Are you planning to fit additional lighting to your next-generation Ford Ranger or any modern UTE in Australia? It can be necessary when you drive a lot at night and explore the outback, too. If yes, you must know thoroughly about the rules and best practices that you need to follow regarding LED light bars. 

This is a detailed guide to mounting positions and regulations that you must follow. This will help you remain safe, legal, and effective on-road or off-road in Australia. 

When you install an LED light bar, it is not only about choosing a bright light unit. You must comply with the legal requirements across various states and territories in Australia. For instance, the Australian Design Rules (ADR 13/100) set the national minimum standard covering the installation of forward-facing lights. Here are some major legal points that you must keep in mind:

  • The color of the light must be white.
  • You can fit up to four additional forward-facing driving lamps. This can include a single LED light bar when all the LEDs work together. That will offer you enough brightness even in the darkest roads.
  • The LED light bar should not obstruct the forward view of the driver. It should not protrude, as this increases the risk of injury in a pedestrian collision. 
  • You must install the lamps in a manner so that it does not dazzle other road users. It shouldn’t be used when the high beam is not active. 
  • If you fit these stylish Next Gen Ranger accessories in pairs, ensure they are symmetrical along the vehicle’s central line. In the case of a single bar, it should be centered. 
  • Roof-mounting the lights is not strictly prohibited. However, elevated mounting increases the risk of dazzling other road users. So, it is good to be cautious. 

It is important to meet these standards when you plan to install an LED light bar on your Range. This is particularly crucial when you cross state borders. Rules are often interpreted differently across road borders. 

Best mounting positions for the Ranger

While legal compliance is the baseline, the mounting choice creates a big difference in practicality and performance. Here are some of the best mounting positions you can try:

Roof mounted

Roof mounting offers long-range illumination. It is ideal for off-road driving in remote areas in Australia. Angle the light downward sufficiently to avoid dazzling other road users. Keep legal aspects in mind in different states and territories in Australia. 

Behind the bull bar/on the bumper

You will get good protection on positioning the bar from Brixton4x4.com.au, just above or behind the bull bar. It also puts the light at a reasonable height. This height also helps maintain road compliance rules. As the vehicle’s profile remains lower, it minimizes glare risk. 

A well-fitted LED light bar for the Ford Ranger is a good upgrade for Australian car owners. This is good for long-range visibility, off-road adventures, and night time driving.  

One of the quickest methods of improving visibility when going off-road, on the job, or just in the country is to upgrade your Ford Ranger with an LED light bar, but it is also one of the areas that can get you in trouble with both the law and dangerous glare to other road users. The following, is a no-frills survival guide to what attitude toward regulations you must take and the wisest mounting decisions to make in performance and safety.

Regulations -the practicality

Legislation regarding LED light bars is different in each country, state and even city. Instead of following a long list of rules, use the regulations as a check list:

  • Purpose matters. This is because many jurisdictions permit powerful auxiliary lights to be used only off-road, or when the vehicle is at rest. Some allow them to be used along the highways, but with fog lights or under some conditions.
  • Beam pattern & approvals. Find lights that comply with accepted standards or approvals to use on the road in your country (e.g. SAE, ECE, ADR the precise mark varies depending on your country of residence). Optics that are approved are often configured to have a spread or cutoff in order to reduce glare.
  • Switching & wiring. The common regulations are to ensure that the auxiliary lamps are not tied directly with your high beams but should be turned on and off (not by default) and should be secured with appropriate relays and fuses. There are places where they should be dimmed or blanked when on a high beam.

Mounting height & orientation. It is usually regulated that there are rules on how high you can mount structures and the direction of the lights that they should not be turned towards lights that are still in motion.

  • Do not use a permanent blinding system. Although a light may be physically installed, it may be abused (positioned too high, misused) as well.

Due to the variations in rules, I would highly suggest verifying your countries/States vehicle codes or a reputable local authority with purchase/fitting and retention of any approved rating of the light bar.

Optimum mounting (performance + safety)

The location of the bar is just as important as what bar you purchase. Examples of typical mounting points and tradeoffs include:

1. Front bumper (low mount)

Advantages: Reduced chances of obscuring oncoming traffic, suitable range (when using a trail, work site, etc.). Less prone to snagging and wind.

Disadvantages: may be blocked by large bumper designs or winches; limited forward travel.

2. Roof or rack (high mount)

Advantages: Longest possible distance and large range of coverage — ideal in fast off-road use or in the open plains.

Cons: More risk of glare to other drivers, can be over its legal mounting height; it generates more wind noise and aerodynamic drag.

3. A-pillar or behind the grille (mid mount)

Advantages: Good compromise of both height and protection; near and mid-range spread are good. More often secretive and more direct.

Cons: Can easily block airflow or sensors when not installed in the proper position.

Tips on aiming, wiring and installation

  • Aim slightly down. The angle should be a small downward angle, not so much as to blind oncoming traffic, but it is worth using an exact angle of the bar and the vehicle height – do it conservatively or get it professionally adjusted.
  • Have appropriate mounts and brackets. Select heavy-duty mounts that are appropriate to your bar and driving requirements; do not make up with poor-quality brackets.
  • Proper electrical setup. Connect some special relay, a fuse as large as the draw of the light, and on/off switch. Ask a professional auto-electrician to wire it up if you are not certain.
  • Don’t block safety systems. Do not install above sensors, airbags, or cooling intakes. Heat and vibration hood and bonnet clearances.
  • Think of covers and diffusers. To use it as a dual purpose light cover or diffuser can be used to soften the beam when it is used near the work and cover the lens.

Final word

LED bars can be of great help when selected and properly placed. Use pick lights whose optics are good and have the approvals, and install them where they provide the coverage you require without blinding the others and make the wiring of these correct. And — important point to remember– get your vehicle lighting regulations in your area thoroughly before you attach anything. Done properly, your Ranger will be sunnier, safer and street-legal.