What Are 4x4 Light Bars?

Venturing off the beaten track? It’s important that you stay safe out there when driving your 4x4, and that’s why after-market LED light bars are a common addition. You may have seen other 4x4 or off-road vehicles owners with light bars fitted to boost their visibility and wondered what they are and whether they’re legal.

This month at Milner Off Road, we’ll take you through what light bars are used for, whether you can fit them yourself and whether they’re legal here in the UK.

What are 4x4 light bars used for?

Since they produce so much more light than your ordinary headlights, light bars are super useful in a variety of situations. Firstly, they’re a really practical addition if you work in agriculture, out in the countryside or woodland areas for any type of job. This is because street lighting is usually not as good in these areas and the bright lighting can help work continue either early in the morning or later into the evening. 

There’s also a safety element to light bars, too, since they can be placed on the front or rear of your roof. This allows you to highlight areas when you’re off-roading or even just reversing, something that can be tricky with normal headlights and zero street lighting. Highlighting dangers, obstacles and simply giving you a clear view of the road further ahead could mean fewer accidents.

Can I fit a 4x4 light bar myself?

Fitting a light bar to your 4x4 depends on how much experience you have with modifying your vehicle. In many cases - if you don’t already have a light bar or spotlights fitted - you might need to drill through the roof of your car exterior and access the space between your interior lining and the roof to bolt the light bar into place. This can be tricky and needs to take into consideration a few other things like water ingress and cable running.

If you’re experienced in auto electrics and modifications, then this might not be such a challenge, but it’s recommended you seek professional help if you’re unsure about how to fit a 4x4 light bar.

Also, consider the size of your light bar before making a purchase, since they come in a range of sizes and shapes. If you plan to have a roof rack, you may need to consider the positioning of the light bar so you don’t impede the space you have to carry items.
 

Are 4x4 light bars legal in the UK?

When it comes to legal advice, you should always do your own research to make sure that what you’re doing is legal - this is because it is you who is ultimately liable. As a rule of thumb, if you do fit your vehicle with a light bar, you should never use it to illuminate public roads. These are best used on places such as private roads or off-roading courses because they could dazzle other road users and cause accidents on normal roads.

You can always check with your local garage about whether a light bar added to your 4x4 would impact an MOT. This is because of complex regulations that date back to 1989 regarding the type of lights and their positioning, which will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

At Milner Off Road, we supply LED light bars in a range of sizes as well as LED bulbs and wiring kits. If you’re looking to take your upcoming off-roading adventure to the next level, look no further than our straight or curved light bars. We offer next-day shipping, and If you’re not sure what you need, you can always call our trusted team of friendly advisors.