The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts has this week released four new vehicle lighting Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for public consultation.
The ADRs were developed to harmonise Australia’s regulations for lighting and light signalling devices with the United Nations’. They followed a review by a UN expert lighting group that consolidated 20 lighting regulations into three function-based regulations, without changing photometric requirements.
The new ADRs and the lighting functions they relate to are listed below.
> Draft Australian Design Rule (ADR) 101/00 – Light Emitting Diode Light Sources
> Draft Australian Design Rule (ADR) 102/00 – Light Signalling Devices
> Draft Australian Design Rule (ADR) 103/00 – Road Illumination Devices
> Draft Australian Design Rule (ADR) 104/00 – Retro-reflective Devices and Markings
The Department’s proposal for the new ADRs also includes amendments to existing ADRs, namely 13/00,19/02 and 67/00, to recognise the new ADRs as alternatives to the current ADRs for lighting components fitted to vehicles.
HVIA understands that the intention is to provide manufacturers with up-to-date and internationally recognised certification pathways, to support safer vehicles, and to reduce regulatory burden over time, but is yet to review the proposals in detail.
The ADR consultation will remain open for a six-week period, closing Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Interested members can find more details here.
HVIA will consult with members who are lighting providers and manufacturers in preparing a response to the Department’s proposal.