New vehicle lighting package
On 11 June 2026 the Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, signed a new vehicle lighting package. It includes 4 new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and amendments to 4 existing ADRs to increase alignment between Australia’s road vehicle lighting standards and the international standards set by the United Nations (UN).
New ADRs in this package:
- ADR 101/00 – Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Sources
- ADR 102/00 – Light Signalling Devices
- ADR 103/00 – Road Illumination Devices (Lamps)
- ADR 104/00 – Retro-reflective Devices and Markings
These new ADRs form part of a restructure of lighting requirements, providing additional certification pathways as an alternative to existing standards, which may also continue to be used. For example, headlamps for passenger cars can comply with ADR 46/00 – Headlamps, ADR 77/00 – Gas Discharge Headlamps or ADR 103/00. The component does not need to comply with more than one standard.
Amended ADRs in this package:
- ADR 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles
- ADR 19/01 – Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices on L-Group Vehicles
- ADR 19/02 – Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices on L-Group Vehicles
- ADR 67/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light-Signalling Devices on Three-Wheeled Vehicles
The ADR Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2026 and the new ADRs were published on the Federal Register of Legislation between 1 July and 9 July 2026. The Explanatory Statements include further background and descriptions of these changes.
The amended ADRs will be published with incorporated amendments on the Federal Register of Legislation as the compilations are finalised.
Harmonising lighting requirements
The UN World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations has consolidated the technical requirements for lighting components from 20 UN regulations into 3 new regulations for light signalling devices, road illumination devices, and retro-reflective devices and markings.
The new vehicle lighting package has been made to harmonise with these consolidated UN regulations. The new ADRs will provide manufacturers with up-to-date and internationally recognised certification pathways, support safer vehicles, and reduce regulatory burden over time.