[NSW] Can I Get A Penalty Notice for High Beam Light Reviewed?

GreyXXX on 20/11/2019 - 10:00
Last edited 20/11/2019 - 10:11 by 1 other user

ahhh

I was stopped by the cops for using high beam light at night..
Well I did have the light on when the cops happened to be around..
but that was a dark rd and I was turning so kind of wanted a good view at night..
and so I got my letter..
I know I did do sth wrong in front of the cops and I don't have high expectation on being able to waive it off…but I'm planning to request a review anyway

Just wondering does anyone ever get caught for this before? and any successful/unsuccessful stories re reviewing penalty notice?

Automotive

Comments

  • dust on 20/11/2019 - 10:04
    +21

    On what basis are you requesting a review?

    • Kangal on 22/11/2019 - 13:32
      +1

      Night vision goggles weren't charged, a reasonable argument?

  • xeion on 20/11/2019 - 10:21
    +70

    was a dark rd and I was turning so kind of wanted a good view at night..

    So your vision is more important than blinding an oncoming car, with the potential for them to be completely unsighted. It's not like cars come with head lights for seeing at night.

    If you were inconsiderate to other road users, then you should be fined for inappropriate use of high beam.

    • SlavOz on 23/11/2019 - 08:23
      +18

      What a trash thing to say. Surely if we're being trusted to drive 2000kg killing machines all by ourselves, we can also be trusted to know that using high-beams is OK if there are no other cars in your direct line of sight.

      I've always driven low cars so high-beams on a dark night are essential. As soon as I see another cars lights approaching from the distance or around a corner, I switch them off. I'm sick of being told that after 12 years of driving without an accident, I'm now a reckless driver because someone at the NSW gov needed to justify their job by introducing new bogus laws.

      Also, if this dangerous blinding theory held up, we would ban trucks and SUVs too. Even without their high-beams on, their regular lights shine directly in your eyes when you pass them, unless you're in a truck or SUV as well. I can't remember the last time I passed a high vehicle and didn't get blinded by their regular lights.

      • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 18:53
        Bring back yellow halogens

        *Or even better - warm-toned LED headlights as standard**

      • This Guy on 24/11/2019 - 00:17

        What a trash thing to say.
        We can also be trusted to know that using high-beams is OK if there are no other cars in your direct line of sight.

        Old mate, I think you agree with xeion.

        Unless you are using a light bar, high beams are usually not noticeably different to low beams unless you are in direct line of sight.

        I've always driven low cars
        Also, if this dangerous blinding theory held up, we would ban trucks and SUVs too. Even without their high-beams on, their regular lights shine directly in your eyes when you pass them

        Try using the rear view mirror dimmer. I know I shouldn't advocate this on a public forum, but driving 10+kmph faster than the car you overtake makes this a short issue. And if your not driving 10+kmph faster, why bother overtaking?

  • mskeggs on 20/11/2019 - 10:22
    +34

    If there was oncoming traffic, your desire for a good view is trumped by their desire not to be blinded.
    If there was no oncoming traffic, what was the fine for?

    • HighAndDry on 20/11/2019 - 13:02
      +13

      Literally impossible to fight - if the cops noticed it, it would be because the cops themselves were in the way of the beam. If OP wasn't blinding anyone, no one would've noticed to give them a ticket.

      • spaceflight on 21/11/2019 - 19:34
        +9

        if the cops noticed it, it would be because the cops themselves were in the way of the beam.

        You don't need to be in the way of headlights to see them.

      • No ONE on 21/11/2019 - 22:01

        You seem to know everything.
        One question though, was the cop hiding behind the bush or actually on the road?

      • Kkuba on 22/11/2019 - 16:50
        +1

        If the cop car was parked, engine off, lights off, then would it still be an offence?

        OP only specifies "they were around", oddly, instead of "I drove past them".

  • resisting the urge on 20/11/2019 - 10:33
    +8

    Turning, or reaching a crest, you should turn your high beams down, beforehand. Just one of many tips to learn that can avoid serious impact, or fines for bad behaviour.

    And is in the handbook too. I don't see how you could be successful at getting it reviewed.

    The problem of people blinding other is getting worse with modern high energy (projection) lighting systems, let alone un-baffled ones. They're bad enough to cause disorientation in some drivers, as well as dazzling.

    The ADRs have been loosening for years on lights and other stuff, accommodating manufacturers wanting to sell bigger and brighter products. Now so slack that all kinds of weird things are happening, (Late Honda Civics have a solid orange marker light on the front-side corner (USA style), when other cars are only allowed to have orange lights that flash on the side (there are some others around too IIRC, but none that can actually confuse other drivers into thinking it may be indicating until they wait long enough to see it is on solidly, like the Honda)

    • supersabroso on 23/11/2019 - 01:39

      I never turn my high beams on unless I'm driving on a country road at night. Their only purpose is to spot a kangaroo or emu coming out of the bushes at night when you're driving at 100km/h. Otherwise your normal lights are good enough, never had an issue driving in the city without high beams.

      Sorry but you deserve it, the amount of times I've been hit by them and been blinded, it's simply ridiculous. I've gotten into a few friend's cars and had to teach them that their high beams were on. They were like oh….I didn't know that, how do you tell? It there a fine? Unfortunate for you, yeah there is, now you've found out the hard way.

    • resisting the urge on 20/11/2019 - 10:37

      Or one headlight, highbeam, whatever, in the middle of the road.

      Einee mienie mienie mo, do you take the high way, or the low way?

    • AdosHouse on 20/11/2019 - 12:09
      +6

      I rather the moron fixed their goddamn car, and wasn't a complete a-hole.

    • idonotknowwhy on 22/11/2019 - 16:29

      blinded by … some morons who drive around with no headlights or broken rear lights

      I once got hit by a parked car :(

  • Seasoned Salt on 20/11/2019 - 10:44

    What are you basing your review off?

    It's actually illegal to have your high beam in the near vicinity of other vehicles, I think it was 500m of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

    No chance that you will get off, pay the fine and move on. If your current lights are substandard, improve them.

  • JimmyF on 20/11/2019 - 11:13
    +13

    Well I did have the light on when the cops happened to be around..but that was a dark rd and I was turning so kind of wanted a good view at night..

    Your selfish needs don't override the law. You blinded other people around including the police. There is a reason we have rules around high beam usage.

    I know I did do sth wrong in front of the cops and I don't have high expectation on being able to waive it off…but I'm planning to request a review anyway

    hahaha yeah no, pay the fine, you did the crime.

  • John Kimble on 20/11/2019 - 11:19
    +1

    [NSW] Can I Get A Penalty Notice for High Beam Light Reviewed?

    Of course, that's what the review process is for!

  • Bid Sniper on 20/11/2019 - 11:27
    +1

    Yes you can waste more civil servants time and tax payer money if you choose. Or you can pay the fine, which you will anyway, and stop being stupid.

    • kaleidoscope on 22/11/2019 - 06:14
      -3

      By that logic might as well take all the review processes away from system.

      • parsimonious one on 22/11/2019 - 14:48
        +1

        I think what Bid Sniper is saying is that the review process is probably for when there is some error or extenuating circumstance to consider; not just cos you don’t feel like paying and want the penalty withdrawn

  • salmon123 on 20/11/2019 - 13:03
    -8

    I don't know why everyone is being so sanctimonious about this fine. I think it's a stupid fine and the road-rules should be softened for this breach.

    There's so many cars around these days with 'high powered' headlamps that they can blind oncoming traffic, even without being in high-beam. The problem is exacerbated by the prevalence of SUVs, which have a higher focus point and can blind driver in both the rear view mirror and head-on.

    It feels like you just have to live with blinding head-lights these days. Fining the drivers isn't a good place to start fixing the problem.

    • mskeggs on 20/11/2019 - 13:20
      +2

      But if they ALSO turn on their high beams, wouldn't it be a good idea to address that part of the issue which is a clear breach of the law?

      • salmon123 on 20/11/2019 - 13:38

        wouldn't it be a good idea to address that part of the issue which is a clear breach of the law

        Perhaps … It's not clear to me, that the OP was using the high beams without good reason. Maybe that can be the basis for his review.

    • timthetoolman on 20/11/2019 - 16:13
      +4

      Whilst I'm 100% for considerate drivers, people are making it out like they lose their vision for a day after being in the same suburb as someone with high beams.

      Modern xenon lights just on normal seem far brighter than some people's high beams

      • singingwolf on 21/11/2019 - 11:05

        The LEDs are the issue not Xenon so much…

      • stumo on 21/11/2019 - 19:21

        You will lose your vision for a day if you keep your high beams on at me. Most people dip well before we are face to face, and I follow suit or dip to give them the benefit of the doubt. But there are always one or two knobs who just have no idea they are blinding other motorists, well, until they cop my lightbars 50" of LED fury right in the retina. That usually gets a reaction pretty quickly.

        • ThadtheChad on 22/11/2019 - 14:20
          +1

          Not sure why you got downvoted. I absolutely have no patience/tolerance for folks who drive around on high-beams in relatively heavy traffic suburban roads.

          Like ffs, I can see the goddamn motes before my eyes for a few seconds… such inconsiderate rancid tw@s.

    • knobbs on 20/11/2019 - 17:06
      +3

      Yeah the new lights on cars are so bright but then we put at the higher height I feel they are far worse than being high beemed from a car at equal height.

    • b0rnwithabeard on 21/11/2019 - 09:16
      +1

      there's a lot of rules that many deem "stupid" but they're there, so we have to deal with it. OP even admits fault. They should just pay the fine and move on.

      • salmon123 on 21/11/2019 - 12:38

        Doesn't mean he can't bitch about it … or that I can't bitch about the other drivers with headlights that blind me with regular beam.

  • salmon123 on 20/11/2019 - 13:38

    Just wondering does anyone ever get caught for this before? and any successful/unsuccessful stories re reviewing penalty notice?

    I'd start by looking up the Australia Road Rules (and the road rules for your state) to see what circumstances your allowed to use high beams.

  • John Kimble on 20/11/2019 - 13:49
    +10

    Semi related, why do people drive around with their fog lights on when there is no fog?

      • John Kimble on 20/11/2019 - 14:14
        +10

        No, I don't mean DRLs.

      • Chris Topher on 20/11/2019 - 17:04
        +6

        Fog lights are usually lower than headlights to cut under the fog* where headlights bounce straight back at you*

        • fog conditions vary the results.
        • Lastchancetosee on 21/11/2019 - 08:16
          +2

          Yes. Used them all the time in France. They are angled down and towards the side of the road, so you can get your bearings. Normal lights just create a white wall.

    • bobbified on 20/11/2019 - 21:14
      +5

      They think it looks cool.

      • No ONE on 21/11/2019 - 21:47
        +1

        This and ignorance of law.

    • spaceflight on 21/11/2019 - 19:40
      +1

      Because they don't know it's illegal and would prefer to blind oncoming drivers.

      http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/rr2014104…

      • CVonC on 22/11/2019 - 23:20
        +2

        would prefer to blind oncoming drivers.

        Fog lights shouldn't though cos of where they're directed.

    • ATangk on 21/11/2019 - 22:44

      I know cops stop some people and talk to them about having fog lights on. But then most of them dont actually know that their fog lights are on, especially with the new knob style lights on the dash, where you can pull it to turn on fog lights. Ignorance is bliss, until you see red and blue.

      • abb on 22/11/2019 - 08:32
        +5

        especially with the new knob style lights on the dash

        I think the knob between the chair and the steering wheel is more often the problem.

      • BobLim on 24/11/2019 - 01:19

        Lucky the ADRs require a standardised warning light on the dash when they're on then!

  • HardlyCharly on 20/11/2019 - 14:12
    +1

    The only, absolutely slimmest chance you would have is if you're driving an old pre-LED headlight car, and it was on a road with no street lights. Maybe then, and it probably won't help anyway as the law is pretty clear about this, you could argue it felt necessary. I know for my older car, modern cars driving behind me with just their normal lights on light up the road ahead of me more than my own lights do lol. So if you're in a modern vehicle, don't even bother.

  • Chris Topher on 20/11/2019 - 17:09

    Did your high beams affect the police in any way? Were they in front of you to be blinded or dazzled either through their windshield or rear vision mirrors? Were they mobile or parked? OP has not mentioned this detail.

  • WreckTangle on 21/11/2019 - 06:35
    +2

    How much is the fine for OP?

    • Elppa8 on 21/11/2019 - 08:47
      +2

      You cannot drive with your high beams on in a built-up area with street lights

      Yes you can.

      https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/lig…

      • CVonC on 22/11/2019 - 23:29

        So RMS says you can.. Cops say you can't.. Which is it?

        But I guess cos the cops (or perhaps there was another car according to the cops) weren't 200m away therefore it's illegal.

    • No ONE on 21/11/2019 - 21:39
      +1

      You cannot drive with your high beams on

      So what is the purpose of high beam, Mr Einstein.

  • b0rnwithabeard on 21/11/2019 - 09:19

    What your opinion of the road rule is doesn't come into it. You broke the rules, admitted to doing the wrong thing and you're still going to try and get out of it? Grow up and take some goddamn responsibility, pay the fine and move on.

  • Kozeyekan on 21/11/2019 - 09:26

    You screwed up, but if you have been driving a while, and aren't on your Ps, you might be able to get it downgraded to a warning if you send a letter highlighting your good driving history.

    If you're under 25, have had speeding tickets, or aren't very good at writing a formal letter, you've got no chance though.

  • OzHunterNSW on 21/11/2019 - 09:57
    +2

    I have had to do that as well and that is the function of the high beam, providing there are on oncoming vehicles, etc.
    Cops know these dark crevices and often hide to prance out and entrap you.
    I have had to chat with a couple of cops regarding their unsafe ways.
    If you needed the light, if it were safe to do so, I would fight the fine.
    You are a cautious driver utilising all the facilities of your vehicle in order to safely drive and to be safe to your community.
    They can't argue with that.
    —- go get those idiots with fog lights on —-

  • Bad Company on 21/11/2019 - 14:39
    +1

    I don't think you have any chance, OP, just pay the fine and learn the lesson.

    And by the way well done to the cops.

    • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 18:59

      Are you an unmarked cop by any chance?

      • Bad Company on 23/11/2019 - 19:28
        +1

        No, but I'd get so much satisfaction if I were.

  • canyoudoitcheaper on 21/11/2019 - 18:19

    100% if they don’t waive the fine you should court elect it and tell the magistrate:

    I know I did do sth wrong in front of the cops

  • lysp on 21/11/2019 - 19:26
    +1

    Were the police coming towards you or away from you?

    Was there any other traffic driving in front of you?

    Did the road have any street lights?

    Did you turn them off when other traffic was in front of you?

    How long did you take to turn them off?

  • mezje on 21/11/2019 - 19:33
    +8

    Makes me happy a copper actually handed out a fine for this. Learn your lesson and move on, keep left unless overtaking.

  • dlakers3peat on 21/11/2019 - 19:44
    -7

    I had this fine recently and went to court and won. But I have very good driving record.

    • Drewbo on 21/11/2019 - 20:36
      +5

      The fact that your driving record came into it indicates that you didn't "win". Driving records are only viewed by the Magistrate following a finding of guilt. You likely pleaded guilty with an explanation or were found guilty before receiving a Section 10 (or equivalent) i.e. offence proven but dismissed.

      • dlakers3peat on 21/11/2019 - 21:23
        -3

        Yes your are correct. Below is the official result.

        The offender, (my name) is found guilty but without proceeding to conviction the matter is dismissed pursuant to Section 10(1)(a) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.

        • drewbytes on 22/11/2019 - 06:08
          +9

          Then you didn't win.

          • dlakers3peat on 22/11/2019 - 11:31

            @drewbytes: Well I did win, because I went to the trouble of contesting it. I had a strong case and in the courts mind, since the magistrate could have found me guilty and made pay the fine.

            • ThadtheChad on 22/11/2019 - 14:24
              +3

              @dlakers3peat: You didnt win… your good driving record saved your bacon and prevented conviction and penalties.

              Winning would be if you were found not-guilty.

              • dlakers3peat on 22/11/2019 - 16:35
                -1

                @ThadtheChad: i didnt pay the fine and i didnt lose any demerits points which is ultimately the outcomes one would seek in this situation. So there are 2 outcome in this situation win or lose. Based on the outcome I would say it's a win.

                • canyoudoitcheaper on 22/11/2019 - 21:50

                  @dlakers3peat: Your s10 is not recorded as a conviction, but it is recorded by RMS so you won’t be able to claim it next time you’re caught. If you’re in court again on the same offence you might even be slapped with a heavier penalty if the s10 is raised.

  • Okayy on 21/11/2019 - 19:55
    +2

    if you have weak eye sight better get some accessibility rather than blinding others, by the way GOOD ON YOU COPPER for the fine!

  • redslert on 21/11/2019 - 20:04
    +1

    I've been to countries where EVERYONE drives around with highbeams and it is extremely difficult at night, so little sympathy for you to get fined.
    If the cops fined you then they were more than likely opposite traffic to you and you should have switched back to normal.

  • dufflover on 21/11/2019 - 20:04

    Jeez some of you posters think OP is some idiot driving around with high beams on all the time. (Ok maybe they are, but for text on the internet I'll give benefit of the doubt). There's plenty of shitty lit streets around the suburbs and imo the fine seems more opputunistic than teaching a useful lesson.

    If there was a car around the corner he wouldn't need the high beams in the first place because their lights would provide said missing light to drive.

    Don't get me wrong, not a chance to actually successfully arguing anything legally.

  • funnysht on 21/11/2019 - 21:07

    if the cops fined you, they obv saw the high beams and affected their driving…so pay it.

  • MagicOZ on 21/11/2019 - 21:09
    -1

    Compared to the old bulbs, the modern LED, Xenon looks like high of the old style bulbs. Nowadays some model cars can move the light if you are turning, so you won't blind anyone.

    • spaceflight on 21/11/2019 - 21:26

      That had nothing to do with not blinding people people with high beams.

      That's so you can see where you are turning.

  • Godric on 21/11/2019 - 21:12
    -1

    It's good to know there are cops out there fining drivers pointlessly using their headlights.

    • Milk tea on 22/11/2019 - 09:07
      +2

      He was fined for blinding the police while driving and got caught. If his headlights are insufficient, he can purchase better bulbs.

      • Godric on 22/11/2019 - 09:37
        -2

        My comment was literal and not sacarsm.

  • No ONE on 21/11/2019 - 21:34
    +1

    You didn't tell if there was any car within 200m of incoming or in front of you. It is legal to use high beam in dark street/roads when there are no vehicles within 200m.

    If the cop was hiding behind the bush, and it's car light turned off, I would say you have done nothing wrong.

    If there was any car within 200m, then you deserved it. I see many d**Ks driving on high beam on national Highway and no matter how many signal you give them, they just don't get it.

    • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 19:03

      I like to hold my honker as we drive past each other in the hopes they would realise and check their damn Beams!

  • Blitz001 on 21/11/2019 - 23:32

    Wonder what the fine is for those SUVs with led lights..

  • chubbychicken on 21/11/2019 - 23:49
    +1

    Yes OP definitely ask for a review, make sure to mention that it was a dark rd and your eyesight is not so great in the dark and you just wanted a good view at night.. They are very understanding about these things. Might even ask you to come in so that they can apologise in person.

    • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 19:02

      Might even ask you to come in so that they can apologise in person.

      Lol.. doubt that would happen…

  • Davo1111 on 22/11/2019 - 05:11

    Haha op. Guilty

  • DarkOz on 22/11/2019 - 06:16

    Easy money!

  • kaleidoscope on 22/11/2019 - 06:18

    I think you’ve been unlucky. If you didn’t turn off high beam when oncoming vehicle gets near and cops noticed that then you may not have a chance competing. Otherwise give it a go. (it’s based on what you’ve said in the post)
    Also do post back the result if you decide to review. It’s just a reference for any future posts

  • CoreJava on 22/11/2019 - 06:31

    Yes, it is in the law. Pay the fine and learn the lesson. Going through review may result in court. Do you have the time for review? I hate people using high beam, if your vision has issues with low beam in a dark road is not good. You either change the globe or get new lights. Opposite shouldnt have to use their hand to block high beam driver. Well done NSW police.

  • Canman111 on 22/11/2019 - 08:59
    +2

    Regarding people questioning why some people drive with their fogs on, certain Subarus 2013-2016 actually have their fogs act as drls and you cant turn them off.
    Source: I own one and I've asked multiple dealers and you cant turn them off.

    • lachhelix on 22/11/2019 - 09:55

      Reminds me of that guy who got fined getting breath tested in his Golf and the lower left fog light was on because his wheel was turned 😂

  • lint on 22/11/2019 - 09:32

    I think you can ask for lenience if you otherwise have a pretty clean driving record. Not sure how you intend to get it reviewed on other merits when you basically did the wrong and got fined for doing the wrong.

  • stygian on 22/11/2019 - 10:01
    +2

    My car has auto-high beams… should I not use this? It only goes on when it senses it needs it and if it senses another car coming it does turn it off. Often I turn it off though, as I get anxious that it won't disable itself in time.

    • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 19:06

      Mine too, it's really convenient when it turns on itself going through a dimly lit road

  • CocaKoala on 22/11/2019 - 10:11
    +1

    Inconsiderate and dangerous road users like you need to be fined as that seems to be the only language you understand. Because you obviously either haven't read through the road rules, or you're too good to follow those rules.

    Based on how casually you have put this, you probably have been doing this regularly until now. I'm glad you were caught and fined.

    Yes, I do encourage you to appeal the fine so more of your time will be wasted.

  • lltravel on 22/11/2019 - 10:20
    -1

    Most cars come with auto high beam. Lucky for mine it actually splits the light if you have the high beam on if the car is in front of you or the opposite side of the road

    https://electronics360.globalspec.com/images/assets/836/5836…

    Picture for reference to what I mean

    I would like to see cops argue that in court

    • ashanrath on 22/11/2019 - 13:29
      +1

      Doesn't matter, still illegal. There is no argument. Were the high beams on? Done. The law has no provision for anything other than on and off.

      • lltravel on 22/11/2019 - 13:30
        -1

        it just shows how behind australia is

        • capslock janitor on 23/11/2019 - 19:07

          Interesting, is there official name for that?

      • ashanrath on 22/11/2019 - 13:33
        +1

        Why the down votes? Nothing I said there is wrong. You might disagree with the law, doesn't make it any less enforceable.

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