driving lights = 3points - Page 4

xtremerus · 01-07-2009, 07:26 PM

Keepleft
As you seem to be up to date with the NSW traffic law, is it illegal to drive in daylight and clear weather with low beam headlights on?
This seems to me to be the same as daylight driving with 'Fog' lights on.
Can you be booked for headlights on now?

Spitfire 6.2 · 01-07-2009, 07:27 PM

Fog light are (should be) only 55W, the same as low beam, not 100W or 110W which most high beams are. Its no going to blind anyone. Around here lots of cars have fog lights on day and night and its rarely ever foggy. Is all for look, and hey why not, if youve got em, use em.
Youd have to be pretty unlucky to get booked for it, but I know, its the law. :togo:

JAYMZ · 01-07-2009, 07:33 PM

With my FG, i have the lights set on automatic. Therefore when it gets dark my lights turn on with the lights in the spoiler.

(note: i didn't refer to them as driving lights or fog lights as now this thread has made me more confused and i could be criticised)

Its the way Ford have set it up so not my fault if they don't like it.

**DJM83** · 01-07-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremerus

Keepleft
As you seem to be up to date with the NSW traffic law, is it illegal to drive in daylight and clear weather with low beam headlights on?
This seems to me to be the same as daylight driving with 'Fog' lights on.
Can you be booked for headlights on now?

Nope.
I drive with my low beam lights on all the time (Auto). Used to live in NSW and did the same thing. IMHO i think all cars made new soon as you turn the key low beam headlights should come on ala old Volvos

ILLaViTaR · 01-07-2009, 07:57 PM

It's about time.

They do blind people and in the wet they are a killer for oncoming traffic.
Now all they need to do is ban those stupid blinding white/blue headlights that seem to come with the same stupid euro cars as driving lights do.

500SEC · 01-07-2009, 07:59 PM

My pet hate on the road is the inappropriate use of fog lights....if (as the original poster says) your normal headlights don't work properly, then the action should be to rectify that problem... rather than inflict glare onto oncoming motorists..

What exactly do white fog lights do anyway?? In France, they're tinted yellow because oncoming traffic is more easily able to distinguish yellow light from white light, during foggy conditions. Makes sense to me, but you rarely see yellow fog lights in Australia.

I welcome a police crackdown on the great unthinking class who think that their appendage will look bigger if the front of their car is lit up like a christmas tree.

xtremerus · 01-07-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Nope.
I drive with my low beam lights on all the time (Auto). Used to live in NSW and did the same thing. IMHO i think all cars made new soon as you turn the key low beam headlights should come on ala old Volvos

So on a clear day, I can drive with low beam headlights, but will get the full force of the law on me, if I drive in the same conditions with just the Fog lights on.

:

Micksxboxmods · 01-07-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500SEC

I welcome a police crackdown on the great unthinking class who think that their appendage will look bigger if the front of their car is lit up like a christmas tree.

...lol by the tone of your post, sounds like you need fog lights then bud...jj couldn't resist :P

**DJM83** · 01-07-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLaViTaR

It's about time.

They do blind people and in the wet they are a killer for oncoming traffic.
Now all they need to do is ban those stupid blinding white/blue headlights that seem to come with the same stupid euro cars as driving lights do.

Yeah, and maybe they should ban the yellowed lenses on older cars aswell for poor light output

:

ILLaViTaR · 01-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAYMZ

With my FG, i have the lights set on automatic. Therefore when it gets dark my lights turn on with the lights in the spoiler.

(note: i didn't refer to them as driving lights or fog lights as now this thread has made me more confused and i could be criticised)

Its the way Ford have set it up so not my fault if they don't like it.

So it's not your fault even though you know it's illegal, yet continue to use the auto function despite being able to enable the headlights manually?

It is your fault, and playing ignorant makes it worse.

ILLaViTaR · 01-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Yeah, and maybe they should ban the yellowed lenses on older cars aswell for poor light output

:

Yeah because poor light output dazzles drivers

.

Yellow globes give more than ample line of sight, people have managed for decades with far inferior road lighting back then (reflectors, street lamps etc). Now people are getting lazier, dumb and most significantly worse at driving, the Why not just throw an artificial traffic sun in the night sky while we're at it?

If you can't see like all the other people have for the last century then maybe you need your eyes checked.

**DJM83** · 01-07-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLaViTaR

Yeah because poor light output dazzles drivers

.
Yellow globes give more than ample line of sight, people have managed for decades with far inferior road lighting back then (reflectors, street lamps etc). Now people are getting lazier, dumb and most significantly worse at driving, the Why not just throw an artificial traffic sun in the night sky while we're at it?

If you can't see like all the other people have for the last century then maybe you need your eyes checked.

Have a think about what you just posted.......
Poor light output is just as bad if not worse, at least you know the car is there if they have fog/driving/sic/fo shizzle lights on rather then yellowed poorly operating headlights.

burnz · 01-07-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Yeah, and maybe they should ban the yellowed lenses on older cars aswell for poor light output

:

as much as i dont like extra lights but, poor lighting fog light's are supposed to be dim.
as everybody knows that highbeam's only makes it harder to see on fog!

ILLaViTaR · 01-07-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Have a think about what you just posted.......
Poor light output is just as bad if not worse, at least you know the car is there.

You're exaggerating.

Yellow lighting is more than ample for vehicles.
You can see yellow low beams easily over a kilometers range that's fact, not opinion, you're talking as though the cars going to magically appear 4 meters away from you. I do see where you're coming from but in reality it's rather unrealistic.

geckoGT · 01-07-2009, 08:23 PM

My understanding of the common gripe is they are banned because some are badly adjusted and give a bit of glare. Well, I get glare more often from low beams that are poorly adjusted, so lets ban them too.

A compliant fog lamp can not blind oncoming traffic as it has a lower beam height than the low beam and are no brighter as they are the same wattage.

Why ban lights because some modify them or can not maintain them, in that case lets ban cars (not all are standard or well maintained) and go back to horses (at least we can rely on their better night vision.

**DJM83** · 01-07-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLaViTaR

You're exaggerating.

Yellow lighting is more than ample for vehicles.
You can see yellow low beams easily over a kilometers range that's fact, not opinion, you're talking as though the cars going to magically appear 4 meters away from you. I do see where you're coming from but in reality it's rather unrealistic.

Im talknig in regard to the blue/ bright white (Xenon/LED) lights that you were refering to.
Id much rather a car that is fitted with these or foglights/driving lights then poorly working dull yellowed lenses.

500SEC · 01-07-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micksxboxmods

...lol by the tone of your post, sounds like you need fog lights then bud...jj couldn't resist :P

Yep, maybe you're right. Every little bit helps, right ? :-)

Micksxboxmods · 01-07-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500SEC

Yep, maybe you're right. Every little bit helps, right ? :-)

lol...good to see this thread get a bit light hearted.

Thanks for the laugh mate

rep added!

Pinch · 01-07-2009, 08:35 PM

The only time people DONT use these things is when it is ACTUALLY foggy! Then they drive their silver and white cars with nothing on - not even park lights. Would like to see that fined too.

I just dont get it. Its not rocket science my fellow motorists.

**DJM83** · 01-07-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinch

The only time people DONT use these things is when it is ACTUALLY foggy! Then they drive their silver and white cars with nothing on - not even park lights. Would like to see that fined too.

I just dont get it. Its not rocket science my fellow motorists.

Agreed

**russellw** · 01-07-2009, 10:36 PM

Let us just clarify a couple of points here for the benefit of those asking.

The AU / BA / BF and FG models that are equipped with lamps fitted to the lower section of the bumper (below the line of the normal headlights) are fitted with FOG LAMPS with the exception of those that were fitted with the so called cornering lamps (Fairmonts and Fairlanes) that were outlawed anyway and thus were changed by Ford.

Since the ADR's were changed to no longer require the fitment of an isolation switch for Driving Lamps these are now wired to the high beam circuit where fitted.

The Fog Lamps in the vehicles mentioned above have an activation switch so that they can be turned on when required and it is these lamps that are the subject of the offence mentioned by the OP.

Whilst not a complete list here are the vehicles that were fitted with Fog Lamps ex factory.

AU1 TS50
AU2 TS50
AU3 TE and TS50
AU3 Models (including Fairmont) fitted with the optional Havoc body kit
BA Models fitted with the round lamps (the rectangular ones were parking (I) or cornering lamps (II))
FG XR and G-Series models

Basically if you have any of these and have them on under the wrong conditions and get caught then you can expect to be fined. End of story.

Cheers
Russ

geckoGT · 01-07-2009, 10:41 PM

Except in QLD where it is still not illegal.

DOC · 01-07-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellw

Let us just clarify a couple of points here for the benefit of those asking.

The AU / BA / BF and FG models that are equipped with lamps fitted to the lower section of the bumper (below the line of the normal headlights) are fitted with FOG LAMPS

BA Models fitted with the round lamps (the rectangular ones were parking (I) or cornering lamps (II))

Totally confused, my understanding ( talking xr model ) these were not fog lights but driving lights , now they by a change of rules are fog lights ?

it's no wonder people are confused I know i am am thats for sure as i am sure keep left put the stats up that driving lights they were ? i am not even sure in the manual if they are refered to as driving lights or fog lights ? but from memory ford messed it up and did not install the fogs and we ended up with these driving lights if thats what they are ? definatley not spottys or powerful and not in a sense a fog light more like a weak torch light

confused , wished there was a black n white from ford what these lights are ( or is there one )

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...9&page=1&pp=25

refering post = decrotive lamps and not applicable ?

geckoGT · 01-07-2009, 10:58 PM

The black and white is the lower lights on the XR and FPV's are fog lights. They were referred to as fog lights in the owners manuals for my BAI XR8, BAII GT and BFI Super Pursuit.

That is why they are linked to the park lights and the fog light switch, if they were driving lights they would be linked to the high beam.

That is the way they have always been, its just that sometimes people slip on terminology which causes confusion with others.

Green X · 01-07-2009, 10:59 PM

How do Fog lights blind you, they sit low and point towards the Road not the Sky, if ya getting blinded by fog lights they are bloody not aimed correctly.

Yes i have fog lights and 90% of the time they are tuned OFF, Do i find other car's with fog lights Blind me, not really the ones on SS's do tend to not be aimed to well thou.

DOC · 01-07-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

The black and white is the lower lights on the XR and FPV's are fog lights. They were referred to as fog lights in the owners manuals for my BAI XR8, BAII GT and BFI Super Pursuit.

That is why they are linked to the park lights and the fog light switch, if they were driving lights they would be linked to the high beam.

That is the way they have always been, its just that sometimes people slip on terminology which causes confusion with others.

Yes champ, but refer to the above link, if it's right then the lights in these are not fogs but decrotives, no more than a pretty light on my christmas tree that would i guess if not a fog light, then how are you fined for a fog light, these lights are no more than toys and would be hopless in fog if thats what they are supposed to be

mattp · 01-07-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Except in QLD where it is still not illegal.

From the RACQ website:
The use of front fog lights is not specifically mentioned in Queensland legislation at the moment, however drivers can be fined for using them in clear conditions as they can dazzle other drivers.
Queensland legislation will be altered during 2009 to make the use of front fog lights in clear conditions a specific offence, as it is for rear fog lights.

I've had mine on and driven past / behind many a cop car with ne'er a word being said, so it still seems to come down to individual cops etc. With the number of cars you see with them on, if they do crack down it'll be a bonanza. I personally can't say I've ever been 'dazzled' by fog lights though.

vztrt · 02-07-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Nope.
I drive with my low beam lights on all the time (Auto). Used to live in NSW and did the same thing. IMHO i think all cars made new soon as you turn the key low beam headlights should come on ala old Volvos

Its an option that you can have on the Falcons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

My understanding of the common gripe is they are banned because some are badly adjusted and give a bit of glare. Well, I get glare more often from low beams that are poorly adjusted, so lets ban them too.

Actually the VT-VZ ones aren't adjustable and this is where the problem stemmed from. But the Flac ones are adjustable.

geckoGT · 02-07-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattp

From the RACQ website:
The use of front fog lights is not specifically mentioned in Queensland legislation at the moment, however drivers can be fined for using them in clear conditions as they can dazzle other drivers.
Queensland legislation will be altered during 2009 to make the use of front fog lights in clear conditions a specific offence, as it is for rear fog lights.

I've had mine on and driven past / behind many a cop car with ne'er a word being said, so it still seems to come down to individual cops etc. With the number of cars you see with them on, if they do crack down it'll be a bonanza. I personally can't say I've ever been 'dazzled' by fog lights though.

Mate, half the cop cars I see have them on.

Micksxboxmods · 02-07-2009, 05:56 AM

Next they will be making high beam illegal, really, common sense prevails.

What I find more dazzling is those HID lights on late model Honda's etc with their prismatic colour and light angle change, they should be illegal, not a p!ssy little fog/ driving (call it what you will) light.

They would be better off fining those who cannot aim them correctly or have adjusted to aim higher.