More than 6,000 motorists were detected for lighting-related offences in 2016, according to the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA).
A total of 6,364 people were detected last year, with the most common offence being driving without effective lights (55%), followed by using a fog light when not permitted (34%). Across the past five years (2012-16), these offence types have increased by 70% and 40% respectively, while lighting offences overall have increased by 53%.
“Driving without effective lights applies to people who forget to turn their lights on at night or in hazardous weather, as well as those who may have a single bulb out,” said Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Manager Road Safety. “Given we’re in the midst of winter when daylight hours are at their shortest and weather conditions are at their worst, it would be advisable for motorists to check that their headlights and other lights are working.”
July is the most common month for motorists to be detected for driving without lights (11.3%), followed by August (10.7%).
“Of course motorists should also make sure they’ve turned their lights on before undertaking any journey at night or in poor weather,” said Mr Mountain. “Don’t rely on the auto-on function for headlights either, as there is some variability in their sensitivity to light or you might have de-activated it on a previous trip.”
A recent survey of RAA members found 27% of people would use their high beam headlights in foggy conditions to increase what they can see. But, using high beam in foggy conditions can actually make visibility worse because it reflects the light off the fog and can dazzle other drivers. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100m.
The penalty for driving at night without lights or using fog lights when not permitted is $238, plus a $60 Victims of Crime Levy.
