Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2005
260 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the regulations covering the use of headlights on HGVs; if, in view of the use of excessive lights on the top of the cabs of HGVs, he has plans to review the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/05]
View answerThe fitting and use of lights on mechanically propelled vehicles is governed by the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. The regulations specify a maximum of four headlights on a vehicle and do not limit the number of auxiliary lights that may be fitted. Under the regulations, all lamps that show a light to the front of a vehicle must either be fitted with a dipping device so that the beam of light from the lamp, when dipped, is incapable of dazzling a person more than 25 feet away from the lamp or be fitted and constructed so that they will not dazzle or mislead other traffic when lit. Exceptions to the dipping device requirement are made for direction indicators and for one or more other lamps with a combined maximum power output of seven watts. The European Communities (Road Traffic) (Vehicle Type Approval) Regulations 1991, provide that a vehicle which complies with the provisions of the relevant European Union type approval directive will be regarded as complying with Ireland's road traffic regulations on the construction, equipment, lighting and use of vehicles.
I have witnessed the position of excessive lights on the top of cabs of HGV's and have drawn to the attention of the Garda Síochána the regulations in this regard. Dipped headlamps must be used when a vehicle is either passing another vehicle or travelling close behind one. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda.
