Ask Phoebe: Authorities blind to dazzling light

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I read your column about fog lights with interest. Are there still any similar requirements not to dazzle oncoming cars with headlights as there used to be?

I am continually irritated or dazzled by drivers with lights on full (or really bright lamp types) and there seems to be complete acceptance of this by the authorities, or outright encouragement in the case of the NZTA asking for "lights on day and night".

There should be no legitimate place for lights that leave an after-image on a driver's retinas while driving, and I believe I have a right to be annoyed by them while trying to drive safely.

Can you tell me what controls there are on brightness for lights other than foglamps. Since they should be enforcing safe driving, but are clearly not acting, do the police have a specific position about bright lights? Penelope Mazengarb, Auckland.

Automobile Association motoring advice manager Andrew Bayliss says there is a requirement in the warrant of fitness inspection that headlights don't dazzle.

While many original equipment (OE) modern lamps (particularly on prestige vehicles) use HID (high intensity discharge), Xenon or LED technology that exhibits a bright white light, generally it's not the OE ones that are the problem.

The OE lamps have reflectors and lenses that are specifically designed to emit the correct beam pattern.

One of the main problems relates to the fitting of after-market HID kits to standard lamps, which have a different design and beam pattern. HID bulbs are not compatible with conventional lights, so emit a non-compliant beam which can be too bright, poorly aimed and often quite blue in colour. These conversions are illegal, but popular with "boy racers".

Click here to see the Vehicle Inspection Requirement Manual (VIRM) on the NZTA website: . Of particular relevance is point 15e - Note 8.

You could also take a look at the NZTA website, in particular tinyurl.com/qzcmdvm, which lets you know what you can and can't do with additional lights on vehicles.

If your lights do not conform with requirements, then your vehicle should not have a warrant of fitness. If this is the case, and you are pulled up by police for this or other transgressions, you will be fined.

Because vehicle lighting standards are set out in law, the police will take their position on that, as they must on any legislation that pertains to their role in society.

The surface of Greys Ave is severely impaired and badly in need of resurfacing a la Ponsonby Rd. It is an embarrassment and surely must annoy frequent users and those who live in the neighbourhood. It annoys me as a frequent user. Can you advise if Greys Ave is on the "radar" for resurfacing any time soon? Tony Kirschberg, Auckland CBD.

I cannot find it on any list. However, if you feel that the footpath is in urgent need of repair, as you clearly do, you can notify Auckland Transport to request repairs.

Click here to report the problem.

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