Headlight "hazing" pre 2019 RT models

[askitee]

Now it makes sense. It seems the fog lights were never intended to be Headlights but BRP seems to have met compliance requirements by moving the "Low Beam role" to the lower position.

1. Beam height regulations (ADR 13/00 & reg 176)

• In Australia, the top edge of a low beam’s main light must not be higher than the headlight’s centre at 8 metres ahead — and not more than 1m above ground at 25m ahead.
• The global Can-Am’s high-mounted projectors fail this requirement due to:
  • The bike’s front suspension geometry (e.g., front dive under braking)
  • Rider weight variation
  • No headlamp leveling system

Rather than redesign the optical system or add self-levelling motors, BRP moved the low beam to the fog light position, which is naturally lower and easier to get under the beam height limit.

2. Reclassification of lights under ADR

• Fog lights, if placed correctly and with the right beam pattern, can be reclassified as low beam under ADRs, especially if the manufacturer swaps in a different bulb or reflector housing.
• It's cheaper and faster for compliance than recertifying a brand-new projector headlight unit under ADR 46/00.

3. Cost and complexity avoidance

• Even if the shutter-based projector was technically compliant, it might not have had existing ADR certification.
• BRP may have decided to skip the cost of testing, lab submission, and potentially redesigning beam patterns for Australian roads.
• This is a common shortcut by manufacturers importing small volumes.

Then, you guy's down under have some kind of law against adding on running lights?

Under our Design Rules, we are not permitted to add additional low beam lighting - didn't look at high beams. We can add what we call driving lights (floods/pencil beams/combination) that can operate in concert with the high beam, but in my state they have to have a separate switch.

I thought perhaps the shutter system that reduces light output from the one bulb might not be compliant in Aust, but there are a number of models that incorporate it (My Lexus is one example)

Actually I am not certain if the US/Canada models use a shutter or separate bulbs - the Factory wiring diagram references shutters - it would be good if I can obtain US/Canadian headlights and get them certified if its just a dual bulb arrangement. I dont know that the wiring is present for the shutter in Aust models.

 

[Mikey]

What the heck! I can't believe that your government is shoved that far up your behind! And yes, in the USA, in the later models we have shutters, and with some LED's, they work OK.

 

[Peter Aawen]

What the heck! I can't believe that your government is shoved that far up your behind! And yes, in the USA, in the later models we have shutters, and with some LED's, they work OK.

One of the most 'over-legislated' Countries in the World!

But we still have more true 'freedom' than most, and despite having visited, lived, and worked in quite a few other parts of the World, I really can't think of any place I like better or anywhere I'd rather prefer to live!!