Light bar legislation in Australia
Mounting a light bar on a vehicle’s roof can help your fleet navigate the roads at all hours and in any weather conditions. But before you make the upgrade, it’s important to be aware of relevant regulations.
So, are roof-mounted light bars legal?
In Australia, light bar legislation differs across states and territories, creating a confusing patchwork of rules that can easily trip up drivers. And compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about supporting road safety while optimising vehicle visibility.
This guide will cut through the confusion, covering everything you need to know about the legality of roof-mounted light bars in Australia.
Keep reading to learn about national regulations, state-specific requirements, and practical tips for staying on the right side of the law.
This is a general guide only and is not intended as legal advice. If required, please consult a legal professional for personalised guidance before buying and using a light bar.
What are light bars?
Light bars are long, narrow lighting devices that use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to emit bright, wide-angle illumination.
Often installed on the roof of a vehicle, they are an invaluable tool for emergency teams who need maximum visibility in low-light or hazardous situations.
For police, fire services, and ambulance fleets, light bars help signal their presence on the road, alerting other drivers to move aside and make a clear path for emergency response.
Importantly, installation isn’t quite as simple as adding a few lights to the top of a vehicle. Rather, strict regulations ensure this intense lighting doesn’t create unnecessary risks for other road users.
Are roof-mounted light bars legal?
Yes. Roof-mounted light bars are generally legal in Australia, provided specific state or territory criteria have been met.
The Australian Design Rule (ADR) 13, “Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles 2005”, governs aftermarket vehicle lighting like LED light bars. While ADR 13 permits roof-mounted light bars, local road authorities have the power to impose their own restrictions.
In most cases, however, roof-mounted light bars are allowed once they satisfy the following requirements:
- A maximum of four additional driving lights (including LED light bars) are allowed on one vehicle.
- Light bars must not cause glare to other road users. They should be angled downwards to illuminate the road ahead without obstructing the driver’s view.
- Light bars must be mounted at the front of the vehicle, aligned symmetrically along the centre line, and wired to the high beams.
Importantly, while the use of light bars on public roads is heavily restricted to prevent dazzling other drivers, emergency vehicles are exempt due to their operational duties.
Light bar laws by state
As we mentioned above, light bar regulations in Australia aren’t one-size-fits-all because each state and territory sets its own rules. What’s legal in one place might get you a fine in another.
To avoid any surprises, always check with your local vehicle registration authority or consult the latest state guidelines.
Here’s an overview of regulations at the time of writing:
New South Wales
Roof-mounted light bars are permitted in New South Wales if they adhere to the state’s headlight regulations, which aim to prevent glare and visual obstruction.
All forward-facing lights must be installed symmetrically so they don’t block your line of sight. These lights should only light up with high beams and automatically turn off when you switch to low beams. That way, you can reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic.
Emergency vehicles may use white and blue light bars as long as they comply with visibility requirements.
Victoria
In Victoria, roof-mounted light bars are reserved for authorised vehicles, like police, fire, and ambulance services. These lights must be angled properly to prevent glare and are only to be used in emergencies.
Victoria’s regulations align closely with those in NSW, focusing on safety and visibility. The light bars must be mounted at the front of the vehicle and designed to avoid blinding other drivers. They should only be activated alongside high beams and must automatically turn off when low beams are in use.
Additionally, there is a limit of four auxiliary driving lights, which must be installed symmetrically and kept below the bonnet line to ensure the driver’s view is unobstructed.
Queensland
In Queensland, light bars are permitted on emergency vehicles when paired with standard warning lights for added visibility.
These lights must be positioned at the front of the vehicle, staying below the roof line to reduce the risk of glare. They should only be activated when no other vehicles are nearby to ensure safety for all road users.
Queensland also requires that light bars be installed symmetrically, without blocking the driver’s line of sight. Additionally, they need to be wired for independent control, separate from the vehicle’s regular headlights.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, emergency vehicles can use light bars, but only when responding to active emergency calls.
The state’s rules for LED light bars are similar to those in NSW and Queensland. Light bars must be mounted symmetrically at the front of the vehicle, and their use is tied to high-beam headlights, switching off automatically when low beams are engaged to avoid blinding other drivers.
WA regulations also require that light bars be installed below the bonnet line, unless the vehicle’s design prevents this placement.
South Australia
In South Australia, emergency vehicles can use light bars, but they’re reserved for active emergency situations only.
LED light bars must follow strict guidelines that align with national safety standards. Mounted symmetrically at the front, they need to face forward without hindering the driver’s view or creating glare for others on the road. These lights can only be activated with high beams and are required to automatically switch off when low beams are in use.
To keep things streamlined and safe, South Australian regulations cap the number of auxiliary lights (including LED light bars) at four. They must be installed below the bonnet line to maintain a clear line of sight for the driver, ensuring safety for everyone on the road.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, there’s no specific regulation banning the installation of driving lights on a vehicle’s roof. However, they must be placed in the front half of the vehicle, based on the distance from the front to the rear (excluding any cargo).
The lights must not cause any discomfort to the driver or dazzle other road users. They also need to be wired to work with the high-beam headlights and must emit a white light projecting forward.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has no specific rules against installing light bars on the roof of a vehicle. However, these light bars must meet certain standards.
For example, they need to be mounted at the front of the vehicle and aligned symmetrically with the centre. They also should not block the driver’s field of vision, whether through direct glare or reflections from the vehicle’s body, bull bars, ladder racks, or mirrors.
Moreover, light bars must automatically switch off when the high beams are no longer in use.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, regulations differ from other parts of Australia. Additional lights, including driving lamps, fog lamps, or work lights, must be installed without obstructing the driver’s view or posing a risk to anyone near the vehicle.
For vehicles under 12 tonnes GVM, up to four main beam headlights are permitted. Heavier vehicles, often seen in the NT, can have up to six main beam headlights, with exemptions allowing for as many as eight.
Light bars are allowed as an addition to main beam headlights but must be mounted at the front centre of the vehicle. These LED light bars must be angled properly to avoid causing issues for other road users.
Penalties for non-compliance
Using non-compliant roof-mounted light bars can lead to hefty fines and penalties. Depending on the state, fines for illegal light bar use can range from $200 to over $1,000.
In some cases, fleet operators may be required to remove or modify non-compliant installations immediately.
Non-compliance can also compromise your fleet’s safety certifications, potentially grounding your vehicles until the issue is resolved. Don’t take the risk.
Key considerations for your fleet
Managing a fleet means ensuring that every vehicle complies with all lighting regulations while maintaining the best possible visibility for your team.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when it comes to light bars:
Balance visibility and safety
While the primary purpose of roof-mounted light bars is to enhance visibility, improper use can pose a risk to other road users.
High-intensity LED light bars can cause glare, particularly at night, which may dazzle oncoming drivers.
To mitigate this risk, ensure that each light bar is properly angled and that its brightness levels comply with ADR standards.
Follow installation best practices
When mounting a light bar on your vehicle’s roof, make sure to:
- Position the light bar securely in the middle of the roof to prevent vibrations and ensure stability at high speeds;
- Use approved mounting brackets and wiring to ensure compliance with safety regulations; and
- Avoid mounting the light bar in a way that obstructs the driver’s line of sight or interferes with the vehicle’s existing safety features.
Conduct regular compliance checks
Once set up, perform routine inspections to ensure each light bar is in good working order and still meets legal requirements.
Check for loose mounts, damaged lights, or incorrect wiring, all of which can lead to safety hazards and significant fines.
Explore LED light bars for trade and emergency fleets
Roof-mounted light bars play a critical role in trade and emergency operations, delivering 24/7 visibility in high-stakes situations. But to ensure safe and effective illumination, this lighting must comply with local legislation.
At Australian Warning Systems, we offer a wide range of high-performance light bars suitable for roof installation. Each product has been rigorously tested to meet industry standards, giving your fleet the reliability needed in critical moments.
For expert guidance on selections, call our team today at 03 9796 5880 or email info@warningsystems.com.au.