Day running lights .....legal ?

[JPB]

Running lights

My running lights are two 50watt quartz-halogen mini spots (dirt-cheap from Halfords). Like you I was concerned about dazzling others and the legality.
Here's what the local police told me:
"Must be a matching pair and fitted in accordance to general vehicle lighting rules. No specific rules on wattage, but not less that 200 Candelans & not more than 800 Candelans." They weren't sure how this could be measured and don't know of any police forces that have equipment for measuring "candelans". I think your best bet is to fit them in accordance with the rules and aim them around where your dipped beam hits the tarmac. If loads of people flash you, you're probably dazzling them. If they don't, you're probably OK. Hope this helps!

 

[(RIP) MOTÖRHEAD]

but not less that 200 Candelans & not more than 800 Candelans." They weren't sure how this could be measured and don't know of any police forces that have equipment for measuring "candelans".

Ey, 'tis a very old method. to be sure.

No less than 200 & no more than 800.

 

[Deleted account 210214001]

Just checked the statutes for Wisconsin (my home state). Looks like the specifics are fairly broad. For "adverse weather lamps, spotlights, or auxiliary lamps, or with any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candle-power, not more than a total of 4 of any such lamps or combinations thereof on the front of the vehicle shall be lighted at any one time," (WI Stats. Ch.37, sub. 1, sec. 347.07, para. 1). And for "multiple-beam headlamps," it states, "Thre shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading," (WI Stats. Ch.37, sub. 1, sec. 347.10, para. 2, sub-para. a).

Sounds like I can get away with some Ligthforce 170's (350,000 candlepower, 1 lux (sufficient to read a newspaper) at 650 metres) just fine.

Barbecued deer,anyone?

Plus I think I'll add some small Hella ff50's or similar for my DRL's and conspicuity lights. Need to figure something out for better visibility from the rear; I'm thinking active (e.g. lights) versus passive (e.g. reflective stickers).

Any thoughts on that one?

Bohdan