Aux Lights

[cadium]

Righto, I am wanting to put extra light on the front of the bike (as the tiger 1050 lights are poor).
I am wanting to run a pair of PIAA 1100x units which I can switch on as required)

Land Transport says that driving lamps cannot operate at the same time as headlamps (BOO) but position lamps can. The rules state that the lamps have to be low wattage and diffuse (but doesn't specify what low wattage is exactly). The piaa site states that the beam is diffuse and each lamp is 35 watts white.

So can I get away with calling these position lamps at WOF time?

[Gremlin]

Yes, basically, if you call a lamp a forward facing position lamp, then they assess as such. However, be aware that motorcycles often have park bulbs, and while mentioned in the likes of factory manuals, the NZTA VIRM does not allow for this. Park bulbs get classified as forward facing position lamps... you're only allowed two... park bulbs plus your position lamps not equal to two or less

I've tried speaking to NZTA about the park bulb issue but to no avail and I couldn't get anyone smarter than "Have you read the VIRM, the VIRM stipulates what's allowed"...

[biggo]

Set them up as Fog lights pointing down for WOF check.

[cadium]

Set them up as Fog lights pointing down for WOF check.

Fog lamps it is!

I do have park lamps so I can't use the "position lamps" description.

I have to say I think the legislation is a bit naff around lights, especially since it is well proven that a light "triangle" improves other road users awareness of your position and speed.

[eldog]

Would agree a lot of legislation still needs updating to cope with modern lighting and safety needs. We demand more performance than what we used to get in the 60 & 70''s and earlier.
FWIW I put a few extra position and fog lights on my bike.
I always get a WOF at a Mbike friendly shoppe. They appreciate that as long as I don't dazzle or hinder other traffic's vision.
I prefer to be as visible as I can while also improving the general poor std lighting systems.
I prefer my own H&S in deference to the law.