No. Under the CLOCS‑A Heavy Vehicle Bronze Standard, Fresnel lenses are an optional low‑cost technology used to reduce passenger‑side blind spots.
They are not mandatory, and operators may use other approved indirect‑vision aids instead.
What CLOCS‑A Requires
CLOCS‑A’s Heavy Vehicle Bronze Standard lists a set of minimum mandatory safety measures for heavy vehicles. Among these are:
- Class V and VI mirrors
- Fresnel lens (optional)
- Rear view cameras or rear sensors
- Conspicuity markings
- Warning signage
- Wheel‑nut indicators, etc.
Transport for NSW trialled Fresnel lenses and found:
- 61% of drivers felt the lens made driving safer
- 15% said it helped avoid a potential crash
The lens helps reduce the passenger‑side blind spot, especially in urban environments with vulnerable road users.
CLOCS‑A does not require a Fresnel lens if the operator uses other compliant indirect‑vision technologies.
The standard’s intent is to ensure the driver has adequate visibility—not to mandate a specific device.
Acceptable substitutes include:
- Class V and VI Mirrors (Mandatory anyway): These provide close‑proximity and front‑of‑vehicle visibility.
- Rear View Cameras or Rear Sensors: These are explicitly listed as acceptable safety technologies.
- Other Indirect‑Vision Systems: While not listed exhaustively in CLOCS‑A, industry‑standard alternatives include:
- Blind-spot detection radar
- Side‑mounted camera systems
- 360° surround‑view camera systems
CLOCS‑A’s wording focuses on achieving visibility rather than prescribing a single device, so these systems are generally acceptable if they meet the visibility outcome.
| Requirement Area | Fresnel Lens Role | Alternatives Allowed | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger-side indirect vision | Optional low-cost aid | Yes | Class V/VI mirrors, blind-spot cameras radar |
| Rear visibility | Not Applicable | Yes | Rear cameras, reversing sensors |
| Compliance with CLOCS-A Bronze Accreditation | Not mandatory | Yes | Any tech that meets visibility outcomes |