Law change - Daytime headlights and ban on handheld devices

[MaxB]

I guess I might be one of the business users affected. I rely on giving quick replies to clients or they go somewhere else.

You don't need a hands free kit with some phones, it is built in. I got a good price on a phone that is totally hands free. It lives on clip attached to the sun visor. I just talk to it to bring it out of stand by and tell it to dial preset numbers. I never have to take my eyes off the road.

Overall I reckon the new phone law is a good one.

I don't think the headlight law is all that flash. They just dont seem to have thought it through. There should be exemptions if your bike is over a certain age (20 years say) or has a marginal charging system. The mopeds at work often have flat batteries in the winter.

The other point is that how would you even know your dipped beam has failed during the day? Anyone on tour could ride for hours between stops.

[peasea]

I guess I might be one of the business users affected. I rely on giving quick replies to clients or they go somewhere else.

You don't need a hands free kit with some phones, it is built in. I got a good price on a phone that is totally hands free. It lives on clip attached to the sun visor. I just talk to it to bring it out of stand by and tell it to dial preset numbers. I never have to take my eyes off the road.

Overall I reckon the new phone law is a good one.

I don't think the headlight law is all that flash. They just dont seem to have thought it through. There should be exemptions if your bike is over a certain age (20 years say) or has a marginal charging system. The mopeds at work often have flat batteries in the winter.

The other point is that how would you even know your dipped beam has failed during the day? Anyone on tour could ride for hours between stops.

I agree.

You could pop a bulb and the cops would not take any view other than to fine you, that's a fact. I think it's another revenue gatherer myself, but the phone thing while you're driving is a no-brainer. (That's why they employ the police to enforce the new law.)

I made a submission regarding the no-lights law as soon as I heard about the impending change to the regulations (did you?) and my argument was that the classic bike fraternity would be unfairly disadvantaged. There are many classics bikes out there that cannot run with the lights on for more than a few k's. I suggested a cut-off point of the mid-eighties, like the emissions thing, but it would appear that my submission fell on deaf ears.

Most modern bikes can sustain a 'lights on' rule but many classics' electrical systems are not up to it. It's going to be interesting to see how they cope.

Hands up those who made submissions!!!!

[cs363]

I agree.

You could pop a bulb and the cops would not take any view other than to fine you, that's a fact. I think it's another revenue gatherer, myself but the phone thing while you're driving is a no-brainer. (That's why they employ the police to enforce the new law.)

I made a submission regarding the no-lights law as soon as I heard about the impending change to the regulations (did you?) and my argument was that the classic bike fraternity would be unfairly disadvantaged. There are many classics bikes out there that cannot run with the lights on for more than a few k's. I suggested a cut-off point of the mid-eighties, like the emissions thing, but it would appear that my submission fell on deaf ears.

Most modern bikes can sustain a 'lights on' rule but many classics' electrical systems are not up to it. It's going to be interesting to see how they cope.

Hands up those who made submissions!!!!

We were discussing this today and you echo my thoughts to the letter peasea I can just imagine someone riding say Wellington to Auckland or whatever on a Sunday, blowing a headlight bulb and getting busted for it. Not so bad for modern bikes as you say, at least those that take an H4 bulb as you'll more than likely find one of those at a servo, but for anyone running odd bulbs or old bikes it's a bunch of unnecessary drama IMO.
Not to mention that with the campaign to encourage cars to light up during the day, the point of difference will be gone too.

I have to admit I didn't make a submission as I wasn't even aware of this until I saw the news article saying it was being introduced.

[peasea]

We were discussing this today and you echo my thoughts to the letter peasea I can just imagine someone riding say Wellington to Auckland or whatever on a Sunday, blowing a headlight bulb and getting busted for it. Not so bad for modern bikes as you say, at least those that take an H4 bulb as you'll more than likely find one of those at a servo, but for anyone running odd bulbs or old bikes it's a bunch of unnecessary drama IMO.
Not to mention that with the campaign to encourage cars to light up during the day, the point of difference will be gone too.

I have to admit I didn't make a submission as I wasn't even aware of this until I saw the news article saying it was being introduced.

AND that's the way those fuckers work!

You don't know until it's a done deal!

I actually don't mind riding with my light on, my bike is 'hard-wired' for it anyway. However, I used to ride a 1968 Triumph and the electrics were less than 'brilliant'. I feel for those guys/gals with classics and there should have been an exemption.

[cs363]

AND that's the way those fuckers work!

You don't know until it's a done deal!

I actually don't mind riding with my light on, my bike is 'hard-wired' for it anyway. However, I used to ride a 1968 Triumph and the electrics were less than 'brilliant'. I feel for those guys/gals with classics and there should have been an exemption.

As a matter of interest where was it advertised? Bastards..

I'm the same as you, both road bikes are hard wired anyway - and luckily both H4's. Definitely should have been an exemption for classics, say pre-1980 or something similar.
What is the penalty if caught riding without a headlight on?

[CookMySock]

I think you guys are making too much of this headlight thing.

Firstly, a little bit of thought (someone has suggested superbright white LEDs) will probably offer a good solution (and maybe save someones life) and also I don't think a cop is going to bust someone heavily for a blown filament.. Even now, if you stopped for not indicating and its just a bulb they will tell you go sort immediately and not book you.

Also if your dip filament pops, just use highbeam.. No one cares that much during the day.

Steve

[cs363]

I think you guys are making too much of this headlight thing.

Firstly, a little bit of thought (someone has suggested superbright white LEDs) will probably offer a good solution (and maybe save someones life) and also I don't think a cop is going to bust someone heavily for a blown filament.. Even now, if you stopped for not indicating and its just a bulb they will tell you go sort immediately and not book you.

Also if your dip filament pops, just use highbeam.. No one cares that much during the day.

Steve

It's not so much the headlight thing itself, as you make valid points regarding alternatives - though even then there may be some issues for (much) older bikes.
It's more the way it was sneakily put through and the fact it's one more thing to be hassled over. Not to mention the fact I'd thought we'd left this sort of nanny state crap behind us with the change of government.

Seems to me it might have been more effective to just make it a WOF requirement that the headlight is permanent on for bikes registered after a certain date as there are obviously bikes built to this spec for many markets already. Rather than making a somewhat heavy handed ruling that it's a ticketable offence not to have a headlight on at all times on all bikes as seems to be the case.

It would be good if someone can clarify the exact ruling and penalties, as all the reports I've seen so far are a bit vague on this.

[scumdog]

The sad thing is this has already happened. Last I heard field trials of automated roads are underway in the states.

Just look at the list of 'aids' in a modern vehicle - they do all but drive the p.o.s for us.
i.e.:

Terrain Response Systems
Hill-descent aids,
Stability control
Traction control
ABS
Rain-sensing wipers
Cruise control
Automatic headlight switching
etc,etc

and to a lesser extent:

Heated exterior mirrors (that probable never get used)
Headlight washers
Reversing sensors

[The Stranger:Me]

Hill-descent aids,

All vehicles have this - it's called gravity.

[scumdog]

All vehicles have this - it's called gravity.

Ahh, but some come with 'Special Gravity'!

[peasea]

As a matter of interest where was it advertised? Bastards..

I'm the same as you, both road bikes are hard wired anyway - and luckily both H4's. Definitely should have been an exemption for classics, say pre-1980 or something similar.
What is the penalty if caught riding without a headlight on?

To be honest I don't recall seeing any ad's, I was forwarded an email about it and a link to make submissions. I took the time to write a submission and suggested a cut-off date of the mid-eighties. I think I mentioned it on kb, not sure, if I didn't; my bad. I did forward the emil to everyone I know with a bike though, many of whom own vintage/classic bikes.

It's like a lot of things; you don't hear about them until it's too late. Many years ago I was secretary of the American Classic Car Club and we got wind of some proposed emissions laws. The laws were going to be all-encompassing and you try finding good smog equipment for a 70's Yank tank. I drew up a letter that only needed signing and mailing and heaps of people fired it off to parliament. The laws now apply to mid eighties and newer vehicles only.

You CAN make a difference, but only if you have the information to act on and they HATE you getting that.

[Genestho]

I wonder if when consultation and submissions are called for, if we can have a sticky in this politics category?

Link to the proposed law changes, link to consultations, link to submissions? Could even upload the submission papers, and bring research into it, so people can see what it's all about, then you can't say you wern't warned? Also I know there's a few media people here, maybe they could make the awareness factor through mags?

[scumdog]

You CAN make a difference, but only if you have the information to act on and they HATE you getting that.

I feel it more they just don't care...

[peasea]

I wonder if when consultation and submissions are called for, if we can have a sticky in this politics category?

Link to the proposed law changes, link to consultations, link to submissions? Could even upload the submission papers, and bring research into it, so people can see what it's all about, then you can't say you wern't warned?

Good plan Uncle Stan. If people aren't confident enough to write a submission one could be posted here for them to cut and paste. It doesn't matter if they're all the same just as long as there is a genuine signature and contact address on each submission. You don't even need a stamp to send a letter to parliament.

[Genestho]

Good plan Uncle Stan. If people aren't confident enough to write a submission one could be posted here for them to cut and paste. It doesn't matter if they're all the same just as long as there is a genuine signature and contact address on each submission. You don't even need a stamp to send a letter to parliament.

Exactly, could set up a template! And it is free postage!!!!

Look I'm not a professional, I just give it a crack. I've made two, and I rung a couple of people to make sure they were ok.

Anybody can make submissions!!!! It's all about having your say!