Michael Ring
Question:241 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment the position regarding people who have spotlights on their cars; and the regulations governing this position. [1006/97]
Written Answers. - Motor Vehicle Lighting.
Michael Ring
Question:242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment his views on people who have spotlights on their cars in view of concerns that high-powered spotlights are causing many accidents. [1007/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
Spotlights which equate with headlamps are permitted on motor vehicles, provided they meet the requirements of, and are used in accordance with, the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1996. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
While the term "spotlight" is not used in the regulations, it is generally understood to be a lamp which shows a white or yellow light to the front of a vehicle and is of similar intensity to a headlamp. Such a light must be either fitted with a dipping device or be otherwise incapable of dazzling by, for example, being permanently deflected downwards and to the left or extinguished when the headlamps are dipped. "Spotlights" must also comply with the height requirements for headlamps viz. not more than 4 ft. and not less than 1 ft. 8 ins. above the ground. Exceptions to the height requirements include fog lamps which may be lower than 1 ft. 8 ins. but which may only be used in fog or falling snow.
A "spotlight" on the roof of a vehicle and more than 4 ft. from the ground may only be used on a Garda vehicle or a public utility vehicle to illuminate works or equipment of the public utility undertaking. In the latter case, the light may only be used when the vehicle is stationary.