Driving with sidelights in built-up areas?
in [UK Drivers]
|
From: JNugent on 15 Dec 2009 13:42 Harry Bloomfield wrote: > JNugent wrote : >> I think sidelights and tail-lights are rated at 15w or thereabous. > No - 5w for both, though they used to be 6w. Fair enough, I wasn't sure (though I could have looked at my spare lamp set).
From: Nick Finnigan on 15 Dec 2009 15:24 Adrian wrote: > JNugent <JN(a)noparticularplacetogo.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like > they were saying: > >>> What exactly are the rules in regard to lights? Quite often you see >>> London taxis (particularly the older ones) driving around using only >>> 10W (?) sidelights. > >> If they could never be used, there'd be no legal requirement to fit them >> (though they can also be used to mark a parked vehicle). > > ....which is why they're a legal requirement... > > Do us all a favour and have a look at the Road Vehicle Lighting Regs and > the Highway Code. > > If a vehicle needs to be lit, then "obligatory position lights" are not > sufficient. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_4.htm#(Tiii)25requirementaboutuseheadlampfrontfoglamp a) during the hours of darkness, except on a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by virtue of a system of street lighting when it is lit;
From: DavidR on 15 Dec 2009 15:18 "Dermit Goldstein" <dgoldstein(a)charter.net> wrote > On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:35:03 -0000, Conor <conor(a)gmx.co.uk> wrote: >>In article <4b268dbd.85219562(a)news.x-privat.org>, Dermit Goldstein >>says... >>> >>> What exactly are the rules in regard to lights? Quite often you see >>> London taxis (particularly the older ones) driving around using only >>> 10W (?) sidelights. >> >>Basically you can in a streetlit 30MPH area. > > I wonder why more people don't? I don't understand it either. The reduction in dazzle would be a considerable help to see things that are more important than other brightly lit vehicles. For instance, it is remarkable how far away pedestrians dressed in black can be seen under steet lighting when there are no oncoming lights. Or two drivers negotiating parked cars would be able to judge road widths and distances better. I usually stick with headlamps because it has become an unfortunate part of our motoring culture. But unless I need a patch of light cast along the road I always use the dashboard knob to set lowest elevation.
From: DavidR on 15 Dec 2009 19:06 "JNugent" <JN(a)noparticularplacetogo.com> wrote > FrengaX wrote: >> On Dec 15, 7:43 am, Dr Zoidberg <AlexNOOO!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> >> wrote: >>> Dermit Goldstein wrote: >>>> What exactly are the rules in regard to lights? Quite often you see >>>> London taxis (particularly the older ones) driving around using only >>>> 10W (?) sidelights. >>> Perfectly legal in built up areas with a 30mph limit. >> >> I think you need to add the qualification of a street-lit built-up >> 30mph zone. >> Is it 30 zones only? >> >> Whatver it is, I believe it's foolish not to use headlights. > > There are people near here (uk.rec.cycling) who have previously opined > that drivers should not be allowed to use headlights in lit streets. I am probably one. But I give the opinion as a driver. It's one thing having lights that are good enough to show up, but it's ridiculous that they are so bright they mask whatever is beyond. > I'm not joking. Nor am I.
From: Chris Bartram on 16 Dec 2009 12:55
Harry Bloomfield wrote: > Dermit Goldstein formulated the question : >> I used to have a car with a dim-dip lights option...I think it was 6V >> on each headlight. There was no switch to run on sidelights alone. > > It was a perfect solution too - avoided dazzle, but gave enough light to > make you visible and obviously moving. > I thought it was dumb. What's wrong with dipped headlights? |