{"id":"F2006L01433","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":59055,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L01433-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS","sectionType":"part","heading":"1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS","content":"CONTENTS\n\n1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS.....................................3\n\n2. FUNCTION....................................................3\n\n3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION........................3\n\n4. DEFINITIONS..................................................4\n\n5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................4\n\n6. INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS..................................4\n\n7. TEST PROCEDURES............................................4\n\nCOMPILATION NOTES..............................................6\n\n  \n\n## 1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS\n\n### 1.1. NAME OF STANDARD\n\n    1.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006.\n    1.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 45/01 — Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations.\n\n### 1.2. COMMENCEMENT\n\n    1.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n### 1.3. REPEAL\n\n    1.3.1. This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations that is:\n\n(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989; and\n\n(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\n    1.3.2. This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\n## 2. FUNCTION\n\n    2.1. The function of this Australian Design Rule (ADR) is to specify the photometric requirements for lighting and light-signalling devices which will ensure adequate illumination for the driver of the vehicle and signal to other road users the position, orientation, intention and movement of the vehicle, without producing undue glare for other road users.\n\n## 3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\n    3.1. This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.\n    3.2. ‘External Cabin Lamps’ shall comply with the relevant requirements of this ADR.\n    3.3. The circumstances under which such lamps are mandatory, optional, alternative or prohibited are set out in ADR 13/...\n\n  \n\n## 4. DEFINITIONS\n\n    4.1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n## 5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS\n\n    5.1. Lamps shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use, despite the vibrations to which they may then be subjected, they continue to function satisfactorily and retain the characteristics prescribed by this Rule.\n    5.2. The colour of the light emitted shall be in accordance with the chromaticity requirements within Appendix A of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles) 2005.\n\n## 6. INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS\n\n    6.1. ‘EXTERNAL CABIN LAMP’\n    6.1.1. Colour of light emitted: White or Amber.\n    6.1.2. Intensity of light emitted:\n    6.1.2.1. Minimum: 0.3 cd within the angles of light distribution of clause 6.1.3.\n    6.1.2.2. Maximum: 12 cd in any direction.\n    6.1.3. Angles of light distribution:\n    6.1.3.1. Vertical: from 5° above to 15° below the horizontal.\n    6.1.3.2. Horizontal: forward from 45° to the left to 45° to the right.\n    6.1.4. Other requirements: None.\n\n## 7. TEST PROCEDURES\n\n    7.1. All measurements shall be made with a standard filament globe of the category prescribed for the device, or LED light source as specified by the manufacturer, the supply voltage being so regulated as to produce the normal luminous flux prescribed. In the case that the LED light source is fitted to the unit and not removable, the unit shall be tested as supplied at the voltage specified by the manufacturer.\n    7.2. Photometric measurements\n    7.2.1. Measurement methods\n    7.2.1.1. During photometric measurements, stray reflections shall be avoided by appropriate masking.\n    7.2.1.2. Measurements shall be carried out in such a way as to meet the following requirements:\n    7.2.1.2.1. The distance of measurement shall be such that the law of the inverse of the square of the distance is applicable;\n    7.2.1.2.2. The measuring equipment shall be such that the angular aperture of the receiver viewed from the reference centre of the light is comprised between 10’ and one degree;\n    7.2.1.2.3. The intensity requirement for a particular direction of observation shall be deemed to be satisfied if that requirement is met in a direction deviating by not more than one-quarter of a degree from the direction of observation.\n\n  \n\n## COMPILATION NOTES\n\nThis compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 includes all the instruments set out in the Table of Instruments. The Table of Amendments provides a history of clauses that have been amended, inserted or deleted.\n\nTable of Instruments\n\n| Name of Instrument                                                                                                                                    | Registration Date | Commencement Date |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 (F2006L01433)             | 10/05/2006        | 11/05/2006        |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 Amendment 1 (F2017L01492) | 17/11/2017        | 18/11/2017        |\n\n  \n\nTable of Amendments\n\n| Clause affected                | How affected | Amending instrument |\n| ------------------------------ | ------------ | ------------------- |\n| 0.1.                           |  1.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.1.1.                         | 1.1.1.      | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.1.2.                         |  1.1.2.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.2.                           |  1.2.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.2.1.                         |  1.2.1.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.                           |  1.3.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.1.                         |  1.3.1.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.2.                         |  1.3.2.     | Amendment 1         |\n| Purpose & Scope                | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Application and Implementation | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Subclauses                     | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Applicability Table            | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.1.                          |  4.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.1.1.                        |  4.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.                          |  5.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.1.                        |  5.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 5.2                            | ad           | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.2. (and subclauses)       | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.                          |  6.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.1. (and subclauses)       | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.2. (and subclauses)       |  6.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.3. to 45.3.9.4.           | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.4.                          |  7.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.4.1.                        | am           | Amendment 1         |\n\nad = added or inserted\n\nam = amended\n\ndel = deleted or removed\n\nrr = removed and replaced\n\n = clause renumbered. This takes the format of old no.  new no.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1.1. NAME OF STANDARD","sectionType":"division","heading":"1.1. NAME OF STANDARD","content":"### 1.1. NAME OF STANDARD\n\n    1.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006.\n    1.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 45/01 — Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"1.2. COMMENCEMENT","sectionType":"division","heading":"1.2. COMMENCEMENT","content":"### 1.2. COMMENCEMENT\n\n    1.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"1.3. REPEAL","sectionType":"division","heading":"1.3. REPEAL","content":"### 1.3. REPEAL\n\n    1.3.1. This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations that is:\n\n(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989; and\n\n(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.\n\n    1.3.2. This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Standard Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"2. FUNCTION","sectionType":"part","heading":"2. FUNCTION","content":"## 2. FUNCTION\n\n    2.1. The function of this Australian Design Rule (ADR) is to specify the photometric requirements for lighting and light-signalling devices which will ensure adequate illumination for the driver of the vehicle and signal to other road users the position, orientation, intention and movement of the vehicle, without producing undue glare for other road users.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION","sectionType":"part","heading":"3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION","content":"## 3. APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION\n\n    3.1. This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.\n    3.2. ‘External Cabin Lamps’ shall comply with the relevant requirements of this ADR.\n    3.3. The circumstances under which such lamps are mandatory, optional, alternative or prohibited are set out in ADR 13/...","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"4. DEFINITIONS","sectionType":"part","heading":"4. DEFINITIONS","content":"## 4. DEFINITIONS\n\n    4.1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS","sectionType":"part","heading":"5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS","content":"## 5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS\n\n    5.1. Lamps shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use, despite the vibrations to which they may then be subjected, they continue to function satisfactorily and retain the characteristics prescribed by this Rule.\n    5.2. The colour of the light emitted shall be in accordance with the chromaticity requirements within Appendix A of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles) 2005.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"6. INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS","sectionType":"part","heading":"6. INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS","content":"## 6. INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS\n\n    6.1. ‘EXTERNAL CABIN LAMP’\n    6.1.1. Colour of light emitted: White or Amber.\n    6.1.2. Intensity of light emitted:\n    6.1.2.1. Minimum: 0.3 cd within the angles of light distribution of clause 6.1.3.\n    6.1.2.2. Maximum: 12 cd in any direction.\n    6.1.3. Angles of light distribution:\n    6.1.3.1. Vertical: from 5° above to 15° below the horizontal.\n    6.1.3.2. Horizontal: forward from 45° to the left to 45° to the right.\n    6.1.4. Other requirements: None.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"7. TEST PROCEDURES","sectionType":"part","heading":"7. TEST PROCEDURES","content":"## 7. TEST PROCEDURES\n\n    7.1. All measurements shall be made with a standard filament globe of the category prescribed for the device, or LED light source as specified by the manufacturer, the supply voltage being so regulated as to produce the normal luminous flux prescribed. In the case that the LED light source is fitted to the unit and not removable, the unit shall be tested as supplied at the voltage specified by the manufacturer.\n    7.2. Photometric measurements\n    7.2.1. Measurement methods\n    7.2.1.1. During photometric measurements, stray reflections shall be avoided by appropriate masking.\n    7.2.1.2. Measurements shall be carried out in such a way as to meet the following requirements:\n    7.2.1.2.1. The distance of measurement shall be such that the law of the inverse of the square of the distance is applicable;\n    7.2.1.2.2. The measuring equipment shall be such that the angular aperture of the receiver viewed from the reference centre of the light is comprised between 10’ and one degree;\n    7.2.1.2.3. The intensity requirement for a particular direction of observation shall be deemed to be satisfied if that requirement is met in a direction deviating by not more than one-quarter of a degree from the direction of observation.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"COMPILATION NOTES","sectionType":"part","heading":"COMPILATION NOTES","content":"## COMPILATION NOTES\n\nThis compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 includes all the instruments set out in the Table of Instruments. The Table of Amendments provides a history of clauses that have been amended, inserted or deleted.\n\nTable of Instruments\n\n| Name of Instrument                                                                                                                                    | Registration Date | Commencement Date |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 (F2006L01433)             | 10/05/2006        | 11/05/2006        |\n| Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 45/01 – Lighting and Light Signalling Devices not Covered by ECE Regulations) 2006 Amendment 1 (F2017L01492) | 17/11/2017        | 18/11/2017        |\n\n  \n\nTable of Amendments\n\n| Clause affected                | How affected | Amending instrument |\n| ------------------------------ | ------------ | ------------------- |\n| 0.1.                           |  1.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.1.1.                         | 1.1.1.      | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.1.2.                         |  1.1.2.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.2.                           |  1.2.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.2.1.                         |  1.2.1.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.                           |  1.3.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.1.                         |  1.3.1.     | Amendment 1         |\n| 0.3.2.                         |  1.3.2.     | Amendment 1         |\n| Purpose & Scope                | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Application and Implementation | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Subclauses                     | am           | Amendment 1         |\n| Applicability Table            | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.1.                          |  4.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.1.1.                        |  4.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.                          |  5.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.1.                        |  5.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 5.2                            | ad           | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.2.2. (and subclauses)       | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.                          |  6.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.1. (and subclauses)       | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.2. (and subclauses)       |  6.1.       | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.3.3. to 45.3.9.4.           | del          | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.4.                          |  7.         | Amendment 1         |\n| 45.4.1.                        | am           | Amendment 1         |\n\nad = added or inserted\n\nam = amended\n\ndel = deleted or removed\n\nrr = removed and replaced\n\n = clause renumbered. This takes the format of old no.  new no.","sortOrder":10}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendment history (Compilation Notes / Table of Amendments) records changes to Purpose & Scope and deletion of the Applicability Table. Clause 3.1 still refers to an applicability table 'below' while the Table of Amendments shows the Applicability Table was deleted, indicating the ADR's explicit applicability statements were altered. See cl. 1.3 (repeals), cl. 3.1 and the Compilation Notes/Table of Amendments for the recorded scope changes."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-references to other ADRs for definitions and chromaticity (cl. 4.1; cl. 5.2 refers to ADR 13/00 Appendix A) increase interpretive work.","Technical photometric test requirements with measurement geometry and tolerances (cl. 7.2.1.2.1–2 and cl. 7.2.1.2.3) require specialised equipment and expertise.","Narrow angular and intensity specifications for external cabin lamps (cl. 6.1.2–6.1.3) make compliance sensitive to manufacturing and assembly variation.","Requirement to test non‑removable LED assemblies 'as supplied' (cl. 7.1) raises product‑specific testing and supply considerations.","Repeal and amendment mechanics (cl. 1.3 and Compilation Notes/Table of Amendments) require checking historical instruments to confirm current obligations.","An applicability reference to a table (cl. 3.1) that has been deleted in amendment history creates potential ambiguity about which vehicle categories are affected."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument prescribes photometric design, performance and test requirements for vehicle lighting and light‑signalling devices not covered by ECE regulations — most concretely the ‘external cabin lamp’ (colour, intensity and beam angles) and how to measure them. It affects vehicle manufacturers and lamp suppliers, who pay for design, testing and compliance; regulators decide conformity and have repealed earlier ADRs. Mechanically, manufacturers must supply lamps that meet the stated colour, intensity and angular distribution and be tested under the specified photometric procedures."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has been drastically narrowed from its original scope. The 2006 original covered multiple lighting types (reversing lamps, side marker lamps, end-outline marker lamps, daytime running lamps, and others). The 2017 Amendment 1 deleted most of these, retaining only 'External Cabin Lamps'. The applicability table was also removed, pushing timing decisions into ADR 13. What began as a comprehensive standard for non-ECE lighting devices is now essentially a single-purpose technical specification for one niche lamp type."},"complexity_factors":["Extremely short substantive content — only 7 operative clauses covering a single lamp type","No defined terms in the instrument itself; definitions outsourced to ADR Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005","Single cross-reference to ADR 13/00 for colour requirements and installation timing","No conditional logic, exceptions, or nested provisions — straightforward prescriptive requirements","Technical but simple mathematical specifications (angles, candela measurements)","Historical complexity visible only in Compilation Notes showing massive deletion of content in 2017 Amendment 1 (clauses 45.3.3 to 45.3.9.4 deleted, applicability table removed)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets the technical rules for **external cabin lamps** on vehicles — the small lights typically mounted on the roof or sides of truck cabins, caravans, or other vehicles to illuminate the area around the cabin.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Specifies that these lamps must emit **white or amber light**.\n- Sets brightness limits: **at least 0.3 candela** (a unit of light intensity) in the required beam pattern, but **no more than 12 candela** in any direction (to prevent blinding other drivers).\n- Defines the **beam angle**: must shine forward in a 90-degree arc (45 degrees left to right) and vertically from 5 degrees above to 15 degrees below horizontal.\n- Requires lamps to withstand normal vehicle vibrations without failing.\n- Mandates specific **testing procedures** for measuring light output, including using standard bulbs or manufacturer-specified LEDs at regulated voltage.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Vehicle manufacturers** and **importers** who fit external cabin lamps to vehicles sold in Australia.\n- **Testing laboratories** certifying compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs).\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThese rules ensure cabin lights help drivers see around their vehicles at night without dazzling oncoming traffic or pedestrians. The standard fills a gap by covering lights **not** already regulated by international (ECE) vehicle lighting rules.\n\n**Key context:**\nThis is a highly **pared-back** version of the original 2006 standard. A 2017 amendment stripped out most lighting types (including reversing lamps, side marker lamps, and others), leaving only external cabin lamps. The detailed applicability table was also deleted, with compliance timing now governed by a separate rule (ADR 13)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument is a vehicle design standard that currently prescribes requirements only for external cabin lamps. It replaced earlier versions of ADR 45/01 that also covered other lighting devices, and was itself amended in 2017 to remove those additional categories."},"complexity_factors":["Highly specific technical content (photometric values, angular distribution, candlepower measurements)","Cross-references to other vehicle standards (definitions standard and ADR 13/00 for chromaticity)","Amendment history that changed scope significantly, requiring careful reading of compilation notes","Niche application limited to one lighting device type after earlier broader scope was removed"],"plain_english_summary":"This ADR sets Australia’s technical requirements for external cabin lamps — exterior cabin-mounted lights not covered by UN/ECE rules — specifying that they emit white or amber light, with photometry between 0.3 and 12 candela, a vertical beam from 5° above to 15° below horizontal, and a 90° forward horizontal spread (±45°).  \n\nIt binds vehicle manufacturers, importers and test labs for Australian-market vehicles; the 2017 amendment narrowed the standard to cover only external cabin lamps."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-45-01-lighting-and-light-signalling-devices-not-covered-by-e/documents"}}