LED Light Bars, Driving Lights or Camp Lights? How to Choose Lighting for the Way You Drive

The right lighting depends less on the car and more on how you use it. Someone commuting across
Sydney needs something very different from someone driving outback roads at dusk or setting up camp
in the dark.

Here's how to choose, starting with the way you drive.

If you mostly drive around town

You probably don't need auxiliary lights at all. What matters is that your headlights are bright, aimed
correctly and working. Headlight globes dim with age, so if your lights look yellow or weak, replacing the
globes is the simplest upgrade. Always replace them in pairs so both sides match. See our electrical and
lighting range.

If you do regular country or highway driving

This is where driving lights earn their place. Kangaroos, livestock and unlit roads make seeing further at
night a genuine safety upgrade.

Round driving lights throw a long, focused spot beam down the road. They're a classic choice for
highway and outback driving, where distance matters most. 

LED light bars spread light across a wider area. Depending on the beam pattern, they can light the road
and its edges, which helps you spot wildlife on the verge.

Understanding beam patterns

Brightness figures get the attention, but the beam pattern decides how useful a light is.

Many tourers run a pair of spot driving lights with a combo light bar, or choose one combo light bar that
covers both jobs.

If you camp or tour off grid

For camp, you want soft, even light that doesn't blind everyone around the fire. Camp lights, usually LED
strips or small 12V lights, give you useful light for cooking and setting up without draining your battery.
Pair them with a dual battery system or portable power station so they don't touch your starting
battery. See our batteries and 12V power range.

Road rules and wiring

Driving lights need to follow the road rules. They should work with your high beam, so they switch off
when you dip your lights for oncoming traffic, and there are rules on how many you can fit and where.
Check the current requirements with Transport for NSW before you install anything.

Driving lights also draw a lot of power, so they need a proper wiring harness with a relay and fuse. If
you're not confident with 12V wiring, have them fitted by an auto electrician. A poorly wired light is a
fire risk.

Browse lighting

See our electrical and lighting range, including lighting from Baintech. Not sure what suits your setup?
Give us a call on 02 9413 3166.

Lighting FAQs

What's the difference between a light bar and driving lights? Driving lights usually throw a longer,
focused beam for distance. Light bars spread light wider, and combo light bars do a bit of both.

Are LED light bars legal in NSW? They can be, as long as they're fitted and wired to follow the road
rules, including switching off with your high beam. Check the current Transport for NSW requirements
before fitting.

Do driving lights need a relay? Yes. Driving lights draw more current than a standard switch can handle,
so a relay and fuse protect the wiring and the switch.