Australia: 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 aimed at aligning Australia’s road vehicle lighting requirements more closely with international standards developed by the United Nations (UN).

The package introduces four new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and amends four existing ADRs, providing manufacturers with additional certification pathways while maintaining existing compliance options.

New ADRs 

The package introduces the following new ADRs: 

• 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 ADRs restructure Australia’s lighting requirements by introducing alternative certification pathways alongside existing standards. Manufacturers may continue using the current ADRs or choose to certify components under the new ADRs. For example, passenger car headlamps may comply with ADR 46/00, ADR 77/00, or ADR 103/00. A component only needs to comply with one applicable standard. 

Amended ADRs 

The package also updates the following existing ADRs: 

• 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 and 9 July 2026. Additional information on the changes is available in the accompanying Explanatory Statements.

Updated compilations of the amended ADRs will be published on the Federal Register of Legislation once finalised. 

Harmonising with International Standards 

The UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations has consolidated the technical requirements previously contained across 20 UN lighting regulations into three new regulations covering: 

• Light signalling devices  

• Road illumination devices  

• Retro-reflective devices and markings  

Australia’s new vehicle lighting package aligns with these consolidated UN regulations, providing manufacturers with modern, internationally recognised certification pathways. This approach supports improved vehicle safety, facilitates international harmonisation, and is expected to reduce regulatory burden over time. 

To find you more about vehicle regulations in Australia, do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.