How are LED strips classified under the law?

[bikaholic]

Uh... Hinny, if you wouldn't mind keeping this thread on topic?

I'm now reading the consolidation of the Vehicle Lighting 2004... rather interesting and now I'm intrigued by work lamps...

Apparently somewhere is a rule that if equipment is OE and unmodified, then it automatically complies etc. I've found some stuff hinting at that, but nothing definitive just yet.

The rear lighting columns on honda CRVs and ford focus on the pillars were higher than allowed at the time. The law was changed to allow them legally. Makes a mockery of previous issues with lights be no higher than 700mm or thereabouts.

[Gremlin]

The rear lighting columns on honda CRVs and ford focus on the pillars were higher than allowed at the time. The law was changed to allow them legally. Makes a mockery of previous issues with lights be no higher than 700mm or thereabouts.

Interesting. Guess that's why the current limit is 1.5m, but if the bodywork doesn't lend itself to that, you can go up to 2.1m. My GSA headlight is probably around the 1m mark, higher than most vehicles.

[scumdog]

The rear lighting columns on honda CRVs and ford focus on the pillars were higher than allowed at the time. The law was changed to allow them legally. Makes a mockery of previous issues with lights be no higher than 700mm or thereabouts.

Can anybody explain the amount of SUV/4X4 type vehicles getting around that are fitted with scuzzy looking lights mounted in their bumper - while they are already have factory fitted body mounted tail-lights that don't function??

[Berg]

Can anybody explain the amount of SUV/4X4 type vehicles getting around that are fitted with scuzzy looking lights mounted in their bumper - while they are already have factory fitted body mounted tail-lights that don't function??

That's to do with getting the proper angles of vision with 4x4s with the spare Tyre attached on the rear. The normal lights do not often comply with the 45° requirement so the lower bumper lights are fitted.

Spoke to somebody at NZTA about bike lights today. Hopefully they will be back to me later in the week.

[scumdog]

That's to do with getting the proper angles of vision with 4x4s with the spare Tyre attached on the rear. The normal lights do not often comply with the 45° requirement so the lower bumper lights are fitted.

Spoke to somebody at NZTA about bike lights today. Hopefully they will be back to me later in the week.

I thought that too - but I've seen the same set-up on vehicles without a spare-tyre mount on the rear-end.

[Gremlin]

Paging Berg to the thread... paging Berg?

Got any update from your contact?

[Berg]

OK, Gremlin reminded me about this thread (my senile old mind had forgotten)
My man suggested the intent within the lighting rule and the VIRM is that forward facing position lights "may" be fitted to motorcycles as long as they comply with the angular requirements.
He did say "strip" LEDs were not classed as a light within the rule (categorized as a cosmetic light due to the lights not being formed as a uniform modular unit) so did not comply as a forward facing position light.
Where the bike already has "park" lights it becomes a little grey as they are termed "forward facing position lights" even though they often do not comply as such. At this point you may have to "discus" that your forward facing position lights are there to illuminate the extremity of the bike as opposed to the factory light which is more of a stationary parking light but is factory fitted so cannot be removed. That bits as clear as mud and I've asked for it to be sorted (in our favor) in the next lighting rule update.

[muzzap]

FWIW, just passed a WOF with my vstrom that has BikeViz bullets installed (low on the forks) without issue at VTNZ. These are in addition to the factory position lamps either side of the headlights. Inspector also had no issues with Admore lighting strips/brake lights I've installed in the Givi v46 topbox.

[Gremlin]

Thanks Berg.

For LED strips, the VIRM states "Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate" indicating a, LEDs are fine, and b, an array of light sources, ergo, more than one source (a strip) so I'd argue they comply.

Reading the Vehicle Lighting Law 2004, there is no definition under position lamp as to what it's make up is. The inspector early this year had no problem with the LED strips being position lamps, but was classifying the park lamp as a position lamp as well, so 3 isn't allowed but 2 are. As you say, position lamps are meant to indicate presence and dimensions of vehicle, so the strips actually do this better.

Your stationary parking light is most likely meant to mean park lamp? I was told categorically that no such light was allowed on a motorcycle. I would recommend that park lamps be added to the motorcycle allowance under the proviso that it's OE and operates as originally intended (several categories of lights have this already). I was told that if it's not in the VIRM then it's not allowed, but I'm tempted to argue it's a park lamp and show the owners manual as proof.

I actually can't find anything (VIRM or Law) where it disallows park lamps...

At this rate tho, it may be easier just to go to somewhere not quite so picky...