An LED Light bar can be defined as an appliance predominantly used by vehicles to provide greater visibility on the road. But are they legal? In this guide, I will give you the rundown on the ins and outs of this product and how you can use it effectively for your favorite set of wheels.

Why Buy An LED Light Bar?

To put it simply, these lights can turn out to be a useful investment.

Here’s the low-down. Laws in multiple areas indeed put a limit on using light bars in the vicinity of other cars to avoid hazards. But these lights can be extremely useful in remote areas.

For the same price point, they are much brighter than incandescent bulbs and can light up your way better and at a longer distance.

What Are The Legal Restrictions For Using LED Light Bars On The Road?

To sum it up, different states have different restrictions. This article mentions a list of laws by location. But I’ll also summarize the gist of them here.

You should avoid using light bars when there is ample street lighting on the road. The light being emitted can only be a white, steady light; colored and flashing lights are prohibited.

If the lights are present in pairs, then they must function properly at the same time with constant intensity.

The driver must be able to see at least 11 meters in front of him, with his seat fully reclined at all times when looking on from the top of the light bar. The light must not reflect off of other surfaces into the driver’s eyes.

Another important thing is that the lights must be securely fitted on the vehicle, and the connections must be insulated completely. They must not protrude in a way that could be injurious to people on the road.

Can LED Light Bars Be Used On The Street?

In simple words, no. Many states prevent you from using LED Light Bars on public roads. If you do use them, you need to follow certain guidelines, like making sure they don’t cause glare, are always pointed forward, and only emit white light.

Most areas also require that you use an LED Light cover, regardless of whether your light bar is on or not.

Where Can You Legally Mount LED Light Bars?

Many states put limitations on where you can mount these lights.

Some lights are mounted below or at the same level as the headlight lights. Any higher than that, and there’s a risk of causing discomfort to people on the road.

In other cases, you can mount it on your roof, but only on the front area of the vehicle.

Can I Mount a Light Bar (Spotlights) On Top Of My Bull Bar?

No, you can’t. The light mustn’t be directly in the driver’s line of sight. If that happens, it could potentially blind the driver and be hazardous for everyone on the road.

Can I Mount A LED Light Bar On My Roof?

You can, but there are some rules involved:

• You must place the light on the front region of your car.
• It must only be turned on when you’re using your high beams.

Is There A Limit To How Many Lights I Can Have?

Every driving law points to the same limit—four. You can have different combinations: this could be two pairs of spotlights, or four lightbars, or two of each.

• You can only use these lights when you’re already using the high beam headlights.
• The lamps have to face forward at all times when they are on
• Lights that are in pairs have to be placed together around the center of the automobile. If they’re not in pairs, the light bar must be placed at the center of the car.

• Light Bars must only beam white light.
• There should be no glare caused to drivers.
• The lights should not hamper the driver’s vision.
• The lights cannot be mounted on top of the bull bar.

South Australia’s Official Words On The Subject

South Australian Legislation also disallows more than four extra lights on your vehicle. All the rules mentioned above comply with South Australian law. The only difference is that lights here can be fitted on the vehicle’s roof too.

In addition, you could fit the lights with an isolator switch so that you can switch on the high beam lights without turning on the driving lights.

Western Australia’s Official Words On The Subject

Western Australian Law dictates that you can install up to four LED Light Bars on your car, but no more than that. It specifies that these devices can only be legally used when there is a 200-meter clear distance between you and any other cars on the road.

It also recommends that the light not be installed any higher than the top edge of your bonnet.

How Can You Make Sure Your LED Lights Won’t Get You Pulled Over?

It is the responsibility of legal authorities to ensure that unsafe practices are avoided. If headlights are being used in such a way as to cause hindrance and be a source of hazard for drivers, then we can hardly blame the police for taking action. So how do we avoid getting in trouble?

The simplest answer is, make sure you’re following the specific laws laid down in your area with regards to these additional lights.

Additionally, there is another solution.

The Solution? Use A Light Bar Cover

The best way to comply with the law and at the same time ensure that you get the benefit of these devices is to opt for a light bar cover.