Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2013 (Rule 10009)

[Scuba_Steve]

I've been getting my head around what this Omnibus Rule change is actually going to allow for and it is not enough in my view.

Currently the lighting rule allows you run either your head lights or two daytime running lights. The proposed change is only adjusting how many day time running lights you can have on for Group L motor vehicles (motorbikes).

That is, once this change goes through, if unaltered, it means you can run either your headlights or multiple daytime running lights (ie more than two) but not both headlights and daytime running lights. I would like the ability to run both head lights and daytime running lights.

I think it is essential we motor cyclists should be able to run with daytime running lights in tandem with head lights (dipped).

Cheers...

Yea that would seem like usual Govt retardedness.

I see the statement "daytime running lights" what exactly are these? do these proposed changes allow for greater vision at night also (I personally utilise semi-legal "safety lights" during hours of darkness & rain/fog)

[chasio]

I've been getting my head around what this Omnibus Rule change is actually going to allow for and it is not enough in my view.

Currently the lighting rule allows you run either your head lights or two daytime running lights. The proposed change is only adjusting how many day time running lights you can have on for Group L motor vehicles (motorbikes).

That is, once this change goes through, if unaltered, it means you can run either your headlights or multiple daytime running lights (ie more than two) but not both headlights and daytime running lights. I would like the ability to run both head lights and daytime running lights.

I think it is essential we motor cyclists should be able to run with daytime running lights in tandem with head lights (dipped).

Cheers...

I am 100% with you. Cheers for keeping your focus on it.

[Gremlin]

Good point actually... the main law around lights is that daytime can't operate same time as headlights, ie, manually switching one for the other doesn't comply.

Despite having uh... a few lights fitted, none are daytime running lamps because of the restrictions. I have fog lamps (two big spots angled down) and forward facing position lamps (LED strips on the handguards). I get tripped up by the law because the factory parking lamp (small bulb next to low and high beam) is not provisioned for under motorcycle lighting laws. VTNZ etc automatically classify the parking lamp as a forward facing position lamp... but you're only allowed 2.

*sigh* law change in it's current form does nothing for me.

[sootie]

For once, I am in complete agreement with the last few replies.
Running Dipped headlights and Daylight Running Lights in tandem is just plain common sense.
Surely we can allow a bit of flexibility here too as long as it does not confuse other motorists?

[MrKiwi]

made my submission...

[rastuscat]

I've submitted too.

For the right to have DRLs and headlights on at the same time.

I noticed today that trains have three lights to the front at least, when they used to make do with one. Now they have a headlight, and two lower running lights.

That's the layout I want to use. Headlight, and two DRLs down on my forks.

Still, submission made, so here's hoping.

Donuts.

[AllanB]

I read somewhere that all new vehicles in Europe must have daytime running lights. Won't be long until they are the norm and minds adjust to suit. At that stage it could be possible that a plain Jane old motorcycle becomes nothing more that 'background'.

[chasio]

So, allowing DRL's and dipped headlight at the same time is a no brainer. In daylight.

To my mind allowing DRL's and full beam headlight at the same time is also a no brainer. At any time.

But since DRL's can be very bright and are not dipped to prevent dazzling an oncoming road user (especially at close range), what about at night? Would DRL's need to be designed for auto-off at night (by some kind of light sensor)? Or is a manual switch OK?

And I assume as well as the DRL's we would want to be allowed a couple of marker lights (especially if DRL's must go off at night) plus any sidelight built into the headlight.

I see submissions have closed so I am too late anyway, but what did those of you who submitted put in for any of the above?

With apologies for the satellite delay.

[rastuscat]

I submitted research papers that suggested a tri-light low beam arrangement.

I don't really like the high beam at all times theory, it just pisses people off. I saw a lady on a Gladius out on the Akaroa road last year who was riding on the high beam. So fecking bright NASDA would have been cheesed off for her dazzling the lunar lander.

[Ocean1]

I noticed today that trains have three lights to the front at least, when they used to make do with one. Now they have a headlight, and two lower running lights.

They're called ditch lights. They've pretty much always had them, although not always where they usually are now.

You've probably also noticed that they don't comply with any automotive regulations regarding headlights; they're bloody bright and they don't dip worth a damn.

[chasio]

To my mind allowing DRL's and full beam headlight at the same time is also a no brainer. At any time.

EDIT
And I should have said, subject to them being compulsorily dipped when they may dazzle any other road user.
/EDIT

I don't really like the high beam at all times theory, it just pisses people off.

Totally agree - edited above for clarity. I also believe high beam has a negative effect on distance and therefore speed perception.

I was trying to say that if high beam is OK in a given night-time scenario, full noise DRL's would also be OK in the same scenario.

My point was based on the fact that DRL's don't physically dip, although some do go dim and thus become marker lights when dipped beam is on.

That means that, at night, the brightest ones could be a nuisance in conjunction with dipped beam, unless the DRL's are self dimming. This would, of course, render them less noticeable during the day if the headlight is also on.

Unless they had a sensor and only dimmed when the headlight was on at night.

My head hurts.

[awayatc]

I currently use running lights and the headlight anyway, as smokeu would say, FTP

For what its worth....:
Harley heritage classic has 2 biggish running lights mounted slightly lower then headlight.....
Headlight on permanent, but running lights have on /off switch.....
so according to quoted rules "illegal" (eventhough factory fitted and on a bike sold as such in NZ)

Gives more light night time riding, but above all it dramatically improves riding profile.
I notice a huge difference riding with or without them on.....
Car drivers very rarely not see me....vs regularly not see me without.

will most definitely fit running lights to be seen on my other bike(s)

Thanks for posting links and pics regarding your experiences with drl's

[MrKiwi]

I met with the Ministry of Transport recently to discuss the need to further amend the lighting Rule to allow the use of daytime running lights in conjunction with dipped head lights for class L vehicles (motorcycles). I had previously discussed this with the AA and they tentatively support dipped headlights in conjunction with daytime running lights for motorcycles because of the increased conspicuity this option provides.

However, while the MoT is sympathetic to this idea given the outcome of recent research here and overseas, it appears there is some strong resistance to this idea from some in the NZTA, who do not want, on principle, daytime running light used in conjunction with headlights.

This is turning into a little crusade of mine - I'm not giving up!

We have the right to be seen and treated with respect on our roads...

[Gremlin]

Much appreciated for your work MrKiwi

[GrayWolf]

I've been getting my head around what this Omnibus Rule change is actually going to allow for and it is not enough in my view.

Currently the lighting rule allows you run either your head lights or two daytime running lights. The proposed change is only adjusting how many day time running lights you can have on for Group L motor vehicles (motorbikes).

That is, once this change goes through, if unaltered, it means you can run either your headlights or multiple daytime running lights (ie more than two) but not both headlights and daytime running lights. I would like the ability to run both head lights and daytime running lights.

I think it is essential we motor cyclists should be able to run with daytime running lights in tandem with head lights (dipped).

Cheers...

Totally agree. The MT's main beam is next to useless (projector) and I have a couple of the 10 watt Cree LED, spotlamps just below it, in adverse conditions, they're ON, period. Actually find sadly, the dip + spots out performs the pathetic projector main beam.