New national rule prohibiting front fog lights in clear

[Keepleft]

Two or three years ago, following discussion here and at other key AUS motor forums, AND with the technical, cranky scribes at the 'aus.cars' newsgroup, AND with the female POV gained from forums such as 'Essential Baby', 'Vogue' etc, I began the task of advocating at governmental level - "for change", to in effect, implement a *national* rule that once contracted by the jurisdictions, WILL make it a driving offence to switch on (*compliant*) front fog lamps in clear weather conditions, day or night.

This change will bring Australia in line with requirements of the UN Convention on Road Traffic, contracted by us back in 53 (the 49' Convention).

What your state or territory chooses to charge for the offence in dollar terms remains purely a matter for them (states rights), the same applies if they decide to also make it a demerit points offence. NSW can issue a single demerit point, and may well do so.

I expect further mild changes to the lighting rules in the link below which NTC have put on the web today. This national change will bring Australia into line with current regulatory practice done in WA and NSW. For WA and NSW, once the rule is adopted the state specific additional regulation on the matter is then recinded.

To see the new rule relating to front and rear fog lamps, see page 205 of this weblink:
http://www.ntc.gov.au/filemedia/gene...11_Part_21.pdf

If you read the document carefully, you will note *many* additional rule changes, and some new rules, with others having been recinded. Have a read of the future of driving, one to two years out.

Those of you who prefer to use "lights in daytime" may continue to do so, BUT you won't be doing it with front fog lights. Use your low-beam instead, OR fit or demand genuine DRL's. If you desire improved general lighting performance, start by looking at improved bulbs (Plus 50 variety etc) or at installing dedicated 'driving lamps'.

It is possible, that AUS might make DRL's mandatory on new vehicles. Recently, The European Union Transport Division effectively mandated same for new market entries in its jurisdictions. I am not convinced we need them in this nation, but do recognise the 'mirage effect' on vehicle visibility in remote regions on hot days, here,- you really should switch on your low-beam.

BEFORE these 2006 edition rules are adopted, each jurisdiction will first contract the 2003 and 2005 ARR updates. Therefore, keep an eye on your jurisdictions primary driver manual for changes. Download them over December and January, they are being worked on *now*.