Lights

The Victorian Government outlines specific regulations for vehicle lighting systems by Australian Design Rules (ADRs). These regulations define the type, positioning, and colour of each light on your car.

Here’s a breakdown of some key requirements:

• Headlights: Must be white or yellowish-white and project a beam strong enough to illuminate the road ahead for a specific distance. The exact distance varies based on your vehicle’s type and model year. Double headlights are mandatory for most vehicles.
• Tail Lights: Red in colour, these lights must illuminate brightly at the rear of your vehicle to indicate braking and activate automatically when you press the brake pedal. Some vehicles also have a separate high-mounted stop lamp (HMSL) for increased visibility.
• Brake Lights: Red and significantly brighter than tail lights, brake lights activate when you press the brake pedal, alerting drivers behind you to slow down.
• Indicator Lights (Turn Signals): Orange in colour and located on the front and rear of the vehicle, indicator lights must flash to signal your intention to turn.
• Parking Lights: White or amber in colour, parking lights illuminate the front and sometimes the rear of your car, making it visible during low-light conditions.
• Reverse Lights: White and located at the vehicle’s rear, reverse lights illuminate a broad area behind the car to enhance visibility when reversing.
• Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): While not mandatory for all vehicles, DRLs are white lights that automatically activate when the engine is running, improving daytime visibility.

Remember: These are just some of the essential regulations. It’s always best to consult your vehicle’s user manual or a qualified mechanic for a complete understanding of your specific lighting system requirements.