LIGHTS ON CARS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 May 1930, Page 5

LIGHTS ON CARS

POLICE ATTITUDE

MINISTERIAL INTERPRETATIONS

SOUGHT

The police in Diincdin have recently taken up the attitude that a motor car cannot l>c driven at night time with both of its headlights and sidelights burning at the same time. Ju view of the far-reaching effect of such an attitude the Otago Motor Club lias written to the Minister of Transport (the Hon W. A. Vcitch) asking him for an interpretation of the regulations dealing with the matter, and has forwarded a copy <>f the letter to the South Island Motor Union. ' ",. REGULATION 3 Sub-section 2 of Regulation 3 states: Every motor vehicle other than a motor cycle shall be equipped with two, and not more than two, lamps (hereinafter referred to as "headlights") attached thereto, which shall be (a) of approximately equal candle power; (b) placed one towards each side of vehicle, etc.; (c) of sufficient power, etc. Sub-section !) provides: "It shall be lawful to have attached to a motor vehicle or used in connection therewith any lamp or lamps for the purpose of sidelights or to illuminate the interiorof the vehicle for the convenience of passengers or driver, or' the entrance thereof, or to serve as a destination signal, or (on a public vehicle) to illuminate any notice relating to its destination, availability for hire, Of ownership, or to decorate the vehicle for the purpose of a club's authorised procession." Tu the letter the secretary of. the club (Mr P. H. Power) states: "I'Can see nothing in these sections to prohibit the use "of all these permitted lights at the one time, and, further,. I can see no reason why they should not all be used at the one time if the'bwriev so desires. , '

"Sub-clause 2 provides for two and not more than two headlights, and the reason for this is_ obviously to prevent anyone from having two ordinary headlights, and what was at one time familiar, something in the nature of a small searchlight."

RESTRICTION OF USE

"If it is lawful to have sidelights, then it is surely lawful to*use them at all times, and there is nothing in. Sub- - !) restricting their use to such; time as the headlights are not in use, nor do I. think the regulations so intended.

"This is a matter of some importance to all motorists throughout New Zealand, as most of the English cars are so built that the headlights arid sidelights go on together, and you callnot have your headlights on without the sidelights. "If in your opinion the interpretation put on the regulation by the police is correct, then I think the matter should be considered before the new regulations come into force, and the position rectified. "Another matter that has come up for discussion in my club is the question of whether the new dipping headlights comply with the'regulations in so far as the headlights when dipped may not throw a fight 150 feet. As it is the opinion of the club that the clipping headlight is the best solution of the dazzling problem provision, should be made allowing the use of such lights when meeting other traffic." _ Permission is also sought to affix some identification light on the, club's two patrol cars now on the road, for the purpose of giving assistance to motorists in need of it.