Interpretation of Auxiliary Vehicle Lighting Law...

[zowensby]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona


Hello,

I need some professional opinions on what the attached law states for additional vehicle lighting (specifically concerning those increasingly popular LED driving lights) in my state. Does this mean that "four auxiliary lamps (of 300 candlepower or less) on the front of a vehicle may be used IN ADDITION to headlamps" or only four sources of light INCLUDING headlamps? Here is the statute:

28-946. Number of driving lamps required or permitted
A. At all times provided in section 28-922, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor driven cycle, except when the vehicle is parked subject to the rules governing lights on parked vehicles.
B. If a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as required by this article is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamp or other lamp on the front of the motor vehicle projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when on a highway.

We all see cars often on the roadways that have more than four sources of light on the front and the police officers I work adjacent to jokingly refuse to give me a straight answer, stating that they have more important priorities when on patrol. Regardless, I am trying to be a law abiding citizen, HA, at least here...


Thanks,
Dr. Z.

 

[Cali408nia]

If a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as required by this article is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamp or other lamp on the front of the motor vehicle projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when on a highway.

My non professional opinion is that you can have 4 auxiliary lamps in addition to the two you are required to have. It's already assumed that motor vehicles come equipped with 2 head lamps, and the words I bolded seem to stress that these auxiliary lamps are in addition to the bare minimum requirement by law.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

No more than 4 lamps total, 2 of which exceed 300 candlepower, with at least one on each side of vehicle. That is still about 1 million candlepower in someones eyes. Remember, high beams will likely count as one or two sets, depending on the vehicle. This is where the nuance comes in. Dual light high beams, with driving lights or fogs at the same time, would be illegal.

 

[HighwayMan]

B. If a motor vehicle... is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamp or other lamp on the front of the motor vehicle projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than four of any such lamps...

I initially thought the "such lamps" referred to the auxiliary lighting but after re-reading it it does seem very ambiguous.

Why don't you check the Arizona DMV website and see if they have an email address you can send the question to. There may be case law that addresses this issue, otherwise it would be open to interpretation by a judge.

Or maybe you should just make do with two auxiliary lights like most people in the rest of the country do. There is really no need to have the front of your car lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

Or maybe you should just make do with two auxiliary lights like most people in the rest of the country do. There is really no need to have the front of your car lit up like a Christmas tree.

He thinks it makes him look cool. Over lighting replaced loud stereos and bass.

 

[zowensby]

He thinks it makes him look cool. Over lighting replaced loud stereos and bass.

HA! Nice jabs, gentlemen!

The whole idea behind the LED lighting is increased daylight visibility. They have proven more effective in getting people's attention when they are inattentive, like many weekday commuting drivers. That is why more and more newer vehicles incorporate this lighting in and around their headlights. The model LED lights that I bought for my older model car operate on high until an auxiliary power feed is detected (like turning on the headlights), at which point they reduce to a dim setting. With stock headlights and/or driving lights on, the LED lights are virtually drowned out, but technically still on. That is why the law I asked about is indeed confusing.

So, if I need to be accused of dressing my car up like a Christmas tree, then I might as well prop a shining star out of the sunroof! Whatever it takes to keep blue-hairs, stoners, or worse, lawyers gabbing on their cell phones from pulling out in front of me...

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

HA! Nice jabs, gentlemen!

The whole idea behind the LED lighting is increased daylight visibility. They have proven more effective in getting people's attention when they are inattentive, like many weekday commuting drivers. That is why more and more newer vehicles incorporate this lighting in and around their headlights. The model LED lights that I bought for my older model car operate on high until an auxiliary power feed is detected (like turning on the headlights), at which point they reduce to a dim setting. With stock headlights and/or driving lights on, the LED lights are virtually drowned out, but technically still on. That is why the law I asked about is indeed confusing.

So, if I need to be accused of dressing my car up like a Christmas tree, then I might as well prop a shining star out of the sunroof! Whatever it takes to keep blue-hairs, stoners, or worse, lawyers gabbing on their cell phones from pulling out in front of me...

Merry Christmas

 

[HighwayMan]

They have proven more effective in getting people's attention when they are inattentive...

Certainly not foolproof, though. They are called "Daytime Running Lamps" not "driving lights". I don't think anyone had any idea what you were referring to.

With stock headlights and/or driving lights on, the LED lights are virtually drowned out, but technically still on.

Technically? I would think they are either on or off. There should be no ambiguity about that. If they remain on what's their point - they don't serve a purpose and should be off at that time. Maybe you should contact the manufacturer about the issue.

Whatever it takes to keep blue-hairs, stoners, or worse, lawyers gabbing on their cell phones from pulling out in front of me...

If you think LED DRL's will solve that issue you're being naive. I'm sure you could have installed a system that utilizes your vehicle's headlamps and would be just as effective.

 

[zowensby]

Certainly not foolproof, though. They are called "Daytime Running Lamps" not "driving lights". I don't think anyone had any idea what you were referring to.
If you think LED DRL's will solve that issue you're being naive. I'm sure you could have installed a system that utilizes your vehicle's headlamps and would be just as effective.

Wow, this is a tough crowd...

Happy Hanukkah, then. Just make sure you stay out of the way of my Menorah mobile!

 

[HighwayMan]

Just make sure you stay out of the way of my Menorah mobile!

Or what? You'll hit us?

Okay, "Doctor"...

 

[zowensby]

Or what? You'll hit us?

Okay, "Doctor"...

HA!

Sir, I am in the healing profession. It would take me away from that calling if I "hit" someone that was in the suing profession.


Thanks for the banter,
Dr. Z.