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The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Type Statutory-Instrument
Publication 1989-09-28
Last updated 2023-05-31
State In force
Department King's Printer of Acts of Parliament
Source legislation.gov.uk
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articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API
(1) (2) (3)
Type of lamp, reflector, rear marking or device Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I None.
Dim-dip device or running lamp Schedule 3: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 40 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1987;A home forces' vehicle;A vehicle in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied–there is fitted to the vehicle all the lighting and light-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/ EEC, as amended, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex including, in particular, item 4.2.6 (Alignment of dipped-beam headlamps).
Dipped-beam headlamp Schedule 4: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 15 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Main-beam headlamp Schedule 5: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Direction indicator Schedule 7: Part I An invalid carriage having a maximum speed not exceeding 4 mph and any other vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 15 mph;An agricultural vehicle having an unladen weight not exceeding 255 kg;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle, an industrial tractor or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
Hazard warning signal device Schedule 8: Part I A vehicle not required to be fitted with direction indicators;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986.
Side marker lamp Schedule 9: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A passenger vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle the overall length of which does not exceed 6 m;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1991; A vehicle first used before 1st April 1996 in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied–there is fitted to the vehicle all the lighting and light-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/ EEC, as amended, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex including, in particular, item 4.2.6 (Alignment of dipped-beam headlamps).
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Rear fog lamp Schedule 11: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1980;A vehicle having an overall width which does not exceed 1300 mm.
Stop lamp Schedule 12: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
End-outline marker lamp Schedule 13: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A motor vehicle having an overall width not exceeding 2100 mm;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1991.
Rear registration plate lamp Schedule 15. A vehicle not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate;A works truck.
Side retro reflector Schedule 17: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A goods vehicle–first used on or after 1st April 1986, the overall length of which does not exceed 6 m; orfirst used before 1st April 1986, the overall length of which does not exceed 8 m;A passenger vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle primarily constructed for moving excavated material and being used by virtue of an Order under section 44 of the Act;A mobile crane or engineering plant.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.
Rear marking Schedule 19: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st August 1982, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 3050 kg;A vehicle the maximum gross weight of which does not exceed 7500 kg;A passenger vehicle not being an articulated bus;A tractive unit for an articulated vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle, a works truck or engineering plant;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1940;A home forces' vehicle;A vehicle constructed or adapted for–fire fighting or fire salvage;servicing or controlling aircraft;heating and dispensing tar or other material for the construction or maintenance of roads; ortransporting two or more vehicles or vehicle bodies or two or more boats; A vehicle fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear where the fitting of those markings complies with the mandatory or optional ECE conspicuity requirements.
Daytime running lamp Schedule 24 A vehicle first registered before 1st March 2018.
Headlamp cleaning device A vehicle not required by the Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020, or by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, to be fitted with a headlamp cleaning device
Reversing lamp Schedule 14: Part 1 A vehicle not required by the Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020, or by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, to be fitted with reversing lamps.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp or reflector Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I A solo motor bicycle fitted with a headlamp.
Dipped-beam headlamp Schedule 4: Part I A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Main-beam headlamp Schedule 5: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1972 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Direction indicator Schedule 7: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986;A vehicle which is constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise) and which can carry only one person or which, in the case of a motor bicycle combination, can carry only the rider and one passenger in the sidecar.
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Stop lamp Schedule 12: Part I A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
Rear registration plate lamp Schedule 15 A vehicle not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp or reflector Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I None.
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.
Pedal retro reflector Schedule 20: Part I A pedal cycle manufactured before 1st October 1985.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp or reflector Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I None.
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp or reflector Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I None.
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I A vehicle fitted with a rear retro reflector.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I A vehicle fitted with a rear position lamp.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp, reflector or rear marking Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Front position lamp Schedule 2: Part I A trailer with an overall width not exceeding 1600 mm;A trailer manufactured before 1st October 1985 the overall length of which, excluding any drawbar and any fitting for its attachment, does not exceed 2300 mm;A trailer constructed or adapted for the carriage and launching of a boat.
Direction indicator Schedule 7: Part I A trailer manufactured before 1st September 1965;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer in either case manufactured before 1st October 1990.
Side marker lamp Schedule 9: Part I A trailer the overall length of which, excluding any drawbar and any fitting for its attachment, does not exceed–6 m,9.15 m in the case of a trailer manufactured before 1st October 1990;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer;A caravan;A trailer constructed or adapted for the carriage and launching of a boat; A trailer manufactured before 1st October 1995 in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied–there is fitted to the trailer all the lighting and light-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/ EEC, as amended, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed and maintained that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex.
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Rear fog lamp Schedule 11: Part I A trailer manufactured before 1st April 1980;A trailer the overall width of which does not exceed 1300 mm;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
Stop lamp Schedule 12: Part I An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
End-outline marker lamp Schedule 13: Part I A trailer having an overall width not exceeding 2100 mm;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer;A trailer manufactured before 1st October 1990.
Rear registration plate lamp Schedule 15 A trailer not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate.
Side retro reflector Schedule 17: Part I A trailer the overall length of which, excluding any drawbar, does not exceed 5 m;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;Engineering plant;A trailer primarily constructed for moving excavated material and which is being used by virtue of an Order under section 44 of the Act.
Front retro reflector Schedule 21: Part I A trailer manufactured before 1st October 1990;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.
Rear marking Schedule 19: Part I A trailer manufactured before 1st August 1982 the unladen weight of which does not exceed 1020 kg;A trailer the maximum gross weight of which does not exceed 3500 kg;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle, a works trailer or engineering plant;A trailer drawn by a bus;A home forces' vehicle;A trailer constructed or adapted for–fire fighting or fire salvage;servicing or controlling aircraft;heating and dispensing tar or other material for the construction or maintenance of roads;carrying asphalt or macadam, in each case being mixing or drying plant; ortransporting two or more vehicles or vehicle bodies or two or more boats; A trailer fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear where the fitting of those markings complies with the mandatory or optional ECE conspicuity requirements.
(1) (2) (3)
--- --- ---
Type of lamp, reflector or rear marking Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified Exceptions
Rear position lamp Schedule 10: Part I None.
Rear retro reflector Schedule 18: Part I None.

SCHEDULE 2

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory front position lamps and to optional front position lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle (not being a motor bicycle combination or an agricultural vehicle) first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal–
  • (A) Where one lamp is required to be fitted:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle (other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination) first used on or after 1st January 1972 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity–

  • (a) A front position lamp bearing any of the markings mentioned in paragraph 5:
10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Except in the case of a vehicle covered by sub-paragraph (b), where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form a pair.
  • (b) In the case of a trailer manufactured before 1st October 1985 and a motor bicycle combination, where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall be fitted on each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–
  • “approval mark” means– in relation to a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 50A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations, and in relation to any other motor vehicle or any trailer, either– a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 5 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, or a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 7 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations;
  • “British Standard mark” means the mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986, namely “BS 6102/3”.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional front position lamps

SCHEDULE 3

PART I — requirements relating to obligatory dim-dip devices and running lamps

1

A dim-dip device fitted to satisfy regulation 18 shall cause light to be emitted from the dipped-beam filament of each obligatory dipped-beam headlamp, each such light having, so far as is practicable, an intensity of between 10 and 20 per cent of the intensity of the normal dipped beam.

2

Running lamps fitted to satisfy regulation 18 shall be in the form of a matched pair of front lamps, each of which–

  • (a) is fitted in a position in which an obligatory front position lamp may lawfully be fitted, and
  • (b) is capable of emitting white light to the front having an intensity of not less than 200 candelas, measured from directly in front of the centre of the lamp in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and of not more than 800 candelas in any direction.
3

— The electrical connections to the obligatory dim-dip device shall be such that the light output specified in paragraph 1 above is automatically emitted whenever the following four conditions are satisfied, namely—

  • (a) the engine is running, or the key or devices which control the starting or stopping of the engine are in the normal position for when the vehicle is being driven;
  • (b) the obligatory main beam and dipped beam headlamps are switched off;
  • (c) any front fog lamp fitted to the vehicle is switched off; and
  • (d) the obligatory front position lamps are switched on.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional dim-dip devices and running lamps

There is no requirement relating to an optional dim-dip device or an optional running lamp.

SCHEDULE 4

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory dipped-beam headlamps and to optional dipped-beam headlamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment–

5

Markings–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c) or (d):
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage–

  • (a) A motor vehicle with four or more wheels first used on or after 1st April 1986:
9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections–

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Every dipped-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the direction of the beam of light emitted therefrom can be adjusted whilst the vehicle is stationary.
  • (b) Every vehicle which–
  • (i) is fitted with dipped-beam headlamps bearing an approval mark,
  • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 25 mph, and
  • (iii) is first used on or after 1st April 1991

shall be marked with a clearly legible and indelible marking, as illustrated in Schedule 23, close to either the headlamps or the manufacturer’s plate showing the setting recommended by the manufacturer for the downward inclination of the horizontal part of the cut-off of the beam pattern of the dipped-beam headlamps when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and has a weight of 75 kg on the driver’s seat. That setting shall be a single figure–

  • (A) between 1 and 1.5 per cent if the height of the centre of the headlamp is not more than 850 mm above the ground, and
  • (B) between 1 and 2 per cent if the height of the centre of the headlamp is more than 850 mm above the ground.
  • (c) Every dipped-beam headlamp fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 in accordance with this part of this Schedule shall be designed for a vehicle which is intended to be driven on the left-hand side of the road.
  • (d) Where two dipped-beam headlamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–
  • “approval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 12 or 13 or 14 or 16 or, in the case of a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph, 27 or 28 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 1A or 1B or 1C or 1E or 5A or 5B or 5C or 5E or 8C or 8D or 8E or 8F or 8G or 8H or 8K or 8L or 20C or 20D or 20E or 20F or 20G or 20H or 20K or 20L or 31A or 31C or, in the case of a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph, 1H or 1I or 5H or 5I of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; and
  • “British Standard mark” means the specification for sealed beam headlamps published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS AU 40: Part 4a: 1966 as amended by Amendment AMD 2188 published in December 1976, namely “B.S. AU40”.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional dipped-beam headlamps

SCHEDULE 5

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory main-beam headlamps and to optional main-beam headlamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c) or (d):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragaph (b), (c) or (d):
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage–

  • (a) A motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986:
9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections–

  • (a) Every main-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the light emitted therefrom–
  • (i) can be deflected at the will of the driver to become a dipped beam, or
  • (ii) can be extinguished by the operation of a device which at the same time either–
  • (A) causes the lamp to emit a dipped beam, or
  • (B) causes another lamp to emit a dipped beam.
  • (b) Where a matched pair of main-beam headlamps is fitted they shall be capable of being switched on and off simultaneously and not otherwise.
11Tell-tale–aAny vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b): A circuit-closed tell-tale shall be fitted
bA motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1986: No requirement
12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Every main-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the direction of the beam of light emitted therefrom can be adjusted whilst the vehicle is stationary.
  • (b) Except in the case of a bus first used before 1st October 1969, where two main-beam headlamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–
  • “approval mark” means–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 12 or 13 or 17 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 1A or 1B or 1F or 5A or 5B or 5F or 8C or 8D or 8E or 8F or 8M or 8N or 20C or 20D or 20E or 20F or 20M or 20N or 31A or 31D of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; and
  • “British Standard mark” means the specification for sealed beam headlamps published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS AU 40: Part 4a: 1966 as amended by Amendment AMD 2188 published in December 1976, namely “B.S. AU40”.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional main-beam headlamps

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7, 10 and 12(a) of Part I and, in the case of a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991, paragraph 5 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 6 — requirements relating to optional front fog lamps

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) A vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • Every front fog lamp shall be so constructed that the direction of the beam of light emitted therefrom can be adjusted whilst the vehicle is stationary.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “appproval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 19 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 19 or 19A of Schedule 2 of those Regulations.

SCHEDULE 7

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory direction indicators and to optional direction indicators to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number (on each side of a vehicle)–

  • (a) A motor vehicle with three or more wheels, not being a motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986:
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal–
  • (i) A side repeater indicator which is required to be fitted in accordance with paragraph 1(a):
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal (see diagrams in Part III of this Schedule)–
  • (A) A front or rear indicator fitted to a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, having a maximum speed exceeding 25 mph and every rear indicator fitted to a trailer:
4

Alignment–

  • (a) A front indicator:
5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer, other than a trailer drawn by a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b):
8

Wattage–

  • (a) Any front or rear indicator which emits a flashing light and does not bear an approval mark:
9

Intensity–

  • (a) An indicator bearing an approval mark:
10

Electrical connections–

  • (a) All indicators on one side of a vehicle together with all indicators on that side of any trailer drawn by the vehicle, while so drawn, shall be operated by one switch.
  • (b) All indicators on one side of a vehicle or combination of vehicles showing a flashing light shall flash in phase, except that in the case of a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination and a pedal cycle, the front and rear direction indicators on one side of the vehicle may flash alternately.
11

Tell-tale–

  • (a) One or more indicators on each side of a vehicle to which indicators are fitted shall be so designed and fitted that the driver when in his seat can readily be aware when it is in operation; or
  • (b) The vehicle shall be equipped with an operational tell-tale for front and rear indicators (including any rear indicator on the rearmost of any trailers drawn by the vehicle).
12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Every indicator (other than a semaphore arm, that is an indicator in the form of an illuminated sign which when in operation temporarily alters the outline of the vehicle to the extent of at least 150 mm measured horizontally and is visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle) shall when in operation show a light which flashes constantly at the rate of not less than 60 nor more than 120 flashes per minute. However, in the event of a failure, other than a short-circuit of an indicator, any other indicator on the same side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles may continue to flash, but the rate may be less than 60 or more than 120 flashes per minute. Every indicator shall when in operation perform efficiently regardless of the speed of the vehicle.
  • (b) Where two front or rear direction indicators are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986, and two rear direction indicators are fitted to a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985, in each case they shall be fitted so as to form a pair.
  • (c) A rear direction indicator on each side of a vehicle shall not be fitted on a boot lid or other movable part of the vehicle.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means either– a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 9 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; or a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 6 or, in the case of a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a pedal cycle, a horse-drawn vehicle or a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand, at item 50 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional direction indicators

PART III

SCHEDULE 8 — requirements relating to obligatory and optional hazard warning signal devices

Every hazard warning signal device shall–

  • (a) be operated by one switch;
  • (b) cause all the direction indicators with which a vehicle or a combination of vehicles is equipped to flash in phase;
  • (c) be provided with a circuit-closed tell-tale in the form of a flashing light which may operate in conjunction with any direction indicator tell-tale; and
  • (d) be able to function even if the device which controls the starting and stopping of the engine is in a position which makes it impossible to start the engine.

SCHEDULE 9

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory side marker lamps and to optional side marker lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) A vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b) which is–
  • (i) a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 or a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1990:
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal–
  • (i) A vehicle of a type mentioned in sub-paragraph 1(a)(i)–
  • (A) Maximum distance from the front of the vehicle, including any drawbar, in respect of the foremost side marker lamp on each side:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

PART II — Requirements relating to optional side marker lamps

Any number may be fitted and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 7 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 10

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory rear position lamps and to optional rear position lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e), (f ), (g) or (h):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle, other than a motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal–
  • (A) Where two lamp are required to be fitted:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings (see also regulation 3(6))–

  • (a) A motor vehicle or a trailer not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e):
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity–

  • (a) A rear position lamp bearing any of the markings mentioned in paragraph 4:
10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Except in the case of a motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1986, any other vehicle manufactured before 1st October 1985 and a motor bicycle combination, where two rear position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair and where four rear position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form two matched pairs.
  • (b) In the case of a rear position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light which is fitted to—
  • (i) a pedal cycle; or
  • (ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle

the light shown by the lamp when flashing shall be displayed not less than 60 nor more than 240 equal times per minute and the intervals between each display of light shall be constant.

13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–
  • “approval mark” means–in relation to a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination and a trailer drawn by a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 50A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations, andin relation to any other motor vehicle or any other trailer, either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 6 or, if combined with a stop lamp, at item 8 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 7A or, if combined with a stop lamp, at item 7C of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; and
  • “British Standard mark” means–the mark indicated in the specification for cycle rear lamps published by the British Standards Institution under the reference 3648:1963 as amended by Amendment PD 6137 published in May 1967 and by AMD 4753 published in July 1985, orthe mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986, namely “BS 6102/3”, or the mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 5821 published on the 29th April 1988, namely “6102/3”,or the mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 8438 published on the 15th April 1995, namely 6102/3; orthe mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the references BS 6102: part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 14621 published on the 1st September 2003, namely 6102/3.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional rear position lamps

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 12(b) of Part I.

SCHEDULE 11

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory rear fog lamps and to optional rear fog lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • Where two rear fog lamps are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 or to a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985 they shall form a matched pair.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means either– a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 20 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; or a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 38 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional rear fog lamps

SCHEDULE 12

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory stop lamps and to optional stop lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b) or (c):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st January 1971 and a trailer manufactured on or after that date–
  • (i) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b) or (c):
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage–

  • (a) A stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle first used before 1st January 1971 or a trailer manufactured before that date and a stop lamp bearing an approval mark:
9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections–

  • (a) Every stop lamp fitted to–
  • (i) a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination first used on or after 1st April 1986 shall be operated by the application of every service brake control provided for the use of the rider;
  • (ii) any other motor vehicle, shall be operated by the application of the service braking system.
  • (b) Every stop lamp fitted to a trailer drawn by a motor vehicle shall be operated by the application of the service braking system of that motor vehicle.
11Tell-tale: No requirement
12

Other requirements–

  • Where two stop lamps are required to be fitted, they shall form a pair.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means–in relation to a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination or a trailer drawn by a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 50A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; andin relation to any other vehicle, either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 7 or, if combined with a rear position lamp, at item 8 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 7B or, if combined with a rear position lamp, at item 7C of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.

PART II — Rrequirements relating to optional stop lamps

Any number may be fitted, and the requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are all those specified in Part I except–

  • (a) those specified in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3; and
  • (b) in the case of a stop lamp fitted to a pedal cycle, those specified in paragraphs 5 and 8; and
  • (c) in the case of a stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle not being a motor bicycle, first used on or after 1st April 1991 either centrally or in such a manner as to project light through the rear window the intensity of the light emitted to the rear of the vehicle shall be not less than 20 candelas and not more than 60 candelas when measured from directly behind the centre of the lamp in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

SCHEDULE 13

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory end-outline marker lamps and to optional end-outline marker lamps to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • The two lamps which emit white light towards the front, and the two lamps which emit red light towards the rear, shall in each case form a matched pair.
  • The white front lamp and red rear lamp on one side of a vehicle may be combined into a single lamp with a single light source.
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule, “approval mark” means the aproval mark for a front or rear position lamp, as the case may be.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional end-outline marker lamps

Any number may be fitted, and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 7 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 14

1

Number:

2

Position:

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage–

  • (a) A reversing lamp bearing an approval mark:
9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st July 1954, provided that the electrical connections are such that any reversing lamp or lamps fitted to the rear cannot be illuminated other than automatically by the selection of the reverse gear of the vehicle:
12

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 21 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 23 or 23A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.

SCHEDULE 15 — requirements relating to obligatory rear registration plate lamps

1

Number:

2

Position:

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means–in relation to a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination and a trailer drawn by a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 50A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; andin relation to any other motor vehicle and any other trailer, either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 10 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 4 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.

SCHEDULE 16 — requirement relating to obligatory and optional warning beacons

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • Every warning beacon shall be so mounted on the vehicle that the centre of the lamp is at a height not less than 1200 mm above the ground.
3

Angles of visibility–

  • The light shown from at least one beacon (but not necessarily the same beacon) shall be visible from any point at a reasonable distance from the vehicle or any trailer being drawn by it.4Markings:No requirement5Size of illuminated area:No requirement6Colour:Blue, amber, green or yellow in accordance with Regulation 117Wattage:No requirement8Intensity:No requirement9Electrical connections:No requirement10Tell-tale:No requirement
11

Other requirements–

  • The light shown by any one warning beacon shall be displayed not less than 60 nor more than 240 equal times per minute and the intervals between each display of light shall be constant.

SCHEDULE 17

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory side retro reflectors and optional side retro reflectors to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal–
  • (i) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (A) Maximum distance from the front of the vehicle, including any drawbar, in respect of the foremost reflector on each side:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b):
8

Other requirements:

9

Definitions–

  • (a) In this Schedule “approval mark” means either–
  • (i) a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 3 or 3B of Schedule 2 to those Regulations and which includes the marking I or IA; or
  • (ii) a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 4 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations and which includes the marking I; and
  • (b) In this Schedule references to “maximum distance from the front of the vehicle” and “maximum distance from the rear of the vehicle” are references to the maximum distance from that end of the vehicle (as determined by reference to the overall length of the vehicle exclusive of any special equipment) beyond which no part of the reflecting area of the side retro reflector extends.

PARTII — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL SIDE RETRO REFLECTORS

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part I. But, in respect of a vehicle to which paragraph 7(a) applies which is used for the purposes listed in column (1) of the Table, the permitted colours are those listed in column (2).

Police amber, yellow, blue, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or, in England and Wales, fire and rescue authority amber, yellow, red
Ambulance The provision of a response to an emergency at the request of an NHS ambulance service but only in respect of a vehicle which is owned by the service or held by it under a lease or hire agreement amber, yellow, green, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency amber, yellow, silver, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red
Traffic officer amber, yellow, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red.

SCHEDULE 18

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory rear retro reflectors and optional rear retro reflectors to the extent specified in part ii

1

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 8(b) of Part I , subject to paragraphs 2 and 3.

2

...The colour of rear retro reflectors fitted to a vehicle used for—

  • (a) police,
  • (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or, in England and Wales, fire and rescue authority,
  • (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • (d) Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, or
  • (e) traffic officer,

purposes may be red, yellow or orange (or any combination).

3.

The colour of rear retro reflectors fitted to—

  • (a) a vehicle used for ambulance purposes, or
  • (b) a vehicle used for the purpose of providing a response to an emergency at the request of an NHS ambulance service,

may be red, yellow or orange (or any combination), provided that, in the case mentioned in paragraph (b), the vehicle is owned by the NHS ambulance service or held by it under a lease or hire agreement.

4

Alignment:

5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used–
  • (i) On or after 1st April 1991:
6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour:

8

Other requirements–

  • (a) Except in the case of a motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1986, any other vehicle manufactured before 1st October 1985 and a motor bicycle combination, where two rear reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form a pair. Where four rear reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form two pairs.
  • (b) No vehicle, other than a trailer or a broken-down motor vehicle being towed, may be fitted with triangular-shaped rear reflectors.
  • (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–“approval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 3 or 3A or 3B of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulation and shown at item 4 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations;“British Standard mark” means either–the mark indicated in the specification for retro reflectors for vehicles, including cycles, published by the British Standards Institution under the reference B.S. AU 40: Part 2: 1965, namely “AU 40”; orthe mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements of reflective devices published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 2: 1982, namely “BS 6102/2”; and“Italian approved marking” means–a mark approved by the Italian Ministry of Transport, namely, one including two separate groups of symbols consisting of “IGM” or “DGM” and “C.1.” or “C.2.”.

PARTII — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL REAR RETRO REFLECTORS

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 8(b) of Part I. But the colour of rear retro reflectors fitted to a vehicle used for—

  • (a) police,
  • (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or, in England and Wales, fire and rescue authority,
  • (c) ambulance,
  • (d) Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, or
  • (e) traffic officer,

SCHEDULE 19

PART I — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OBLIGATORY REAR MARKINGS AND OPTIONAL REAR MARKINGS TO THE EXTENT SPECIFIED IN PART II

SECTION A — General requirements

1

A rear marking of a type shown in one of the above diagrams shall have the dimensions shown in relation to that diagram.

2

Any variation in a dimension (other than as to the height of a letter) specified in any of the above diagrams shall be treated as permitted for the purposes of this Schedule if the variation—

  • (a) in the case of a dimension so specified as 250mm or as over 250mm does not exceed 2.5 per cent of that dimension;
  • (b) in the case of a dimension so specified as 40mm or as over 40mm but as under 250mm does not exceed 5 per cent of that dimension; or
  • (c) in the case of a dimension so specified as under 40mm does not exceed 10 per cent of that dimension.
3

Any variation in a dimension as to the height of a letter specified in any of those diagrams shall be treated as permitted for the purposes of this Schedule if the variation—

  • (a) in the case of a dimension so specified as 105mm does not exceed 2.5 per cent of that dimension; or
  • (b) in the case of a dimension so specified as 70mm does not exceed 5 per cent of that dimension.
4

Alignment:

5

A rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 1 or 4 above shall be constructed in the form of a single plate, and every rear marking shown in diagrams 2, 3 or 5 above shall be constructed in the form of two plates of equal size and shape.

6

The height of each half of the marking shown in diagram 3 above may be reduced to a minimum of 140mm provided the width is increased so that each half of the marking has a minimum area of 980cm2.

7

All letters incorporated in a rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 4 or 5 above shall have the proportions and form of letters as shown in Part II of Schedule 13 of the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994.

8

Definitions—

9

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “British Standard mark” means the specification for rear marking plates for vehicles published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS AU 152: 1970, namely “BS AU 152”.

SECTION B — Size, colour and type of rear markings

SECTION C — Additional provisions relating to the size and form of rear markings

PART II — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL REAR MARKINGS

SCHEDULE 20

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory pedal retro reflectors and optional pedal retro reflectors to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility:

4

Markings:

5

Size of reflecting area:

6

Colour:

7

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “British Standard mark” means the specification for photometric and physical requirements of reflective devices published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 2: 1982, namely “BS 6102/2”.

PART II — Requirements relating to optional pedal retro reflectors

Any number may be fitted and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 6 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 21

PART I — Requirements relating to obligatory front retroreflectors and to optional front retro reflectors to the extent specified in part ii

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour:

8

Other requirements–

  • (a) Where two front reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form a pair.
  • (b) Triangular shaped retro reflectors shall not be fitted to the front of any trailer.
9

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule– “approval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 3 or 3A or 3B of Schedule 2 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulation and shown at item 4 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations

PART II — Requirements relating to optional front retro reflectors

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are that specified in paragraph 8(b) of Part I and that the colour shall not be red.

SCHEDULE 22 — Diagram showing where unlit parking is not permitted near a junction

SCHEDULE 23

Example of marking showing the vertical downwards inclination of the dipped-beam headlamps when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and has a weight of 75 kg on the driver’s seat

Signed

Cecil Parkinson — Secretary of State for Transport — 1989-09-28

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

1 These Regulations re-enact the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1984 with modifications. In addition to minor and drafting amendments, they make the following changes of substance.

2 Previously there were a number of provisions to the effect that no person was to use or cause or permit to be used a vehicle unless it complied with certain construction requirements. Contravention of such a provision would have been an offence under section 42(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The equivalent provisions in these Regulations are expressed as construction requirements. A person who was to cause or permit a vehicle to be used in breach of these provisions would be guilty of an offence under section 42(1)(b).

3 Previously the day was divided into two periods, “daytime hours” and “hours of darkness”. The divisions between the two were half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. A number of provisions were based on these periods. In these Regulations they are replaced by the periods between “sunrise and sunset” and between “sunset and sunrise”, with the exception of the provisions relating to use of headlamps or front fog lamps, which remain unaltered.

4 The other principal changes of substance are as follows– RegulationChange 6(4)The exemption from the need for a small trailer to be fitted with any stop lamp or direction indicator when those on the towing vehicle are visible to an observer 6 m behind the trailer will not apply to a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1990.11(2) Amber warning beacons may be fitted to vehicles used for:– surveying purposes; the removal or immobilisation of vehicles in exercise of a statutory power or duty; or escort purposes when travelling at a speed not exceeding 25 mph. 11(2)Reflected orange light is permitted from a sign fitted to the rear of a vehicle carrying dangerous substances.11(3)A green and white chequered domed lamp is permitted on an ambulance control vehicle.11(2) and Sch 9A side marker lamp is permitted to be amber or, if fitted within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle, red.11(2) and Sch 17A side retro reflector is permitted to be red if fitted within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle.14(2)A requirement is introduced for lamps on new pedal cycles in future to be fitted with filament lamps that comply with the British Standard specification for Filament Lamps for Cycles, published by the British Standards Institution under the reference 6873 : 1988.15A new general requirement is introduced concerning the electrical connections for lamps.16The provision is amended so as to permit the fitting of special warning lamps at the front of emergency vehicles and the prohibition in the corresponding previous regulation on the fitting of a warning beacon other than a blue warning beacon, or a device resembling such a beacon, is removed. Nevertheless, regulation 11 prohibits the fitting of warning beacons except as specified in that regulation.19A new requirement is introduced to clarify the position regarding the obscuration of lamps and reflectors by movable parts of a vehicle.20(1), Table, items 3 and 4A new requirement is introduced for loads projecting either laterally or beyond the rear of a vehicle to be fitted with reflectors in addition to lamps.20(1), Table, item 5A new requirement is introduced for loads projecting beyond the front of a vehicle to carry lamps and reflectors.23(2)A new requirement is introduced for a headlamp levelling device, a dim-dip device or running lamp and a hazard warning signal device to be maintained in good working order.27, Table, item 5The provision is amended so to permit the use of a hazard warning signal device whilst travelling on a motorway or unrestricted dual-carriageway to warn following drivers of a need to slow down due to a temporary obstruction ahead.Schedules1, Table IA new provision exempts from the requirement for a dim-dip device to be fitted a vehicle that meets fully the provisions of Council Directive 76/756/EEC, as amended, including, in particular, the provisions for alignment of dipped-beam headlamps.1, Tables I and VI and Sch 9 A requirement is introduced for new goods vehicles and trailers over 6 m long to be fitted with amber side marker lamps every 3 m along their sides. Exemptions are provided for:– a vehicle which meets fully the provisions of Council Directive 76/756/EEC, as amended; a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph; agricultural and works trailers; a caravan; a vehicle proceeding to a works for completion; and a trailer used for the carriage and launching of a boat. 1, Tables I and VI and Sch 13 A requirement is introduced for new motor vehicles and trailers over 2.1 m wide to be fitted with end-outline marker lamps. Exemptions are provided for:– a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph; agricultural and works trailers; and a vehicle proceeding to a works for completion. 1, Table IThe requirement for a works truck to be fitted with a rear registration plate lamp is revoked.1, Table IA requirement is introduced for an invalid carriage which can exceed 4 mph to be fitted with direction indicators and a hazard warning signal device.1, Table VITrailers constructed or adapted for the carriage and launching of a boat are exempt from the requirement for front position lamps.1, Table VIThe exemption for an agricultural trailer and a works trailer from the requirement to be fitted with direction indicators will not apply to trailers manufactured after 1st October 1990.1, Table VI and Sch 21A new requirement is introduced for trailers manufactured on or after 1st October 1990 to be fitted with white front reflectors. Agricultural and works trailers are exempt.2, Part I, para. 3The inward angle of visibility for a front position lamp fitted to a trailer is reduced to 5°.2, Part I, para. 5(c)A front position lamp fitted to “any other vehicle” (a pedal cycle, a horse-drawn vehicle, an invalid carriage having a maximum speed not exceeding 4 mph and a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand), in each case manufactured or first used on or after 1st October 1990, will be required to bear an approval mark in accordance with Council Directive 76/758/EEC (27.7.76, OJL 262, 27.9.76, p. 54) or ECE Regulation 7 of 27.5.67, or the British Standard mark “BS 6102/3”.2, Part IIThe maximum number of front position lamps fitted to a solo motor bicycle first used on or after 1st April 1991 is restricted to two.3The title of this Schedule is amended to refer to Dim-Dip and Running Lamps, the specifications for which are included in the Schedule.4, Part I, para. 4The requirements for the alignment of dipped-beam headlamps are specified.4, Part I, para. 12(b) and Sch 23A requirement is introduced for an indication of the downward inclination (vertical aim) of the dipped-beam headlamps to be shown on a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991.4, Part II, para. 1A requirement is introduced to prevent a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 from being capable of showing more than 2 dipped-beam headlamps at one time. Two pairs may be fitted only if one pair is for use in countries where driving is on the right-hand side of the road.5, Part IIA requirement is introduced for optional main-beam headlamps fitted to motor vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1991 to bear an approval mark.6The maximum number of front fog lamps fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 is restricted to 2. There was no previous restriction.6, para. 4A requirement for the alignment of front fog lamps is specified.7Consistent with the Schedules for other lamps, this Schedule has been sub-divided into Part I, covering obligatory direction indicators and Part II, covering optional direction indicators. Part III contains the diagrams showing horizontal angles of visibility.7, Part I, paras. 1, 2 and 5Provision is made for Categories 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b direction indicators. The effect is that front direction indicators fitted close to headlamps are required to be brighter than those fitted beyond a specified distance.7, Part I, para. 2The requirement regarding the relative positioning of rear direction indicators and rear position lamps has not been reenacted. The minimum separation distances between direction indicators fitted to invalid carriages are specified.10, Part I, para. 5Rear position lamps fitted to pedal cycles etc are permitted to comply with BS 6102: Part 3 1986 or to be approved to a European standard, as an alternative to the previous requirement.12, Part II, para. (b)The requirement for a stop lamp fitted to a pedal cycle to bear an approval mark has not been re-enacted.12, Part II, para. (c)An optional stop lamp fitted in the rear window of a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 is required to emit light having an intensity of between 20 and 60 candelas when measured directly in front of the lamp.22A diagram illustrates where unlit parking is not permitted near a junction.

5 The definition of “Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as amended” in regulation 3 sets out details of this Directive and the amendments. Copies of the Directives can be obtained from HM Stationery Office.

6 Copies of the British Standards specifications referred to in these Regulations may be obtained from any of the outlets operated by the British Standards Institution, or by post from the British Standards Institution at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (Telephone number: Milton Keynes (STD 0908) 221166).

7 The following explanation of European approval marks is added for convenience– EXPLANATION OF EUROPEAN APPROVAL MARKS EXAMPLES OF MARKINGS [image omitted] [image omitted]

Notes– 1 An E within a circle indicates a device which has been approved to a UN:ECE Regulation. (United Nations:Economic Commission for Europe, based in Geneva.) 2 An e within a rectangle indicates a device which has been approved to an EEC Directive. (European Economic Community, based in Brussels.) 3 The number within the circle or rectangle beside the E or e is the distinguishing number of the country that issued the approval. 11 stands for the United Kingdom. 4 An arrow below the circle or rectangle means, in the case of a headlamp, that it dips to the left. A double-headed arrow means that the headlamp bulb holder can be adjusted so as to dip either to the left or to the right. 5 In the case of a motor vehicle registered for use in the United Kingdom which is fitted with European-approved headlamps, an arrow (single or double headed) is required to be present below the approval mark on the lenses of the headlamps. 6 An arrow below the circle or rectangle means, in the case of any other type of lamp, that the lamp is “handed” and must be fitted to the side of the vehicle to which the arrow points except in the case of a direction indicator of category 3, 4 or 5, in which case the lamp is fitted on the side of the vehicle and the arrow points towards the front of the vehicle. 7 The symbols above the circle or rectangle identify the function, category or class of device as follows– AFront position lamp (or end-outline marker lamp)CDipped-beam headlampRMain-beam headlampSSealed-beam headlampHHalogen headlampBFront fog lamp (white or yellow)1Category 1 front direction indicator (suitable for fitting at least 40 mm from a headlamp or front fog lamp)1aCategory 1a front direction indicator (suitable for fitting at least 20 mm from a headlamp or front fog lamp)1bCategory 1b front direction indicator (suitable for fitting less than 20 mm from a headlamp or front fog lamp)2aCategory 2a rear direction indicator (with single level of intensity)2bCategory 2b rear direction indicator (with dual level of intensity)3Category 3 front-side direction indicator4Category 4 front-side direction indicator5Category 5 side-repeater direction indicator11Category 11 front direction indicators for motor cycles only12Category 12 rear direction indicators for motor cycles only13Category 13 side repeater direction indicators for motor cycles onlySMSide marker lampRRear position lampB or FRear fog lamp (red)S1Stop lamp with single level of intensityS2Stop lamp with two levels of intensityARReversing lampIClass I retro reflectorIAClass IA retro reflectorIIIClass III retro reflector (triangular – for trailers only)IIIAClass IIIA retro reflector (triangular – for trailers only)No symbolNo A, R, S1 or S2 is required on a position lamp or a stop lamp approved for use only on motor cyclesCommon combinations of symbols–R–S1Rear position lamp which is also a stop lampHCRHalogen headlamp emitting both main and dipped-beamOther combinations of symbols are possible.

Footnotes

[^f00002]: S.I. 1984/812.

[^f00003]: S.I. 1987/1315.

[^f00004]: 1971 c. 10.

[^f00005]: S.I. 1986/1078, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00006]: S.I. 1979/1088; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1982/1479, 1983/1602, 1985/113 and 1986/369.

[^f00007]: S.I. 1979/1198, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00008]: 1977 c. 49.

[^f00009]: 1978 c. 29.

[^f00010]: 1984 c. 27.

[^f00012]: Cmnd. 7997.

[^f00013]: Treaty Series No. 11 (1930).

[^f00014]: 1958 c. 7 (7 and 8 Eliz 2).

[^f00016]: S.I. 1981/1059, to which there is no relevant amendment.

[^f00017]: S.I. 1986/1951.

[^f00018]: S.I. 1981/859, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

1

Number–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f):
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle (not being a motor bicycle combination or an agricultural vehicle) first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal–
  • (A) Where one lamp is required to be fitted:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings (see also regulation 3(6))–

  • (a) A motor vehicle (other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination) first used on or after 1st January 1972 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity–

  • (a) A front position lamp bearing any of the markings mentioned in paragraph 5:
10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Except in the case of a vehicle covered by sub-paragraph (b), where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form a pair.
  • (b) In the case of a trailer manufactured before 1st October 1985 and a motor bicycle combination, where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall be fitted on each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
  • (c) in the case of a front position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light which is fitted to—
  • (i) a pedal cycle; or
  • (ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

the light shown by the lamp when flashing shall be displayed not less than 60 nor more than 240 equal times per minute and the intervals between each display of light shall be constant.

13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule–
  • “approval mark” means–in relation to a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 50A of Schedule 2 to those Regulations, andin relation to any other ... vehicle..., either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 5 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 7 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations;
  • “British Standard mark” means—the mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 namely “6102/3”; orthe mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 5821 published on the 29th April 1988, namely “6102/3”; or the mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 8438 published on the 15th April 1995, namely “6102/3”; orthe mark indicated in the specification for photometric and physical requirements for lighting equipment published by the British Standards Institution under the reference BS 6102: Part 3: 1986 as amended by AMD 14621 published on the 1st September 2003, namely “6102/3”.
1

In the case of a solo motor bicycle first used on or after 1st April 1991 which is not fitted with any obligatory front position lamp, not more than two may be fitted which must comply with the requirement specified in paragraph 7 of Part I. Where two are fitted these shall be situated as close together as possible.

2

In the case of a solo motor bicycle first used on or after 1st April 1991 which is fitted with one obligatory front position lamp, not more than one additional lamp may be fitted which must comply with the requirement specified in paragraph 7 of Part I and shall be situated as close as possible to the obligatory front position lamp.

3

In the case of any other vehicle any number of front position lamps may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those in paragraph 7 and 12(c) of Part I

1

Number (on each side of a vehicle)–

  • (a) A motor vehicle with three or more wheels, not being a motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986:
2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal–
  • (i) A side repeater indicator which is required to be fitted in accordance with paragraph 1(a):
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) A motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985–
  • (i) Horizontal (see diagrams in Part III of this Schedule)–
  • (A) A front or rear indicator fitted to a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, having a maximum speed exceeding 25 mph and every rear indicator fitted to a trailer:
4

Alignment–

  • (a) A front indicator:
5

Markings–

  • (a) A motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, first used on or after 1st April 1986 and a trailer, other than a trailer drawn by a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, manufactured on or after 1st October 1985:
6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour–

  • (a) Any vehicle not covered by sub-paragraph (b):
8

Wattage–

  • (a) Any front or rear indicator which emits a flashing light and does not bear an approval mark:
9

Intensity–

  • (a) An indicator bearing an approval mark:
10

Electrical connections–

  • (a) All indicators on one side of a vehicle together with all indicators on that side of any trailer drawn by the vehicle, while so drawn, shall be operated by one switch.
  • (b) All indicators on one side of a vehicle or combination of vehicles showing a flashing light shall flash in phase, except that in the case of a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination and a pedal cycle, the front and rear direction indicators on one side of the vehicle may flash alternately.
11

Tell-tale–

  • (a) One or more indicators on each side of a vehicle to which indicators are fitted shall be so designed and fitted that the driver when in his seat can readily be aware when it is in operation; or
  • (b) The vehicle shall be equipped with an operational tell-tale for front and rear indicators (including any rear indicator on the rearmost of any trailers drawn by the vehicle).
12

Other requirements–

  • (a) Every indicator (other than a semaphore arm, that is an indicator in the form of an illuminated sign which when in operation temporarily alters the outline of the vehicle to the extent of at least 150 mm measured horizontally and is visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle) shall when in operation show a light which flashes constantly at the rate of not less than 60 nor more than 120 flashes per minute. However, in the event of a failure, other than a short-circuit of an indicator, any other indicator on the same side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles may continue to flash, but the rate may be less than 60 or more than 120 flashes per minute. Every indicator shall when in operation perform efficiently regardless of the speed of the vehicle.
  • (b) Where two front or rear direction indicators are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986, and two rear direction indicators are fitted to a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985, in each case they shall be fitted so as to form a pair.
  • (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13

Definitions–

  • In this Schedule “approval mark” means either–a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 9 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations; ora marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 6 or, in the case of a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination, a pedal cycle, a horse-drawn vehicle or a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand, at item 50 of Schedule 2 to those Regulations.
1

No vehicle shall be fitted with a total of more than one front indicator nor more than two rear indicators, on each side.

2

Any number of side indicators may be fitted to the side (excluding the front and rear) of a vehicle.

3

The only other requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12(a) and 12(b) of Part I.

1

Number:

2

Position–

  • (a) Longitudinal:
3

Angles of visibility–

  • (a) Horizontal:
4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements–

  • Where two rear fog lamps are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 or to a trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985 they shall form a matched pair.
13

Definitions–

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