Are driveway lights legal in Australia?
Residents in NSW may have noticed those cute coloured lights illuminating the edges of driveways outside residential buildings – almost akin to the landing lights at an airport.
While aesthetically pleasing, these lights are there to help distinguish driveway entrances and highlight potential obstacles at night.
Question is, are driveway lights legal?
The NRMA understands that driveway lights generally are legal, but there are some stipulations around their brightness and angle – much like what you would encounter in a car.
As always, the best rule of thumb is to check the policies and guidelines of your local council before going ahead with purchase and installation.
A quick perusal of council sites online reveals that, just like a sensor light above your front door, driveway lights should be installed with consideration to light pollution and safety. Councils generally require any outdoor lighting to comply with Australian Standard 4282 (AS 4282). This standard focuses on controlling the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting, including light spill and glare.
In short, take note that the lights don’t extend beyond the intended area, and if need be, utilise shielded light fittings that direct the light and prevent sky glow.
Another sound rule is to ensure that new lighting doesn’t affect neighbours, passing motorists and pedestrians, or the wider community.
Driveway lights generally don’t require council approval, so long as they do not alter the council kerb or any public land.
What happens if my driveway lights upset my neighbours?
Regulating driveway lights is a tough one, with many factors to consider.
Generally speaking, if light and glare from your driveway lights impact a neighbour’s property, it would be considered a civil matter and not subject to council regulation.
If driveway lights do initiate a conflict between neighbours, it is recommended to try and resolve it directly with your neighbor first, and if that’s not successful, consider mediation or legal advice.
