have DRL's it'd have to be a headlight scenario.

          • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 15:47
            +4

            @Chris Topher:

            And for cars, bikes, etc. that don't have DRL's it'd have to be a headlight scenario.

            Yeah, that's not what is proposed. From another article:

            He(Victorian MP) also wants Victoria to lobby the federal government to make daytime running lights (DRLs) mandatory on all new cars.

            • Sleeqb7 on 03/06/2023 - 10:16
              +1

              @ihfree: Disappointed with OzBargain that I had to get this far down the replies before this was posted.

              DRLs mandatory on all new cars is the actual suggestion.
              Nothing to do with headlights, nor other vehicles, nor older vehicles.

              Same legislation was passed in Europe years ago as it was supported by multiple studies to be beneficial to road safety.

    • SBOB on 02/06/2023 - 15:20

      The article you read was most probably going for the outrage narrative and click bait

      what… no way.. they wouldn't. That seems unethical :)

    • JimmyF on 02/06/2023 - 16:03
      +2

      They are talking about DRL not main lights.

      Don't let facts get in the way of a good old VIC bashing rant!!!

      Also wait till they find out a lot of cars already have DRL enabled.

  • freefall101 on 02/06/2023 - 13:53
    +2

    So any motorbikes with headlights on during the day will now disappear into the sea of headlights, again making an optional safety option for riders useless

    People tend to try avoid motorbikes and cars while driving. If I see lights out of the corner of my eye I will react regardless of whether it is a car or a motorbike, I won't go "oh, that's just another car, I can ignore it".

  • MITM on 02/06/2023 - 13:57

    Should be illegal to drive a car with headlights on full beam in cities - day or night.

    • apple2016 on 02/06/2023 - 15:36

      Why only cities? all populated areas would be more appropriate!

    • Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 15:43
      +1

      I thought it was already, in many situations too, oncoming traffic, street lighting area, etc.

    • Leadfoot6 on 02/06/2023 - 16:54
      +2

      High beam is often useful in cities/built up areas where the installed street lighting is substandard to some extent.
      I frequently use high beam at night in cities/built up areas providing that there is no oncoming cars.
      And I use headlights on during the day every time I drive.

      • MITM on 02/06/2023 - 20:58
        -1

        Are you sure you don’t have Optic Neuritis ?

        • Leadfoot6 on 03/06/2023 - 01:06

          I am diabetic, and am required to have an eye exam every year.
          I also have an examination by my ophthalmologist every 18 months.
          Neither have noted the condition that you referred to.
          Neither was it hinted at when I was required to have an even more thorough eye examination back in the day when I was studying for my Commercial Pilots Licence in the 1990's(not completed).
          What I do have is an over 40 year "at fault" accident free driving record.
          I have been driving "headlights on" in the daytime since the early 1980's.
          Such a procedure was recommended to me by my personal advanced driving instructor Barry Lake r.i.p., former editor of Motor/Modern Motor Magazine.
          https://www.drive.com.au/news/australias-motor-magazine-axed…
          https://premium.goauto.com.au/vale-barry-lake/
          I happily take his advice even today 40 odd years later.

  • Protractor on 02/06/2023 - 13:57
    +3

    If visibility was as important as insisted, all cars would be fluoro in colour and none would be metallic grey.Or the trendy new shiny undercoat grey . The problem is idiots and driver behaviour. But that doesn't stop the Emperors New Clothes brigade from dominating superfluous policies. Orgs like the RAC,NRMA,Raod Safety etc should stop requiring change for change sake, and concentrate policies directed to getting morons off the road. Penalties for the 'actual' major risks should be 3 strikes and bye bye license.For life.
    Headlights are not an impenetrable force field."I didn't see you", would be one of the favourite go to excuse with or without HL, in most collisions.
    (Perhaps MC should be the focus, and carry spare globes or use a better tech globe)

    The advocates for "headlights always" on get pretty precious about it. Moreso where it ISN"T compulsory.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 14:02

      all cars would be fluoro in colour

      Yes! Like the Mazda 2 in Kermit Green

      • Antikythera on 04/06/2023 - 02:12
        +1

        torana in burnt orange

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2023 - 09:49

          And here I was thinking the Suburu XV was the pioneer in that colourway.

          Torana with the racing stripes for the can't-miss-it on-the-road

  • payless69 on 02/06/2023 - 14:00

    I wish for more consistency at night where some cars almost disapear in a see of LED and HID lights. It surely is also hard on bike riders.

  • rumblytangara on 02/06/2023 - 14:03
    +4

    A new suggestion in Victoria is car headlights on 24x7 whilst being driven. So any motorbikes with headlights on during the day will now disappear into the sea of headlights, again making an optional safety option for riders useless. Motorbikes need to be clearly visible AND heard. High-Vis gear is almost useless and camo gear just plain stupid.

    That's a bit of stretch, isn't it?

    I thought the point of headlights on anything (car, motocycle, bicycle, whatever) was to make that object more noticeable out of the corner of the eye.

    It's not to differentiate motorcycles from cars.

  • Kramo on 02/06/2023 - 14:06
    +6

    100% on board with DRLs being required on all new cars. Exactly how that happens, or how it impacts existing vehicles could be done in an annoying way, but that's all policies. Especially before it's even been raised properly as a suggestion.

    Dunno how this turned into a rant about "THE POLICE STATE WILL MAKE YOU HAVE YOUR HIGHBEAMS ON ALL THE TIME".

    • Sleeqb7 on 03/06/2023 - 10:17
      +1

      Dunno how this turned into a rant about "THE POLICE STATE WILL MAKE YOU HAVE YOUR HIGHBEAMS ON ALL THE TIME".

      OP didn't read the thing they were complaining about :(

  • 2jzzzz on 02/06/2023 - 14:15
    -4

    Uncle Dan will also ban you from blinking while driving.

    • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 14:27
      +4

      You'll be glad to know that this push comes from a Liberal MP. 9News

      Victorian drivers could soon be driving with their headlights on during the day, under a fresh push from a Liberal MP.

      You'll also be glad to know that this is just a case of a headline to generate outrage and this is actually for making DRLs mandatory on new vehicles.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 14:16

    It is a quick and easy way to guage whether a car is moving or not from a glance.
    Lights on = vehicle is part of traffic, use caution.
    Lights off = vehicle is parked.

    • kerfuffle on 02/06/2023 - 14:42

      I’ve seen way too many lights off on vehicles part of traffic in the dark.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 15:15

        You can't put brains in statues.

  • lostgoat on 02/06/2023 - 14:44
    +1

    What somebody on a coffin with 2 wheels is worried about safety ?
    Worry about the main danger people looking at screens and it doesn't matter if lights are on or off.

  • GordonD on 02/06/2023 - 14:49
    +1

    While it would technically be illegal to drive a vehicle anywhere to get a failed headlight fixed if headlights on during the day was required, you would get the answer from the politicians that I got when I complained that because it was illegal to use my phone I couldn't ring up to report being stuck for 45 minutes at a traffic light that was stuck on red. That answer is that the police could use their discretion to not book you. And if they chose not to exercise their discretion, you would have the opportunity to ask the magistrate to exercise his.

    For example, I have driven past a police officer on the way to getting a broken exhaust system fixed. I did it slowly, making the least amount of noise you can with no muffler.

    • Protractor on 02/06/2023 - 15:13
      +3

      Most ppl would just step outside said red light held up vehicle and make a legal roadside phone call, given no-one was going anywhere in your lane.

      • Antikythera on 04/06/2023 - 02:14

        the infringement on the ticket would then be "parking too far from the curb."

        my brother once threatened to book me for this when I parked on the wrong side of the road.

        • Protractor on 04/06/2023 - 18:21

          I'm looking fwd to seeing that scenario on a Current Affair. Because frankly it would be that rare an event it would be an outrage I tells ya. If a red light has been pumping red for 45 mins I think you are entitled to report it. You'd be a dick to book someone for that.
          Parking on the wrong side of the road? He should thrown the book atcha, you rebel.

  • netjock on 02/06/2023 - 15:37

    car headlights on in daylight greatly reduced any benefit of headlight flashing

    Lucky I got a DRL, headlights and high beam separate. Check your cars folks, prices are going to go through the roof

    Dan should always drive their his lights on because he wouldn't have fallen into the budget black hole. Victoria is turning into a fiscal black hole with bright lights. Not sure what came first

    Driving with lights does help to avoid accidents, if the other people are paying attention

    • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 15:44
      +1

      I am now informed that this 'suggestion' was made by an opposition (Liberal) politician. Victorian Labor and Dan Andrews has nothing to do with it.
      The 'suggestion' won't even get to be a thing.

    • Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 15:58

      "if the other people are paying attention" headlights wouldn't make any difference.

      Driving is not like it was. A Sunday drive, for example, used to be a pleasure trip. Now-a-days it's 7 days a week peak hour. The roads are crowded, we have many drivers from all over the world, differing driving habits and experiences.

      How can you tell if that car coming toward you is or isn't a stolen car with an uncaring stoned waste of a life driving. Stopping at red lights are optional for some as are speed limits.

      Driving is when you have to now, not when you simply want to. And headlights on during the day is good in inclement conditions, not when crawling in traffic.

      • Protractor on 02/06/2023 - 16:37
        -1

        There too many humans, full stop.

      • Leadfoot6 on 02/06/2023 - 17:21
        -1

        No.

        Not stopping at red lights is VASTLY more likely than "speed kills" to result in an accident.

        • Leadfoot6 on 03/06/2023 - 23:53

          Someone disagrees and downvoted me.
          A number of times on this forum(and elsewhere) I have made the point that I speed, but have not had an "at fault" accident in over 40 years.
          There have been TWO non at fault accidents that I experienced in that time.
          One was the other driver did not stop at a "Stop" sign…..bang…..not my fault.
          Two was the other driver did not obey the red light…..bang…..not my fault.
          MY IMMEDIATELY PREVIOUS POST STANDS UNCORRECTED THANKS MR DOWNVOTER OR DISBELIEVER.

      • Ghost47 on 04/06/2023 - 01:55

        If your location is accurate, you probably still have it good. IMO driving in metro Melbourne is still pleasurable, although on long weekends I'm sure it'll be a lot worse going to places like Phillip Island, Daylesford, Marysville etc.

        I do agree that the amount of idiots on the roads have increased a lot in the past few years. 5-6 years ago I hardly saw anyone driving at night without their lights on, these days I pretty much see it 2-3 times a week, it's bizarre.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 15:44
    +3

    Driving with lights does help to avoid accidents

    Driving with headlights turned on in the middle of the day is super annoying to the driver/s of vehicle/s in front of the eejit who has their headlights on.

    • Caped Baldy on 02/06/2023 - 16:14

      True, though I prefer this over the cars without lights on when it rains

      • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 16:28
        +2

        It's all about knowing when to turn on certain lights depending upon road & weather conditions.

        • Caped Baldy on 02/06/2023 - 16:32
          +3

          Agreed but there's a ton of drivers that are too brain dead to know this.

          • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2023 - 16:54
            +2

            @Caped Baldy: Too many, unfortunately.

    • SteveD on 03/06/2023 - 15:07

      I am not against DRLs or keeping lights on during the day, but one thing we are all forgetting here is, if someone cannot see a car or motorbike during the day without lights ON, you should NOT be on the road.
      The way we are going, in the near future, life jackets will be made mandatory for all swimmers. LOL!!

      • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2023 - 19:36

        DRLs are fine - headlights during a sunny or even an overcast day are not. If it's a vision thing then that's even scarier.

        As someone who volunteered to do lifeguard duty at our local pool when I was in HS, I would have preferred that all 'swimmers' wore life jackets. There are alot of people who cannot swim who think they can!

  • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 15:45

    What a stupid forum post.

  • Euphemistic on 02/06/2023 - 15:53
    +3

    It won’t be retrospective.

    You can still drive a car without seatbelts - if it was built before the rules changed. You can still drive a car without a third brake light - if it was built before the rule changes. You can still drive a car with out airbags, ABS - etc etc despite those things being mandatory on new cars.

    DRL are almost standard.

    • Chris Topher on 02/06/2023 - 16:16
      -1

      "It won’t be retrospective."???

      It will if(!) it is law. If cars etc. must have headlights on, they all will. All cars were made with headlights.

      Seatbelts must be fitted on change of the registered owner, as in sold, etc. A RWC must be obtained and they are required to be retrofitted.

      • lostgoat on 02/06/2023 - 16:18

        All cars were made with headlights.

        What about that poor car in Cars ?

      • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 16:21

        Not all cars were made with DRLs though and that's what's being discussed. Maybe have a read of a few articles or read what the MP actually said before continuing this otherwise we're just talking about an imaginary scenario.

        • GG57 on 02/06/2023 - 16:31

          The MP is an opposition (Liberal) politician, so it is imaginary and very unlikely the 'suggestion' will ever progress.

          • Protractor on 02/06/2023 - 16:40
            +1

            @GG57: That explains in.
            Lights are on,but nobody's home.

          • ihfree on 02/06/2023 - 16:49

            @GG57: I know - just trying to keep the conversation to what was actually proposed.

      • Euphemistic on 02/06/2023 - 17:20

        Seatbelts must be fitted on change of the registered owner, as in sold, etc. A RWC must be obtained and they are required to be retrofitted.

        Got any reference for that? I’ve just had a bit of a look and can only find that seatbelts are only required to vehicles lost 1969 and pre 69 only to those factory fitted.

        IF they are retro fitted, it’ll likely be noted on the rego and they’ll need to be maintained but otherwise I can’t see where they are REQUIRED to be retrofitted.

  • GordonD on 02/06/2023 - 19:51

    Sometimes I don't want to be visible and noticed, thanks. Like when I'm doing a bit over the speed limit on a country road by the cop a kilometre away with a laser speed gun that can get readings at that distance before I see him hiding in the bushes.

  • kyle on 02/06/2023 - 23:49
    +1

    Should be a recommendation not law.

    But how about people go and fix their non functioning headlights, tail lights and turning lights? Too many of them on the road and it's annoying and dangerous.

    • lostgoat on 03/06/2023 - 08:21

      From my experience you have to watch out for people that have not turned their headlights on very carefully when it has just turned dark.
      Meaning specifically looking out for them at that time . Especially at intersections.

      • kyle on 03/06/2023 - 08:46

        It feels like for some people they don't like turning on their lights when it's very early in the morning or about to turn dark. Or maybe they didn't realise? I used to have a CRV that had a really bright dash thinking that the lights were already on. That car didn't have auto lights.

        • bobwokeup on 03/06/2023 - 13:15

          I’ve noticed that too, I reckon it’s either they are stubborn as all hell or are just plain stupid/oblivious to what the majority are doing (not to be a sheep and follow but to do it for safety).

        • Euphemistic on 03/06/2023 - 13:49

          I used to have a CRV that had a really bright dash thinking that the lights were already on.

          Lots of cars seem to be built this way now. It used to be really obvious that if you had a hard time seeing the speedo, need lights on. Now it’s worse with a dash always lit up and DRL providing some light out the front too.

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