Driving Lights vs Light Bar: Which Suits Your 4WD or Ute?
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Driving lights throw a focused beam a long way down the road, while a light bar spreads a wider wash of light across the front of your vehicle. For long highway and outback runs, a pair of driving lights is often the simpler choice. For tracks and roadsides where you want extra width, a curved light bar can suit better. Either way, the wiring and your state's rules matter as much as the light itself.
Driving Lights vs Light Bar: How They Compare
Here is how two Roadvision options from VES compare, based on the specs listed on each product page.
| Roadvision 7" DLE2 Driving Lights (Pair) | Roadvision 22" DCX2 Curved Light Bar | |
|---|---|---|
| Beam | Combination (spot and flood) | Curved combination |
| Power | 150W per set (75W per light) | 120W |
| Voltage | 10–30V DC | 10–30V DC |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Size | 178 x 193 x 82mm per light | 22 inch, 65mm deep |
Both are listed as multi-volt, so they suit 12V 4WDs and 24V trucks. Always confirm the specs on the product page before you buy.
When Driving Lights Make Sense
- You do a lot of country or highway driving and want reach.
- You like the symmetrical look of a matched pair on the bullbar.
- Your bullbar or nudge bar has space for two lamps about 178mm wide.
When a Light Bar Makes Sense
- You want a wider wash of light for tracks and roadsides.
- You prefer a slim single unit. The DCX2 is only 65mm deep.
- You have the mounting space. The DCX2 includes slide mounts and end mounts.
Don't Skip the Wiring
Lights like these draw real current, so they should be switched through a relay rather than straight off a dash switch. The Roadvision GEN2 harnesses are plug-and-play kits that include 12V and 24V relays, an illuminated rocker switch, H4 and HB3 piggyback connectors and waterproof Deutsch plugs:
Roadvision GEN2 Driving Light Wiring Harness is listed as suiting two lamps.
Roadvision GEN2 LED Light Bar Wiring Harness is listed as suiting one lamp up to 140W.
Check that the harness suits your lamps' total wattage. Remember that a fuse protects the cable, so never fit a larger fuse than the cable can safely carry. Follow the harness and lamp instructions, and see our guide to circuit breaker sizing for a 12V system for more on protection. If you're unsure, ask an auto electrician.
Check Your State Rules
Rules for additional lights vary between states and territories. In Victoria, for example, VicRoads says driving lamps and LED light bars must come on only with the main beam headlights. It also allows a maximum of four driving lamps, including light bars, in addition to the headlamps. Mounting rules differ too, so check your state or territory road authority before fitting anything to a registered vehicle.
Quick Buying Checklist
Voltage: is your system 12V or 24V?
Space: is there room on your bullbar or nudge bar?
Beam: do you want reach, spread or both?
Wiring: does the harness suit the number of lamps and total wattage?
Rules: do the lights and mounting position meet your state's requirements?
Pick the Right Light for the Way You Drive
The driving lights vs light bar decision comes down to how you drive and where you can mount the lights. Choose the beam that suits you, wire it properly and check your local rules.
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