
Originally Posted by
NZTA
The use of cosmetic lights (see What are cosmetic lights?) is now controlled by the following requirements:
they must be angled downwards
they must be fitted so that the light source isnt directly visible from the front or back of the vehicle (this will prevent the lights distracting, confusing or dazzling other road users)
they can only give out light that is spread out (diffuse) rather than light concentrated in a beam
they must not be positioned close to mandatory lights such as headlights or indicators.
Illuminated signs (eg, advertising signs illuminated by a light inside them) on a vehicle must not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users by being too bright if they do, their brightness will need to be reduced to an acceptable level.
Vehicles that are manufactured overseas to approved European, Japanese, Australian or American lighting standards can now be used without having first met New Zealand s domestic vehicle lighting requirements. (Previously, imported vehicles had to have work done on them to meet New Zealand requirements regardless of whether they already met certain overseas standards).
Amber beacons are now automatically allowed on vehicles that meet certain criteria (previously approval had to be gained before they were used).
A wider range of cycle lights will be allowed.
Vehicles with body shapes that make it difficult to meet height requirements for lights can now have lights fitted higher on the vehicle (up to 2.1 metres from the ground).
Heavy vehicles and tractors are allowed a greater number of indicators, brake lights and position lights.
The angle of dip for dipped-beam headlights has been changed this means that the next time vehicle owners go in for a WoF or CoF inspection, their dipped-beam headlights may need to be re-aligned to meet the new angle. For most vehicles, this new angle will be the optimal dip angle specified by the manufacturer.
The law has been relaxed so that certain damaged vehicle lights do not have to be removed or replaced as long as they are disabled (eg, by removing the bulb). Previously, the entire light had to be removed or replaced.
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