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Anon
By AA | Moderator | 844 Posts | 25 January 2011 at 9:09am

I have recently purchased a vehicle that has lights installed under the vehicle with a switch to turn them on/off.

I have heard varying reports as to whether these are in fact legal. The lights themselves aren't visible but they do flash and change colour.

Can you clarify whether or not I am okay to use them?

Michael

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 8 December 2009

jbiddle
By jbiddle | Community Member | 1657 Posts | 25 January 2011 at 9:16am

These light are definitely not legal.

The Vehicle Inspection Requirement Manual (VIRM) which covers cosmetic lamps, covers this accessory in some depth.

In summary the rule states the lights may not rotate or move and may not flash or vary in intensity or colour.

There are also specific requirements as to what colour may be seen from the front or rear of the vehicle and specific angles that the light source (neon tube, LED etc) may not be visible from.

The fact that they operate with a separate switch has no real bearing on the matter.