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National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996)

Regulations

National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000

Chapter VI : Fitness of Vehicles

Part II : Equipment on or in respect of vehicles

161. Dipped-beam

 

(1) Every head lamp emitting a dipped-beam of light which, when projected onto a vertical screen, shows a beam pattern with a sharp, clearly defined cut-off line diagonal to the left (hereinafter referred to as the "diagonal cut-off line") and horizontal to the right (hereinafter referred to as the "horizontal cut-off line"), shall be so adjusted and maintained that, when the motor vehicle concerned is on a reasonably level road such beam at the horizontal cut-off line shall—
(a) slant downwards at a percentage inclination of at least 0,5 percent which percentage inclination shall be calculated in accordance with the formula—

(h1 – h2)

               

x 100; and

L

 
(b) strike the road surface ahead of the motor vehicle within a distance in metres calculated in accordance with the formula 200 x h1

 

(2) In the formulae referred to in subregulation (1)—
(a) "h1" represents the height in metres of the head lamp measured to the centre of the head lamp vertically from ground level;
(b) "h2" represents the height in metres of the horizontal cut-off line measured vertically from ground level at the screen contemplated in subregulation (1); and
(c) "L" represents the distance in metres of the screen contemplated in subregulation (1) measured horizontally from the head lamp as illustrated hereunder.

 

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(3) Every head lamp emitting a dipped-beam of light which, when projected onto a vertical screen, shows a symmetrical light-pattern or does not have a diagonal and horizontal cut-off line, shall be so adjusted and maintained that when the motor vehicle concerned is on a reasonably level road, the centre of the intense part of such beam shall slant downwards to strike the road surface ahead of the motor vehicle within a distance not exceeding 45 metres.

 

(4) Every head lamp emitting a dipped-beam of light shall be so adjusted and maintained that—
(a) it shall be capable of adequately illuminating an area ahead of the motor vehicle concerned enabling the driver to see any person, vehicle or substantial object at a distance of at least 45 metres ahead of the motor vehicle: Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a head lamp emitting a dipped-beam of light fitted to the side-car of a motor cycle;
(b) it does not cause a dangerous glare to oncoming traffic on a reasonably level road; and
(c) the intersection of the diagonal and horizontal cut-off lines of a dipped-beam referred to in subregulation (1), or the centre of the intense part of a dipped beam referred to in subregulation (3), shall not deflect to the right.