Legality of additonal reverse lights

[Seafarer]

I would like to add a reverse spotlight (100W Hella) to the rear of my GU but am not sure if its legal in NSW.

Can anyone offer some advice?

** The plan is to tap onto the current reverse light and wired to a relay and a 3 way switch. Light will be mounted in centre of spare wheel.

[fullmetaljacket]

not sure about the legalitys, but can you imagine driving at night and someone with a 100w reverse light backs out in front of you??

I am guessing that this is the reason for thr 3 way switch

[chimpboy]

Also no comment on legalities, but I'd definitely have a switch as you say.

Just as an opinion, I think 100W might be a bit of overkill, and personally I think you get better light for reversing if you mount it lower down at the level of the existing reversing lights. Mounted up high you raise the risk of glare on your back windows that means you see LESS rather than more. Mounting it lower also reduces the glare for others if you do reverse in front of them.

If you want a work light higher up, I would make that a separate light to the reversing one.

Just my 2c!

[macca81]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

[Shadow]

ADR 01/00

Section 6. Intensity of Light Emitted

6.3. The intensity of the light emitted in all directions in which the light can be observed shall
not exceed
300 candelas in directions in or above the horizontal plane; or
600 candelas in directions below the horizontal plane.

8. COLOUR OF LIGHT EMITTED
The colour of the light emitted shall be white. In case of doubt, the colour may be
checked on the basis of the definition of the colour of white light given in annex 4 to this
Regulation.

Im pretty sure a 100watt halogen is in the order of 50-000+ candellas

Theres a heap of angles you need to comply with aswell.

Also it appears all reversing lights need approval and need to have this approval displayed on them (same as indicators and headlamps etc). So technically you cant do it unless you get the lights approved as a reversing lamp.[/b]

[Shadow]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

Except a work light the switch cannot be accessed by someone sitting in the driving position.

[macca81]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

Except a work light the switch cannot be accessed by someone sitting in the driving position.

oops...

[chikoroll_]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

Except a work light the switch cannot be accessed by someone sitting in the driving position.

make 2 switches for it the front one in a concealled position, and the back one on the unit or in the cargo area

[Shadow]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

Except a work light the switch cannot be accessed by someone sitting in the driving position.

make 2 switches for it the front one in a concealled position, and the back one on the unit or in the cargo area

thats what everyone does ofcourse

but a truly anal cop could still defect you for it of he saw it come on when you threw it in reverse or something.

[Mick_n_Sal]

You could always wire it so that it can only come on when the 4wd light on the dash is on ( or the centre diff lock light in the case of a full-time 4wd )

M+S

[Seafarer]

Thanks fellas. Not what i want to hear thus far but it is what it is.

[sierrafreak]

I seen a gq with a square hole cut in the step part just under spare tyre in the alloy stuff and had a small square 50watt spotty in there looks neat and like its meant to be there Not to sure what the gu's have
Plus what are the chances that they will care and say anything if they do take it of no big drama..
Im doing it to my GQ and have it on my Zook i have blue reverse lights in my commodore if thats any concelation to not having a problem with the cops havent been told nothing bout them (YET)
I personaly like this idea

Mick_n_Sal You could always wire it so that it can only come on when the 4wd light on the dash is on ( or the centre diff lock light in the case of a full-time 4wd

[want33s]

You could always wire it so that it can only come on when the 4wd light on the dash is on ( or the centre diff lock light in the case of a full-time 4wd )

M+S

Brilliant idea M+S.....I fitted a pair of 100W floodlights to the back of my suzy today and wired them up so they only come on when reverse is selected AND in 4wd. I also fitted a switch so I can override.
It took three relays and about 2.5 hours to wire up.
I can draw up a diagram if anyone needs it.
Jas

[Wish I had coils]

I have two 55 watt spotties on my roof rack for reverse lights, have not hooked them up to the reverse switch. there just on a on/off switch. Have no glare probs in the windows and have backed out in front of police with the lights in there face, No problem at all just turned them off and drove off but thats vic to not sure about other states

[macca81]

in tassie, the mines vehicles are required to have 2 roof mounted, 100W lights hooked into the reverse switch. they are still road legal...

tis a gd thing they have em, coz ya cant see fark all when reversing down there and the big trucks would struggle to see ya




on a side not, if a brand new prado breaks down underground in tas, even if its just somethin like a bat goin flat, it is cheaper to just push the thing aside and crush it into a wall outa the way and buy a new one, than to stop work and get a vehicle in there to either fix it or tow it back to the surface... fark they must be making some money down there...

[high n mighty]

in tas im 99% sure that a reverse light can be no higher than 55W. if this is the case in other states you can get around it by wiring it up with its own switch and it becomes a work light, then if u wanna reverse with it, just flick the switch...

Except a work light the switch cannot be accessed by someone sitting in the driving position.

make 2 switches for it the front one in a concealled position, and the back one on the unit or in the cargo area

The inside one doesn't have to be concealed, it is only a safety so someone doesn't come along and flatten your battery by flicking your outside switch