Daytime Running Lights

[m99dws]

At present, lights on or lights off can be a question of personal preference in the UK. It seems that pressure is being applied by the EU to make it compulsary.

Whilst I've always thought it helps, MAG have posed some interesting points which I have not considered, which can be read here:

http://www.network.mag-uk.org/oct06p15.html

And the consultation paper can be downloaded from: http://tinyurl.com/owop6

Some examples show accident stats in Sweden have increased even though DRL's are on.
Is it right lights are a legal requirement over here during the day??

[Steam]

Is it right lights are a legal requirement over here during the day??

No it's optional, but I ride with my headlight on, on full beam just to get a bit of extra effect.

Here's some things about running lamps from the LTSA:
10.3(1) When operated, a daytime running lamp must emit light that is substantially white or amber.

10.3(2) A daytime running lamp must not operate when a front fog lamp or headlamp is in use.

10.3(3) A motor vehicle of Group L (motorcycles) may be fitted with one or two daytime running lamps to the front of the vehicle.

[oldguy]

I have no option, the lights are on from the moment I turn the key. there is no light switch.

[-df-]

No it's optional, but I ride with my headlight on, on full beam just to get a bit of extra effect.

Don't know about the GN250 but riding with your headlight on full is a real pain in the ass to other drivers (not to mention illegal)...its one of those things that really pisses me off.

[scumdog]

I've used (for past 10 or so years) a pair of accessory running lights mounted each side of my headlight. (which is also hard-wired to be on all the time)

I wired them through a relay and switch so I can switch them off at night as after dark they are just a massive glare.

I've noticed people in cars on side roads, car parks etc seem to notice me more - plus on the open road I notice car drivers I'm following seem to move to the left more readily for me to get past.

My 2cents worth.

[James Deuce]

It's difficult to buy a new motorcycle that doesn't have at least one headlight permanently on with no facility to turn it off.

[diggydog]

No it's optional, but I ride with my headlight on, on full beam just to get a bit of extra effect.

Here's some things about running lamps from the LTSA:
10.3(1) When operated, a daytime running lamp must emit light that is substantially white or amber.

10.3(2) A daytime running lamp must not operate when a front fog lamp or headlamp is in use.

10.3(3) A motor vehicle of Group L (motorcycles) may be fitted with one or two daytime running lamps to the front of the vehicle.

i have no chose, as my bike is hard wired.

[Steam]

Don't know about the GN250 but riding with your headlight on full is a real pain in the ass to other drivers (not to mention illegal)...its one of those things that really pisses me off.

Trust me, 35 watts of high-beamin' GN power ain't gonna piss off anyone. My bulb is like a goram candle.

[James Deuce]

Don't know about the GN250 but riding with your headlight on full is a real pain in the ass to other drivers (not to mention illegal)...its one of those things that really pisses me off.

Does this sound familiar?

"I didn't see you".

If they're pissed off then they saw you. It's all that matters.

[Legolas]

Interesting reading d99dws.

I thought that the photos of the bike being camaflaged by the car were interesting. With car lights (especially HID) getting brighter and brighter I reckon that this happens more than car drivers realise, especially at night.

I also think that a lot of accidents at junctions, where cars pull out in front of bikes are due to the rider easing off the throttle and the forks dropping slightly. From the car drivers view point this could look like a headlight flash giving them right of way. By the time they realise that it wasn't, they are half way across the road. Where they stop.

Personally, I always ride with the headlight on. Always have. I do believe that a lot of bikes sold in the UK now aren't even fitted with a light switch. Just a dip switch. Cars will become the same. I don't think its been done with a view to safty though. Just cheaper to manufacture.

[-df-]

Does this sound familiar?

"I didn't see you".

If they're pissed off then they saw you. It's all that matters.

so whats worse? getting hit by a car that didnt see you or getting hit by a car cause they can't see?

I know where you are coming from but some of the newer bikes with xeon lights shine very brightly and I've had to look in the other direction cause it was herting my eyes, and this is in the middle of the day.

maybe I'm just to sensitive...

edit: don't get me wrong, I always ride with my lights on...just not full beam.

[-df-]

Trust me, 35 watts of high-beamin' GN power ain't gonna piss off anyone. My bulb is like a goram candle.

Yeah, it was more the newer large sport bikes that get me.

I'll stop hijacking this thread...

[m99dws]

I have seen a discussion online where an accident investigator claimed that the bikes lights affected the depth perception of the driver. The investigator was a biker from another forum.

I ride with dipped lights on, but more out of habit as I was taught to, than anything else.

[topher]

Hadn't considered the cynic's view; it's economy of manufacture rather than safety that's the reason for having no off wsitch for the headlight. Having seen inside the switchgear on my bike I find it difficult to believe they could make it any cheaper!

[Lou Girardin]

The MOT trialled daytime lights on patrol bikes in the 80's. But it's a bit hard to know if they work on a cop bike.
But, this morning alone I had three fuckwits move to pull out in front of me until they realised the bright glowing high beam was attached to a bike.