1st pinged 'new laws'

**dangerous** · 5th November 2009, 05:23

Well fuck me... heres a quote from a mate on another forum, bloody rude whts the new slogan 'no head lights kill' the imcompetants from the cop is apauling.

Originally Posted by guy from another forum

Got pinged on the way to work this morning for not having my headlight on. Which was an absolute c#@t because I ALLWAYS ride with it on but had turned it off whilst warming the bike up this morning as the headlight was pointing into my neighbours kitchen while they were having brekky and forgot to turn it back on again.

Thought it was a bit rough, I hadnt heard about it but it became law on the 1st. So after a friendly debate with the officer, she returned to the car for atleast 10mins on her cellphone and then returned and apoligised for the wait, and informed me she had to check how much the fine was and what to write on the ticket, as she had no idea. She then went on to explain that noone back in the station knew either, so she wrote me a ticket for "Rode m/c without headlight on" - $150 and asked for my cellphone number so she could call me and let me know if that was the correct fine or if she would have to cancel it and post out another one.

You would think if she didnt even know the details she could have let me off... hmmmm

Can someone (if not already posted up) that has the time look up these new rules and post the link, cos theres bikes that wont run under a certain rev with its lights on.

**YellowDog** · 5th November 2009, 05:28

When a new law comes in you usually get a 14 day grace period where you get warnings and not screwed on the first day.

Very harsh. I wouldn't be happy.

**scracha** · 5th November 2009, 05:50

He's a silly boy, he should have asked for her cellphone number.

What bikes made after 1980 can't run with headlights on at low revs?

**mossy1200** · 5th November 2009, 06:01

If you blow a lamp during a ride it could get expensive.

**roadracingoldfart** · 5th November 2009, 06:09

Its all about money farming. The fact most riders use the headlight already it is the gestapo's way of getting a bit of cash from the likes of the forgetful and ignorant.

If a taxi is found to have a blown light bulb at all by the CVIU guys , its an instant $450.00 fine and they have to "present" to get the car cleared to carry a fare afterwards. Revenue gain gone insane.

**TimeOut** · 5th November 2009, 06:18

Originally Posted by YellowDog

When a new law comes in you usually get a 14 day grace period where you get warnings and not screwed on the first day.

Very harsh. I wouldn't be happy.

Not down this way, a speed limit was changed from 100k to 80k they were out the next day writing tickets

easy money/quota.

**BiK3RChiK** · 5th November 2009, 06:22

Surely your mate could write in and get off that! That is complete bollocks!! There are so many things wrong with that, it's just laughable. NZ is becoming a police state and it's just BS!

**Voltaire** · 5th November 2009, 06:27

I'd write a nice letter, mention your courtesy to the neighbours and her lack of knowledge of the new law she was so keen to enforce.

The lights on law is to improve drivers ability to see motorcycles.....once again the victim being penalised.

**Str8 Jacket** · 5th November 2009, 06:32

Bloody women eh!

**PrincessBandit** · 5th November 2009, 06:38

How many people are going to get pulled over and accused of talking on their phones just because they drive with one hand on the wheel and their other elbow on the door/window with their hand up by their chin?

As for the headlight issue, it sounds to me like the woman officer is either a meanie who enjoys the "power" of her job, or perhaps is a bright eyed, bushy tailed new officer who hasn't yet learnt the art of discretion as opposed to following the letter of the law.

**Swoop** · 5th November 2009, 06:59

All together now...

"There is no quota".

**davereid** · 5th November 2009, 07:08

Originally Posted by scracha

What bikes made after 1980 can't run with headlights on at low revs?

Most bikes are losing ground at low rpm, with the battery supplying current at less than about 2000-3000rpm. From then on in, the bike is generally charging.

Its not going to be an issue for those who have a commute at normal speeds. But for those who spend a lot of time at traffic lights, and have an older bike it will be a problem, particularl if the run is short, as over time battery condition will fall.

My CZ is pre 80, so is exempt, but it cant cope, not even anywhere near. My TGB is 2004. It wont be a problem for me as I run down SH1. But it would soon lose electric start and indicators if just used in traffic, although it has direct ignition system, and will run even if it does not have a battery.

This law was bought to you by federated car clubs.

**James Deuce** · 5th November 2009, 07:23

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

Surely your mate could write in and get off that! That is complete bollocks!! There are so many things wrong with that, it's just laughable. NZ is becoming a police state and it's just BS!

How is it BS? It's a law change. There was plenty of warning, both in the newsmedia and on KB. It may not be a sensible law change (cue Mikkel for long winded rant about how Scandinavians are right about everything including lights on during the day) or particularly warranted given that most bikes made in the last 15 years have little choice about whether their headlight is on or not, but ignorance of a law as an excuse?

Nah. It's up to the individual to kee abreast of stuff like this. You know, responsible citizen and all.

**James Deuce** · 5th November 2009, 07:24

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

How many people are going to get pulled over and accused of talking on their phones just because they drive with one hand on the wheel and their other elbow on the door/window with their hand up by their chin?

That's a piss poor habit anyway. Good way to stamp it out.