Are the roof-mounted LEDs on the Mitsubishi Triton legal?

Launched yesterday, the latest iteration of the second-gen Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck has got all the right bits to warrant its status as a limited-run special of just 1,000 units. However, one exclusive kit it features has sparked questions over its legality.

We’re talking about the roof-mounted LED lights, which is one of several unique accessories that the latest Triton Phantom Edition Plus is furnished with.

Thanks to efforts of our fellow industry colleagues at Careta.my, they’ve acquired clarification from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) regarding said item. The answer: YES. These roof-mounted LEDs are indeed legal, and here’s why.

(Images: Thoriq Azmi via TopGear Malaysia)

(JPJ guideline)

Seasoned 4x4 enthusiasts know and will tell you that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have a set of rules regarding the installation of aftermarket ‘spotlights’ and ‘lightbars’ – popular mods amongst this community.

Whilst some are allowed under certain circumstances, others are outright banned on the grounds of safety as they do not meet required standards and could cause more harm to other road users.

Fortunately, in the Triton Phantom Plus Edition’s case, its roof-mounted auxiliary LEDs aren’t classified as 'spotlights' by JPJ. Instead, the department recognises them as driving lights instead. This is largely due their actual intended use and how they are activated.

These roof-mounted LEDs are connected to the Triton’s standard headlight’s high-beam function. However, the presence of an additional switch lets drivers choose between using just the standard headlight’s high-beam, or a combination of both the regular high-beam and these roof-mounted LEDs. The latter configuration is meant only for serious off-roading use.

In other words, these roof-mounted LEDs can only be activated by a switch that’s only accessible when the headlights are turned on and set to high-beam mode. Unless these steps are done, said roof-mounted LEDs will not activate under any other circumstances.

Aptly, the way MMM has properly incorporated these roof-mounted LEDs with fail-safe activation steps differs starkly from how aftermarket units typically are. The latter’s lack of such fail-safes means they are more prone to abuse by its users – both intentionally and unintentionally.

Surely, with the knowledge that its roof-mounted LEDs are legal, we’re certain that the Triton Phantom Plus Edition will entice even more fans and prospecting buyers into considering it.

As reported, the Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition is on sale now with just 1,000 units up for grabs. Each is priced at RM139,700 (P. Malaysia), RM141,700 (Sabah), and RM141,750 (Sarawak). Find out more details in our launch report by clicking here: Triton Phantom Plus Edition.