The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

PART I E+W+S PRELIMINARY

Commencement, citation and revocations E+W+S

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 and shall come into force on 1st November 1989.

(2) The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1984(1) and the Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1987(2) are hereby revoked.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Statement under section 43(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 E+W+S

2.—(1) The Secretary of State is satisfied that–

(a) it is requisite that the provisions mentioned in paragraph (2) which vary the requirements about the construction of the vehicles to which those provisions apply, shall apply as from 1st November 1989 to such of those vehicles as are registered under the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971(3) before the expiration of one year from the making of these Regulations; and

(b) notwithstanding that these provisions will then apply to those vehicles, no undue hardship or inconvenience will be caused thereby.

(2) The provisions referred to in paragraph (1) are those set out in the Table below–

Number of regulation or Schedule	Nature of requirements
Regulation 3(6)	Interpretation of requirements in relation to British Standard marks.
Schedule 1 Table V	Invalid carriages with a maximum speed exceeding 4 mph to be fitted with direction indicators and hazard warning signal devices.
Schedule 4 Part I paragraph 4	The aim of dipped-beam headlamps

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Interpretation E+W+S

3.—(1) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Regulations–

(a) to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation or Schedule bearing that number in these Regulations.

(b) to a numbered paragraph is to the paragraph bearing that number in the regulation or Schedule in which the reference occurs, and

(c) to a numbered or lettered sub-paragraph is to the sub-paragraph bearing that number in the paragraph in which the reference occurs.

(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, any expressions for which there is an entry in column 1 of the Table has the meaning given against it in column 2 or is to be construed in accordance with directions given against it in that column.

TABLE

(1)	(2)
Expression	Meaning
“The Act”	The Road Traffic Act 1988.
“The Construction and Use Regulations”	The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986(4)
“The Designation of Approval Marks Regulations”	The Motor Vehicles (Designation of Approval Marks) Regulations 1979(5)
[F1 “Abnormal load escort vehicle”	A vehicle which is clearly identifiable to other road users as a vehicle used for the purposes of escorting abnormal loads by having on its front suitable markings and on its sides and rear retro-reflective markings.]
“Agricultural vehicle”	A vehicle constructed or adapted for agriculture, grass cutting, forestry, land levelling, dredging or similar operations and primarily used for one or more of these purposes, and includes any trailer drawn by an agricultural vehicle.
“Angles of visibility”	A requirement for a lamp or reflector fitted to a vehicle to have specified horizontal and vertical angles of visibility is a requirement that at least 50 per cent of the apparent surface must be visible from any point within those angles when every door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover, cab or other movable part of the vehicle is in the closed position.
“Apparent surface”	For any given direction of observation, is the orthogonal projection of a light-emitting surface in a plane perpendicular to the direction of observation and touching that surface.
“Articulated bus”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Articulated vehicle”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Breakdown vehicle”	A vehicle used to attend an accident or breakdown or to draw a broken down vehicle.
“Bus”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Caravan”	A trailer which is constructed (and not merely adapted) for human habitation.
“cc”	Cubic centimetre or centimetres (as the case may be).
“Circuit-closed tell-tale”	A light showing that a device has been switched on.
“cm”	Centimetre or centimetres (as the case may be).
“cm2”	Square centimetre or centimetres (as the case may be).
“Combat vehicle”	A vehicle of a type described at item 1, 2 or 3 in column 1 of Schedule 1 to the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979(6)
“[F2 Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC]”	Council Directive 76/756/EEC of 27.7.76 (O.J.L262, 27.9.76, p.1) as amended by Commission Directive 80/233/EEC of 21.11.79 (O.J.L51, 25.2.80, p.8), Commission Directive 82/244/EEC of 17.3.82 (O.J.L109, 22.4.82, p.31), Council Directive 83/276/EEC of 26.5.83 (O.J.L151, 9.6.83, p.47), Commission Directive 84/8/EEC of 14.12.83 (O.J.L9, 12.1.84, p.24) and Commission Directive 89/278/EEC of 23.3.89 (O.J.L109, 20.4.89, p.38).
[F3 “Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as last amended by Directive 91/663/EEC”	Council Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC and further amended by Commission Directive 91/663/EEC (O.J.L366, 31.12.91, p.17).]
“Daytime hours”	The time between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset.
“Dim-dip device”	A device which is capable of causing a dipped-beam headlamp to operate at reduced intensity.
“Dipped beam”	A beam of light emitted by a lamp which illuminates the road ahead of the vehicle without causing undue dazzle or discomfort to oncoming drivers or other road users.
“Direction indicator”	A lamp on a vehicle used to indicate to other road users that the driver intends to change direction to the right or to the left.
“Dual-purpose vehicle”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Emergency vehicle”	A [F4 vehicle] of any of the following descriptions– (a) a vehicle used for [F5 relevant authority (as defined in section 6 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5))] [F6 or, in England or Wales, fire and rescue authority] [F7 or, in England, fire and rescue authority], ambulance or police purposes; (aa) [F8 as regards England and Wales, and so far as relating to the functions of the Serious Organised Crime Agency which are exercisable in or as regards Scotland and which relate to reserved matters (within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998), a vehicle used for Serious Organised Crime Agency purposes;] (ab) [F9 so far as relating to the functions of the Serious Organised Crime Agency which are exercisable in or as regards Scotland and which do not (within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998) relate to reserved matters, a vehicle used for Serious Organised Crime Agency purposes;] (b) an ambulance, being a vehicle (other than an invalid carriage) which is constructed or adapted for the purposes of conveying sick, injured or disabled persons and which is used for such purposes; (c) a vehicle owned by a body formed primarily for the purposes of fire salvage and used for those or similar purposes; (d) a vehicle owned by the Forestry Commission or by a local authority and used from time to time for the purposes of fighting fires; (e) [F10 a vehicle owned or operated by the Secretary of State for Defence and used]– (i) for the purposes of the disposal of bombs or explosives, (ii) [F11 for the purposes of any activity— (aa) which prevents or decreases the exposure of persons to radiation arising from a radiation accident or radiation emergency, or (bb) in connection with an event which could lead to a radiation accident or radiation emergency;] [F12 or] (iii) by the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service for the purposes of rescue operations or any other emergencies, F13 ... (iv) F14 ... (f) a vehicle primarily used for the purposes of the Blood Transfusion Service provided under the National Health Service Act 1977(7) or under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978(8); (g) a vehicle used by Her Majesty’s Coastguard or Coastguard Auxiliary Service for the purposes of giving aid to persons in danger or vessels indistress on or near the coast; (h) a vehicle F15 ... used for the purposes of rescue operations at mines; (i) a vehicle owned by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and used for the purposes of launching lifeboats; F16 ... (j) a vehicle primarily used for the purposes of conveying any human tissue for transplanting or similar purposes. (k) [F17 a vehicle under the lawful control of the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and used from time to time for the purposes of the investigation of serious crime (which, save for the omission of the words “and, where the authorising officer is within subsection (5)(h), it relates to an assigned matter within the meaning of section 1(1) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979”, has the meaning given in section 93(4) of the Police Act 1997).]
“End-outline marker lamp”	A lamp fitted near the outer edge of a vehicle in addition to the front and rear position lamps to indicate the presence of a wide vehicle.
“Engineering plant”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Extreme outer edge”	In relation to a side of a vehicle, the vertical plane parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and coinciding with its lateral outer edge, disregarding the projection of– (a) so much of the distortion of any tyre as is caused by the weight of the vehicle, (b) any connections for tyre pressure gauges, (c) any anti-skid devices which may be mounted on the wheels, (d) rear-view mirrors, (e) lamps and reflectors, (f) customs seals affixed to the vehicle, and devices for securing and protecting such seals, and (g) special equipment.
“Front fog lamp”	A lamp used to improve the illumination of the road in front of a motor vehicle in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
“Front position lamp”	A lamp used to indicate the presence and width of a vehicle when viewed from the front.
“First used”	References to the date of first use of a vehicle shall be construed in accordance with regulation 3 (3) of the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Hazard warning signal device”	A device which is capable of causing all the direction indicators with which a vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, is fitted to operate simultaneously.
“Headlamp”	A lamp used to illuminate the road in front of a vehicle and which is not a front fog lamp.
“Headlamp levelling device”	Either– (a) an automatic headlamp levelling device by means of which the downward inclination of any dipped-beam headlamp is automatically maintained regardless of the load on the vehicle, or (b) a manual headlamp levelling device by means of which the downward inclination of any dipped-beam headlamp may be adjusted by a manual control operable from the driving seat of the vehicle.
“Home forces”	The naval, military or air forces of Her Majesty raised in the United Kingdom.
“Home forces' vehicle”	A vehicle owned by, or in the service of, the home forces and used for naval, military or air force purposes.
“Horse-drawn”	In relation to a vehicle, means that the vehicle is drawn by a horse or other animal.
“Hours of darkness”	The time between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
“Illuminated area”	The expression, in relation to a headlamp, front fog lamp and reversing lamp, in each case fitted with a reflector, means the orthogonal projection of the full aperture of the reflector on a plane (touching the surface of the lamp) at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which the lamp is fitted. If the light-emitting surface extends over only part of the full aperture of the reflector, then the projection of only that part shall be taken into account. In the case of a dipped-beam headlamp, the illuminated area is limited by the apparent trace of the cut-off on the lens. The expression, in relation to any other lamp, means the part of the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting surface on a plane (touching the surface of the lamp) at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which it is fitted, the boundary of which is such that if the straight edge of an opaque screen touches it at any point 98 per cent of the total intensity of the light is shown in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Accordingly, for the purposes of determining the lower, upper and lateral edges of the lamp, only a screen placed with its straight edge horizontally or vertically needs to be considered.
“Industrial tractor”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Installation and performance requirements”	In relation to any lamp, reflector, rear marking or device, the requirements specified in the Schedules to these Regulations relating to that lamp, reflector, rear marking or device.
“Invalid carriage”	A mechanically propelled vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability.
“Kerbside weight”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“kg”	Kilogram or kilograms (as the case may be).
“Light-emitting surface”	In relation to a lamp, that part of the exterior surface of the lens through which light is emitted when the lamp is lit, and in relation to a retro reflector that part of the exterior surface of the retro reflector from which light can be reflected.
“m”	Metre or metres (as the case may be).
“Main beam”	A beam of light emitted by a headlamp which illuminates the road over a long distance ahead of the vehicle.
“Matched pair”	In relation to lamps, a pair of lamps in respect of which– (a) both lamps emit light of substantially the same colour and intensity, and (b) both lamps are of the same size and of such a shape that they are symmetrical to one another.
“Maximum distance from the side of the vehicle”	The expression means– (a) in relation to a lamp fitted to a vehicle, the shortest distance from the boundary of the illuminated area to an extreme outer edge of the vehicle, and (b) in relation to a retro reflector fitted to a vehicle, the shortest distance from the boundary of the reflecting area to an extreme outer edge of the vehicle.
“Maximum gross weight”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Maximum height above the ground”	The height above which no part of the illuminated area in the case of a lamp, or the reflecting area in the case of a retro reflector, extends when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and when each tyre with which the vehicle is fitted is inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
“Maximum speed”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Minimum height above the ground”	The height below which no part of the illuminated area in the case of a lamp, or the reflecting area in the case of a retro reflector, extends when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and when each tyre with which the vehicle is fitted is inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
“mm”	Millimetre or millimetres (as the case may be).
“Motor bicycle combination”	A combination of a solo motor bicycle and a sidecar.
“Motor tractor”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Motorway”	Has the same meaning as in Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984(9).
“Movable platform”	A platform which is attached to, and may be moved by means of, an extendible boom.
“mph”	Mile per hour or miles per hour (as the case may be).
“Obligatory”	In relation to a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device, means a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device with which a vehicle, its load or equipment is required by these Regulations to be fitted.
“Operational tell-tale”	A warning device readily visible or audible to the driver and showing whether a device that has been switched on is operating correctly or not.
“Optional”	In relation to a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device, means a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device with which a vehicle, its load or equipment is not required by these Regulations to be fitted.
“Overall length”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Overall width”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Pair”	In relation to lamps, reflectors or rear markings means a pair of lamps, reflectors or rear markings, including a matched pair, one on each side of the vehicle, in respect of which the following conditions are met– (a) each lamp, reflector or rear marking is at the same height above the ground, and (b) each lamp, reflector or rear marking is at the same distance from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle. In the case of an asymmetric vehicle, those conditions shall be deemed to be met if they are as near as practicable to being met.
“Passenger vehicle”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Pedal cycle”	A vehicle which is not constructed or adapted to be propelled by mechanical power and which is equipped with pedals, including an electrically-assisted pedal cycle prescribed for the purposes of section 189 of the Act and section 140 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
“Pedal retro reflector”	A retro reflector attached to or incorporated in the pedals of a pedal cycle or motor bicycle.
“Pedestrian-controlled vehicle”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
[F18 “Prescribed sign”	a sign which is of a type shown in Schedule 21A and complies with the requirements of that Schedule.]
[F19 “Radiation accident” and “radiation emergency”	Have the same meaning as in the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001.]
“Rear fog lamp”	A lamp used to render a vehicle more readily visible from the rear in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
“Rear position lamp”	A lamp used to indicate the presence and width of a vehicle when viewed from the rear.
“Rear retro reflector”	A retro reflector used to indicate the presence and width of a vehicle when viewed from the rear.
“Rear registration plate lamp”	A lamp used to illuminate the rear registration plate.
“Reflecting area”	In relation to a retro reflector fitted to a vehicle, the area of the orthogonal projection on a vertical plane (touching the surface of the reflector)– (a) at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle of that part of the reflector designed to reflect light in the case of a front or a rear retro reflector, and (b) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle of that part of the reflector designed to reflect light in the case of a side retro reflector.
“Reversing lamp”	A lamp used to illuminate the road to the rear of a vehicle for the purpose of reversing and to warn other road users that the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse.
“Road clearance vehicle”	A mechanically propelled vehicle used for dealing with frost, ice or snow on roads.
“Running lamp”	A lamp (not being a front position lamp, an end-outline marker lamp, headlamp or front fog lamp) used to make the presence of a moving motor vehicle readily visible from the front.
“Separation distance”	In relation to two lamps or two retro reflectors the expression means, except where otherwise specified, the shortest distance between the orthogonal projections in a plane perpendicular to the longitidunal axis of the vehicle of the illuminated areas of the two lamps or the reflecting areas of the two reflectors.
“Service braking system”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Side marker lamp”	A lamp fitted to the side of a vehicle or its load and used to render the vehicle more visible to other road users.
“Side retro reflector”	A reflector fitted to the side of a vehicle or its load and used to render the vehicle more visible from the side.
“Solo motor bicycle”	A motor bicycle without a sidecar.
“Special equipment”	A movable platform fitted to a vehicle, the apparatus for moving the platform and any jacks fitted to the vehicle for stabilising it while the movable platform is in use.
“Special warning lamp”	A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light.
“Stop lamp”	A lamp used to indicate to road users that the brakes of a vehicle or combination of vehicles are being applied.
“Traffic sign”	Has the same meaning given by section 64(1) of [F20 the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984].
“Trailer”	A vehicle constructed or adapted to be drawn by another vehicle.
“Unrestricted dual-carriageway road”	A dual-carriageway within the meaning given by paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 on which a motor vehicle may lawfully be driven at a speed exceeding 50 mph.
“Unladen weight”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Vehicle in the service of a visiting force or of a headquarters”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Visiting vehicle”	Has the meaning given by regulation 3(1) of the [F21 Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Regulations 1985].
“Warning beacon”	A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane.
“Wheel”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations (see also paragraph (7)).
“Wheeled”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Work lamp”	A lamp used to illuminate a working area or the scene of an accident, breakdown or roadworks in the vicinity of the vehicle to which it is fitted.
“Works trailer”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.
“Works truck”	Has the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.

(3) Material designed primarily to reflect light is, when reflecting light, to be treated for the purposes of these Regulations as showing a light, and material capable of reflecting an image is not, when reflecting the image of a light, to be so treated.

(4) In these Regulations a reference to one lamp, except in the case of a dipped-beam headlamp, a main-beam headlamp and a front fog lamp, includes any combination of two or more lamps, whether identical or not, having the same function and emitting light of the same colour, if it comprises devices the aggregate illuminated area of which occupies 60 per cent or more of the area of the smallest rectangle circumscribing those illuminated areas.

(5) In these Regulations a reference to two lamps includes–

(a) a single illuminated area which–

(i) is placed symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,

(ii) extends on both sides to within 400 mm of the extreme outer edge of the vehicle,

(iii) is not less than 800 mm long, and

(iv) is illuminated by not less than two sources of light, and

(b) any number of illuminated areas which–

(i) are juxtaposed,

(ii) if on the same transverse plane have illuminated areas which occupy not less than 60 per cent of the area of the smallest rectangle circumscribing their illuminated areas,

(iii) are placed symmetrically in relation to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle,

(iv) extend on both sides to within 400 mm of the extreme outer edge of the vehicle,

(v) do not have a total length of less than 800 mm, and

(vi) are illuminated by not less than two sources of light.

(6) Where a part fitted to a vehicle is required by these Regulations to be marked with a British Standard mark, the requirements shall not be regarded as met unless, in addition to being marked as required, the part complied with the relevant British Standard at the time when the part was first fitted to the vehicle.

(7) A reference in these Regulations to the number of wheels of a vehicle shall be construed in accordance with regulation 3 of the Construction and Use Regulations.

(8) A reference in a Schedule to there being no requirement in relation to a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device is without prejudice to any other provision in these Regulations affecting same.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 3 inserted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(2)

F2 Words in reg. 3(2) Table substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 3(2)

F3 Words in reg. 3(2) Table inserted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 3(3)

F4 Word in reg. 3 substituted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(a)

F5 Words in reg. 3(2) substituted (S.) (2.8.2005) by The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications and Amendments) (No. 2) Order 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/344), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 9; S.S.I. 2005/392, art. 2

F6 Words in reg. 3 inserted (E.) (30.12.2004) by The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (Consequential Amendments) (England) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3168), arts. 1(1), 19; and (W.) (25.10.2005) by The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2929), arts. 1(1), 20

F7 Words in reg. 3 inserted (30.12.2004) by The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (Consequential Amendments) (England) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3168), arts. 1(1), 19

F8 Words in reg. 3(2) inserted (1.4.2006) by The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Consequential and Supplementary Amendments to Secondary Legislation) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/594), art. 1, Sch. para. 9

F9 Words in reg. 3(2) inserted (1.4.2006) by The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) (Scotland) Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/129), art. 1, sch. para. 2

F10 Words in reg. 3 substituted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(b)

F11 Words in reg. 3 substituted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(c)

F12 Word in reg. 3 added (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(d)

F13 Word in reg. 3 omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(e)

F14 Words in reg. 3 omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(f)

F15 Words in reg. 3 Table omitted (31.10.1994) by virtue of The Coal Industry Act 1994 (Consequential Modifications of Subordinate Legislation) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/2567), reg. 1, Sch.

F16 Word in reg. 3 omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(g)

F17 Words in reg. 3 added (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(3)(h)

F18 Words in reg. 3(2) Table inserted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 3(4)

F19 Words in reg. 3 inserted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 3(4)

F20 Words in reg. 3(2) Table substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 3(5)

F21 Words in reg. 3(2) Table substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 3(6)

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

[F22 Equivalent standards E+W+S

3A.— (1) Nothing in these Regulations shall render unlawful any act or omission which would have been lawful were—

(a) there to be substituted for any reference to a British Standard in these Regulations a reference to a corresponding standard, and

(b) regulation 3(6) to apply in relation to that corresponding standard and the markings relating to that corresponding standard as it applies to a British Standard.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation, “corresponding standard”, in relation to a relevant British Standard Specification, means—

(a) a standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent body of any State within the European Economic Area;

(b) any international standard recognised for use as a standard by any State within the European Economic Area;

(c) a technical specification or code of practice which, whether mandatory or not, is recognised for use as a standard by a public authority of any State within the European Economic Area,

where the standard, code of practice, international standard or technical specification provides, in relation to lamps, retro reflectors and rear markings, a level of safety equivalent to that provided by that British Standard Specification and contains a requirement as respects the marking of such parts equivalent to that provided by that instrument.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Reg. 3A inserted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 4

Exemptions—General E+W+S

4.—(1) Where a provision is applied by these Regulations to a motor vehicle first used on or after a specified date it does not apply to any vehicle manufactured at least six months before that date.

(2) Where an exemption from, or a relaxation of, a provision is applied by these Regulations to a motor vehicle first used before a specified date it shall also apply to a motor vehicle first used on or after that date if it was manufactured at least six months before that date.

(3) Nothing in these Regulations shall require any lamp or reflector to be fitted between sunrise and sunset to–

(a) a vehicle not fitted with any front or rear position lamp,

(b) an incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion,

(c) a pedal cycle,

(d) a pedestrian-controlled vehicle,

(e) a horse-drawn vehicle,

(f) a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand, or

(g) a combat vehicle.

(4) Without prejudice to regulation 16, for the purposes of these Regulations a lamp shall not be treated as being a lamp if it is–

(a) so painted over or masked that it is not capable of being immediately used or readily put to use; or

(b) an electric lamp which is not provided with any system of wiring by means of which that lamp is, or can readily be, connected with a source of electricity.

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

[F23 Exemptions—Vehicle Examiners E+W+S

4A.— (1) Parts 2 and 3 of these Regulations do not apply where a vehicle is being used on a road by a vehicle examiner and it is so used in order—

(a) to submit the vehicle for an examination under section 45 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for the purpose of ascertaining whether the examination is carried out in accordance with Regulations made under that section; or

(b) to remove the vehicle following that examination.

(2) This regulation shall only apply to a vehicle examiner who—

(a) has been authorised in writing by the Secretary of State to use a vehicle for the purposes described in paragraph (1)(a) and (b); and

(b) when using the vehicle for such a purpose, reasonably believes that any defects in that vehicle do not give rise to a danger of injury to any person while being so used.

(3) In this regulation “vehicle examiner” means an examiner appointed under section 66A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Reg. 4A added (12.12.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3169), regs. 1, 2(2)

Exemptions—Temporarily imported vehicles and vehicles proceeding to a port for export E+W+S

5.  Part II of these Regulations does not apply to–

(a) any vehicle having a base or centre in a country outside Great Britain from which it normally starts its journeys, provided that a period of not more than 12 months has elapsed since the vehicle was last brought into Great Britain;

(b) a visiting vehicle;

(c) any combination of two or more vehicles, one of which is drawing the other or others, if the combination includes any vehicle of the type mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b); or

(d) a vehicle proceeding to a port for export,

if in each case the vehicle or combination of vehicles complies in every respect with the requirements about lighting equipment and reflectors relating thereto contained in the Convention on Road Traffic concluded at Geneva on 19th September 1949(10) or the International Convention relating to Motor Traffic concluded at Paris on 24th April 1926(11).

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions—Vehicles towing or being towed E+W+S

6.—(1) No motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 and no pedal cycle or trailer manufactured before 1st October 1985 is required by regulation 18 to be fitted with any rear position lamp, stop lamp, rear direction indicator, rear fog lamp or rear reflector whilst a trailer fitted with any such lamp or reflector is attached to its rear.

(2) No trailer manufactured before 1st October 1985 is required by regulation 18 to be fitted with any front position lamp whilst being drawn by a passenger vehicle.

(3) No trailer is required by regulation 18 to be fitted with any stop lamp whilst being drawn by a vehicle which is not required by regulation 18 to be fitted with any such lamp.

(4) Paragraph (3) shall apply respectively to rear fog lamps and direction indicators as it applies to stop lamps.

(5) No trailer manufactured before 1st October 1990 is required by regulation 18 to be fitted with any stop lamp or direction indicator whilst being drawn by a motor vehicle fitted with one or two stop lamps and two or more direction indicators if the dimensions of the trailer are such that when the longitudinal axes of the drawing vehicle and the trailer lie in the same vertical plane such stop lamps and at last one direction indicator on each side of the vehicle are visible to an observer in that vertical plane from a point 6 m behind the rear of the trailer whether it is loaded or not.

(6) No rear marking is required to be fitted to any vehicle by regulation 18 if another vehicle in a combination of which it forms part would obscure any such marking.

(7) Where a broken-down vehicle is being drawn by another vehicle–

(a) regulations 18 and 23 shall not apply to the broken-down vehicle between sunrise and sunset, and

(b) between sunset and sunrise those regulations shall apply to the broken-down vehicle only in respect of rear position lamps and reflectors.

(8) The references in paragraphs (3) and (4) to a vehicle which is required to be fitted with a lamp shall be construed as if paragraph (1) did not have effect.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions—Military vehicles E+W+S

7.—(1) Regulation 18 does not apply to a home forces' vehicle or to a vehicle in the service of a visiting force or of a headquarters whilst being used–

(a) in connection with training which is certified in writing for the purposes of this regulation by a person duly authorised in that behalf to be training on a special occasion and of which not less than 48 hours' notice has been given by that person to the chief officer of police of every police area in which the place selected for the training is wholly or partly situate; or

(b) on manoeuvres within such limits and during such period as may from time to time be specified by Order in Council under the Manoeuvres Act 1958(12).

(2) Where not less than 6 nor more than 12 vehicles being home forces' vehicles or vehicles of a visiting force or of a headquarters are proceeding together in a convoy on tactical or driving exercises which are authorised in writing by a person duly authorised in that behalf, and of which not less than 48 hours' notice in writing has been given by that person to the chief officer of police of every police area through which it is intended that the convoy shall pass and the interval between any two vehicles in such convoy does not exceed 20 m–

(a) front position lamps shall be required only on the vehicle leading the convoy; and

(b) rear position lamps shall be required only on the rearmost vehicle provided that every other vehicle in the convoy carries a bright light under the vehicle illuminating either a part of the vehicle or anything attached to the vehicle or the road surface beneath the vehicle, in such a manner that the presence of the vehicle can be detected from the rear.

(3) No lamp is required to be fitted to any home forces' vehicle or any vehicle in the service of a visiting force or of a headquarters if the vehicle is constructed or adapted for combat and is such that compliance with these provisions is impracticable and it is fitted with two red rear position lamps and two red rear retro reflectors when on a road between sunset and sunrise. Such lamps and reflectors need not meet any of the requirements specified in Schedules 10 and 18.

(4) Part II of these Regulations does not apply to a vehicle in the service of a visiting force or of a headquarters if the vehicle complies in every respect with the requirements as to lighting equipment and reflectors relating thereto contained in a Convention referred to in regulation 5.

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions—Invalid carriages E+W+S

8.  An invalid carriage having a maximum speed not exceeding 4 mph is required by these Regulations to be fitted with lamps and reflectors only when it is used on the carriageway of a road between sunset and sunrise otherwise than for the sole purpose of crossing it.

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Exemptions—Vehicles drawn or propelled by hand E+W+S

9.  A vehicle drawn or propelled by hand which has an overall width, including any load, not exceeding 800 mm is required by these Regulations to be fitted with lamps and reflectors only when it is used on the carriageway of a road between sunset and sunrise other than–

(a) close to the near side or left-hand edge of the carriageway, or

(b) to cross the carriageway.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

[F24 Exemptions—Tramcars E+W+S

9A.   Parts II to IV of these Regulations do not apply to tramcars.]

Textual Amendments

F24 Reg. 9A inserted (1.7.1992) by Tramcars and Trolley Vehicles (Modification of Enactments) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/1217), regs. 1, 14

[F25 Modifications in relation to vehicles approved under the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 1996 E+W+S

9B.— (1) In this regulation—

“the Approval Regulations” means the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 1996;

“coefficient of luminous intensity” has the same meaning as in ECE Regulation 3.01;

“ECE Regulation 3.01” means Regulation 3 (with the amendments in force on 20th March 1982), annexed to the Agreement concerning the adoption of uniform conditions of approval for Motor Vehicles Equipment and Parts and reciprocal recognition therefor concluded at Geneva on the 20th March 1958 to which the United Kingdom is a party;

“passenger vehicle approval certificate” means a Minister’s approval certificate in the form prescribed by the Approval Regulations which appears to have been issued on the basis that the vehicle is a vehicle to which Part II of those Regulations applies;

“relevant vehicle” means a vehicle—

(a)

in respect of which a passenger vehicle approval certificate containing the letter “P” has been issued pursuant to regulation 12(2)(b) of the Approval Regulations; or

(b)

which is a “transitional provision vehicle” as defined by Schedule 6 to the Approval Regulations in respect of which a passenger vehicle approval certificate containing the letter “A” has been issued pursuant to regulation 12(2)(c) of the Approval Regulations;

“standard mark” means a mark which when applied to a lamp, reflector or device indicates compliance with the requirements of a particular instrument; and a reference to the instrument to which a standard mark relates shall be construed accordingly.

(2) The requirements of the Schedules to these Regulations, so far as they require any lamp, reflector or device to bear a particular standard mark (or one of two or more standard marks), shall not apply to a lamp, reflector or device if it is fitted to a relevant vehicle and—

(a) in the case of a lamp or device, it meets the requirements as to intensity; and

(b) in the case of a reflector, it meets the requirements as to coefficient of luminous intensity,

of the instrument to which the standard mark (or as the case may be one of those standard marks) relates.

(3) The requirements of these Regulations so far as they require headlamps (including a filament lamp fitted to a headlamp) fitted to a vehicle to bear a particular standard mark (or one of two or more standard marks) shall not apply to the headlamps fitted to a relevant vehicle if they emit sufficient light to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle on both main beam and dipped beam.

(4) Table 1 of Schedule 1 shall apply to a vehicle in respect of which a passenger vehicle approval certificate has been issued as if the entry that relates to dim-dip devices and running lamps were omitted.

(5) Paragraph (5) (markings) of Part I of Schedule 7 shall apply to a vehicle in respect of which a passenger approval certificate has been issued as if the vehicle were of a description falling within sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph.]

Textual Amendments

F25 Reg. 9B inserted (1.7.1997) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/3016), regs. 1, 3

Provision as respects Trade Descriptions Act 1968 E+W+S

10.  Where by any provision in these Regulations any vehicle or any of its parts or equipment is required to be marked with a specification number or a registered certification trade mark of the British Standards Institution or with any approval mark, nothing in that provision shall be taken to authorise any person to apply any such number or mark to the vehicle, part or equipment in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968(13).

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

PART II E+W+S REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE FITTING OF LAMPS, REFLECTORS, REAR MARKINGS AND DEVICES

Colour of light shown by lamps and reflectors E+W+S

11.—(1) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp [F26 or retro reflective material] which is capable of showing a red light to the front, except–

(a) a red and white chequered domed lamp, or a red and white segmented mast-mounted warning beacon, fitted to a fire service control vehicle and intended for use at the scene of an emergency;

(b) a side marker lamp or a side retro reflector;

(c) retro reflective material or a retro reflector designed primarily to reflect light to one or both sides of the vehicle and attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of–

[F27 (i) a pedal cycle;

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

(iii) a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination; or

(iv) an invalid carriage; or]

(d) a traffic sign.

(2) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp [F28 or retro reflective material] which is capable of showing any light to the rear, other than a red light, except–

(a) amber light from a direction indicator or side marker lamp;

(b) white light from a reversing lamp;

(c) white light from a work lamp;

(d) light to illuminate the interior of a vehicle;

(e) light from an illuminated rear registration plate;

(f) light for the purposes of illuminating a taxi meter;

(g) in the case of a bus, light for the purposes of illuminating a route indicator;

(h) blue light and white light from a chequered domed lamp fitted to a police control vehicle and intended for use at the scene of an emergency;

(i) white light from a red and white chequered domed lamp, or a red and white segmented mast-mounted warning beacon, fitted to a fire service control vehicle and intended for use at the scene of an emergency;

(j) green light and white light from a chequered domed lamp fitted to an ambulance control vehicle and intended for use at the scene of an emergency;

(k) blue light from a warning beacon or rear special warning lamp fitted to an emergency vehicle, or from any device fitted to a vehicle used for police purposes;

(l) amber light from a warning beacon fitted to–

(i) a road clearance vehicle;

(ii) a vehicle constructed or adapted for the purpose of collecting refuse;

(iii) a breakdown vehicle;

(iv) a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph or any trailer drawn by such a vehicle;

(v) a vehicle having an overall width (including any load) exceeding 2.9 m;

(vi) a vehicle used for the purposes of testing, maintaining, improving, cleansing or watering roads or for any purpose incidental to any such use;

(vii) a vehicle used for the purpose of inspecting, cleansing, maintaining, adjusting, renewing or installing any apparatus which is in, on, under or over a road, or for any purpose incidental to any such use;

(viii) a vehicle used for or in connection with any purpose for which it is authorised to be used on roads by an order under section 44 of the Act;

[F29 (ix) a vehicle used for escort purposes;]

(x) a vehicle used by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise for the purpose of testing fuels;

(xi) a vehicle used for the purpose of surveying;

(xii) a vehicle used for the removal or immobilisation of vehicles in exercise of a statutory power or duty;

(m) green light from a warning beacon fitted to a vehicle used by a medical practitioner registered by the General Medical Council (whether with [F30 full or provisional] registration);

(n) yellow light from a warning beacon fitted to a vehicle for use at airports;

(o) light of any colour from a traffic sign which is attached to a vehicle;

[F31 (oa) amber light from a lamp attached to or incorporated in a pedal of a pedal cycle;

(ob) white light or amber light from a lamp which is designed to emit light primarily to one or both sides of the vehicle, and is attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of—

(i) a pedal cycle or;

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;]

(p) reflected light from amber pedal retro reflectors;

(q) reflected light of any colour from retro reflective material or a retro reflector designed primarily to reflect light to one or both sides of the vehicle and attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of–

[F32 (i) a pedal cycle;

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

(iii) a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination; or

(iv) an invalid carriage;]

(r) reflected light from amber retro reflective material on a road clearance vehicle;

(s) reflected light from yellow retro reflective registration plates;

[F33 (sa) reflected blue, yellow and white light from a retro reflective plate displaying a distinguishing sign in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No. 2411/98;]

(t) reflected light from yellow retro reflective material incorporated in a [F34 prescribed rear marking fitted in the appropriate manner to]–

(i) a motor vehicle having a maximum gross weight exceeding 7500 kg;

(ii) a motor vehicle first used before 1st August 1982 having an unladen weight exceeding 3000 kg;

(iii) a trailer having a maximum gross weight exceeding 3500 kg;

(iv) a trailer manufactured before 1st August 1982 having an unladen weight exceeding 1000 kg;

(v) a trailer which forms part of a combination of vehicles one of which is of a type mentioned in a previous item of this sub-paragraph;

(vi) a load carried by any vehicle; F35 ...

(u) reflected light from orange retro reflective material incorporated in a sign fitted to the rear of a vehicle carrying a dangerous substance within the meaning of the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981(14) or the Road Traffic (Carriage of Dangerous Substances in Packages etc) Regulations 1986(15)

[F36 (v) reflected light from yellow retro reflective material incorporated in a prescribed sign and fitted to the rear of a bus; or

(w) reflected light from yellow retro reflective material incorporated in a sign fitted to the rear of a bus in accordance with paragraph (4).

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(t), a rear marking fitted to a vehicle is a prescribed rear marking fitted in the appropriate manner if the rear marking—

(a) is a rear marking of a description specified in the entry applicable to that vehicle in the right hand column of paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 19, and

(b) complies with paragraphs 2 to 7 of that Part of that Schedule.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(w), a sign (“the secondary sign”) is fitted to the rear of a bus in accordance with this paragraph if—

(a) a prescribed sign is also fitted to the rear of a bus;

(b) the total area of the retro reflective material incorporated in the secondary sign is no greater than the area of the prescribed sign; and

(c) the secondary sign satisfies the requirements specified—

(i) in the case of a bus which is owned or hired by a local education authority or any person managing an education establishment attended by children under the age of 16 years, in paragraph (5) or (6); or

(ii) in any other case, in paragraph (6).

(5) The requirements referred to in paragraph (4)(c)(i) are that the secondary sign contains no words or other markings apart from words or markings identifying the local education authority or the educational establishment (as the case may be).

(6) The requirements referred to in paragraph (4)(c)(ii) are that the secondary sign contains no words or other markings apart from words or other markings which—

(a) indicate that children are on board the bus when it is in motion or likely to be on board the bus or in its vicinity when it is stationary, and

(b) are calculated to reduce the risk of road accidents involving such children.]

Textual Amendments

F26 Words in reg. 11(1) added (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 5(2)

F27 Reg. 11(1)(c)(i)-(iv) substituted for reg. 11(1)(c)(i)-(iii) (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 4(2)

F28 Words in reg. 11(2) added (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 5(2)

F29 Reg. 11(2)(l)(ix) substituted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 4(3)

F30 Words in reg. 11(2)(m) substituted (19.7.2006 for specified purposes in accordance with art. 1(2)(b) of the amending S.I. as notified in the London Gazette dated 20.7.2007) by The Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Amendments Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1914), arts. 1(2)(b)(c)(3), 76(a)

F31 Reg. 11(2)(oa)(ob) inserted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 4(4)

F32 Reg. 11(2)(q)(i)-(iv) substituted for reg. 11(2)(q)(i)-(iii) (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 4(5)

F33 Reg. 11(2)(sa) inserted (21.3.2001) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/560), regs. 1, 2

F34 Words in reg. 11(2)(t) substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 5(3)

F35 Word in reg. 11(2) omitted (1.10.1994) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 5(4)

F36 Reg. 11(2)(v)(w), (3)-(6) added (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 5(4)

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Movement of lamps and reflectors E+W+S

12.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle to which, or to any load or equipment of which, there is fitted a lamp, reflector or marking which is capable of being moved by swivelling, deflecting or otherwise while the vehicle is in motion.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of–

(a) a headlamp which can be dipped only by the movement of the headlamp or its reflector;

(b) a headlamp which is capable of adjustment so as to compensate for the effect of the load carried by the vehicle;

(c) a lamp or reflector which can be deflected to the side by the movement of, although not necessarily through the same angle as, the front wheel or wheels of the vehicle when turned for the purpose of steering the vehicle;

(d) a headlamp or front fog lamp which can be wholly or partially retracted or concealed;

(e) a direction indicator fitted to a motor vehicle first used before 1st April 1986;

(f) a work lamp;

(g) a warning beacon;

(h) an amber pedal retro reflector; F37 ...

(i) retro reflective material or a retro reflector of any colour which is fitted so as to reflect light primarily to one or both sides of the vehicle and is attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of–

[F38 (i) a pedal cycle;

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

(iii) a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, or

(iv) an invalid carriage;]

[F39 (j) a lamp which is designed to emit light primarily to one or both sides of the vehicle, and is attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of—

(i) a pedal cycle;

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle; or

(k) a lamp attached to or incorporated in a pedal of a pedal cycle.]

Textual Amendments

F37 Word in reg. 12(2)(h) omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 5(a)

F38 Reg. 12(2)(i)(i)-(iv) substituted for reg. 12(2)(i)(i)-(iii) (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 5(b)

F39 Reg. 12(2)(j)(k) added (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 5(c)

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Lamps to show a steady light E+W+S

13.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which automatically emits a flashing light.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of–

(a) a direction indicator;

(b) a headlamp fitted to an emergency vehicle;

(c) a warning beacon or special warning lamp;

(d) a lamp or illuminated sign fitted to a vehicle used for police purposes;

(e) a green warning lamp used as an anti-lock brake indicator; F40 ...

(f) lamps forming part of a traffic sign;

[F41 (g) a front position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light (whether or not it is also capable of emitting a steady light) which is fitted to—

(i) a pedal cycle; or

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

and which, if it is a lamp which is required to be fitted pursuant to regulation 18, is capable, when emitting a flashing light, of emitting light to the front of the pedal cycle, trailer or sidecar (as the case may be) of an intensity of not less than 4 candelas; or

(h) a rear position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light (whether or not it is also capable of emitting a steady light) which is fitted to—

(i) a pedal cycle; or

(ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle;

and which, if it is a lamp which is required to be fitted pursuant to regulation 18, is capable, when emitting a flashing light, of emitting light to the rear of the pedal cycle, trailer or sidecar (as the case may be) of an intensity of not less than 4 candelas.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Word in reg. 13(2) omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 6(a)

F41 Reg. 13(2)(g)(h) added (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 6(b)

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 13 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Filament lamps E+W+S

14.—(1) Where a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1986 or any trailer manufactured on or after 1st October 1985 is equipped with any lamp of a type that is required by any Schedule to these Regulations to be marked with an approval mark, no filament lamp other than a filament lamp referred to in the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations in–

(a) regulation 4 and Schedule 2, items 2 or 2A, 8, 20, 37 or 37A; or

(b) regulation 5 and Schedule 4, item 18,

shall be fitted to any such lamp.

F42 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F42 Reg. 14(2) omitted (1.10.1994) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 8

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 14 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

General requirements for electrical connections E+W+S

15.—(1) Every motor vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 shall be so constructed that every position lamp, side marker lamp, end-outline marker lamp and rear registration plate lamp with which the vehicle is fitted is capable of being switched on and off by the operation of one switch and, save as provided in paragraph (2), not otherwise.

(2) Sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (1) shall not prevent one or more position lamps from being capable of being switched on and off independently of any other lamp referred to in that sub-paragraph.

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 15 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices E+W+S

16.  No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–

(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or

(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 16 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Obligatory warning beacons E+W+S

17.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on an unrestricted dual-carriageway road any motor vehicle with four or more wheels having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph unless it or any trailer drawn by it is fitted with at least one warning beacon which–

(a) complies with Schedule 16, and

(b) is showing an amber light.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to–

(a) any motor vehicle first used before 1st January 1947; and

(b) any motor vehicle, or any trailer being drawn by it, to which paragraph (1) would otherwise apply, when that vehicle or trailer is on any carriageway of an unrestricted dual-carriageway road for the purpose only of crossing that carriageway in the quickest manner practicable in the circumstances.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 17 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

[F43 Signs on buses carrying children E+W+S

17A.— (1) Subject to paragraph (2), no person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road a bus when it is carrying a child to or from his school unless—

(a) a prescribed sign is fitted to the front of the bus and is plainly visible to road users ahead of the bus, and

(b) a prescribed sign is fitted to the rear of the bus and is plainly visible to road users behind the bus.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where a bus is on a bus service of a description specified in paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Fuel Duty Grant (Eligible Bus Services) Regulations 1985.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a) a reference to a bus carrying a child to or from his school is a reference to a bus carrying a child—

(i) to, or to a place within the vicinity of, his school on a day during term time before he has attended the school on that day; or

(ii) from, or from a place within the vicinity of, his school on a day during term time after he has finished attending the school on that day;

(b) “school” has the meaning given by section 114 of the Education Act 1944; and

(c) a reference to a child is a reference to a child under the age of 16 years.]

Textual Amendments

F43 Reg. 17A inserted (1.4.1995) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 6

Obligatory lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices E+W+S

18.—(1) Save as provided in the foregoing provisions of these Regulations and in [F44 paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)], every vehicle of a class specified in a Table in Schedule 1 shall be fitted with lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices which–

(a) are of a type specified in column 1 of that Table, and

(b) comply with the relevant installation, alignment and performance requirements set out in the Schedule or Part of a Schedule shown against that type in column 2 of that Table.

(2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) do not apply in respect of a lamp, reflector, rear marking or device of a type specified in column 1 of a Table in the case of a vehicle shown against it in column 3 of that Table.

[F45 (2A) The requirements specified in paragraph 5(c) and (ca) of Schedule 2 shall not apply 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,

unless the lamp is also capable of emitting a steady light.

(2B) The requirements specified in paragraph 5(d) and (e) of Schedule 10 shall not apply 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,

unless the lamp is also capable of emitting a steady light.]

(3) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) apply without prejudice to any additional requirements specified in regulations 20 and 21.

(4) The Schedules referred to in the Tables in Schedule 1 are Schedules 2 to 21.

Textual Amendments

F44 Words in reg. 18(1) substituted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 7(2)

F45 Reg. 18(2A)(2B) inserted (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 7(3)

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 18 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Restrictions on the obscuration of certain obligatory lamps and reflectors E+W+S

19.  Every vehicle shall be so constructed that at least part of the apparent surface of any–

(a) front and rear position lamp,

(b) front and rear direction indicator, and

(c) rear retro reflector,

which is required by these Regulations to be fitted to a vehicle is visible when the vehicle is viewed from any point directly in front of or behind the lamp or reflector, as appropriate, when every door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover, cab or other movable part of the vehicle is in a fixed open position.

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 19 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Optional lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices E+W+S

20.  Every optional lamp, reflector, rear marking or device fitted to a vehicle, being of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below, shall comply with the provisions shown in column 3 of that Table.

TABLE

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item No.	Type of lamp, reflector, rear marking or device	Provisions with which compliance is required
1	Front position lamp	Schedule 2, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
2	Dim-dip device and running lamp	Schedule 3, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
3	Dipped-beam headlamp	Schedule 4, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
4	Main-beam headlamp	Schedule 5, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
5	Front fog lamp	Schedule 6	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
7	Direction indicator	Schedule 7, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
8	Hazard warning signal device	Schedule 8	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
9	Side marker lamp	Schedule 9, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
10	Rear position lamp	Schedule 10, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
11	Rear fog lamp	Schedule 11, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
12	Stop lamp	Schedule 12, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
13	End-outline marker lamp	Schedule 13, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
14	Reversing lamp	Schedule 14	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
15	Warning beacon	Schedule 16	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
16	Side retro reflector	Schedule 17, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
17	Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
18	Rear marking	Schedule 19, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
19	Pedal retro reflector	Schedule 20, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.
20	Front retro reflector	Schedule 21, Part II	and Parts I of Schedules 2 to 5, 7, 9 to 13 and 17 to 21 to the extent specified in Parts II of those Schedules.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 20 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Projecting trailers and vehicles carrying overhanging or projecting loads or equipment E+W+S

21.—(1) No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (2)–

(a) any trailer which forms part of a combination of vehicles which projects laterally beyond any preceding vehicle in the combination; or

(b) any vehicle [F46 or] combination of vehicles which carries a load or equipment

in either case under the conditions specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below, unless the vehicle or combination of vehicles complies with the requirements specified in that item in column 3 of that Table.

TABLE

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item No.	Conditions	Requirements
1	A trailer which is not fitted with front position lamps and which projects laterally on any side so that the distance from the outermost part of the projection to the outermost part of the illuminated area of the obligatory front position lamp on that side fitted to any preceding vehicle in the combination exceeds 400 mm.	A lamp showing white light to the front shall be fitted to the trailer so that the outermost part of the illuminated area is not more than 400 mm from the outermost projection of the trailer. The installation and performance requirements relating to front position lamps do not apply to any such lamp.
2	A trailer which is not fitted with front position lamps and which carries a load or equipment which projects laterally on any side of the trailer so that the distance from the outermost projection of the load or equipment to the outermost part of the illuminated area of the obligatory front position lamp on that side fitted to any preceding vehicle in the combination exceeds 400 mm.	A lamp showing white light to the front shall be fitted to the trailer or the load or equipment so that the outermost part of the illuminated area is not more than 400 mm from the outermost projection of the load or equipment. The installation and performance requirements relating to front position lamps do not apply to any such lamp.
3	A vehicle which carries a load or equipment which projects laterally on any side of the vehicle so that the distance from the outermost part of the load or equipment to the outermost part of the illuminated area of the obligatory front or rear position lamp on that side exceeds 400 mm.	Either– (a) the obligatory front or rear position lamp shall be transferred from the vehicle to the load or equipment to which must also be attached a white front or a red rear reflecting device; or (b) an additional front or rear position lamp and a white front or a red rear reflecting device shall be fitted to the vehicle, load or equipment. All the installation, performance and maintenance requirements relating to front or rear position lamps shall in either case be complied with except that for the purpose of determining the lateral position of such lamps and reflecting devices any reference to the vehicle shall be taken to include the load or equipment except special equipment on a vehicle fitted with a movable platform or the jib of any crane.
4	A vehicle which carries a load or equipment which projects beyond the rear of the vehicle or, in the case of a combination of vehicles, beyond the rear of the rearmost vehicle in the combination, more than– (a) 2 m in the case of an agricultural vehicle or a vehicle carrying a fire escape; or (b) 1 m in the case of any other vehicle.	An additional rear lamp capable of showing red light to the rear and a red reflecting device, both of which are visible from a reasonable distance, shall be fitted to the vehicle or the load in such a position that the distance between the lamp and the reflecting device, and the rearmost projection of the load or equipment does not exceed 2m in the case mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) in column 2 of this item or 1 m in any other case. The installation and performance requirements relating to rear position [F47 lamps and rear retro reflectors do not apply to any such additional lamp and reflecting device].
5	A vehicle which carries a load or equipment which projects beyond the front of the vehicle more than– (a) 2 m in the case of an agricultural vehicle or a vehicle carrying a fire escape; or (b) 1 m in the case of any other vehicle.	An additional front lamp capable of showing white light to the front and a white reflecting device, both visible from a reasonable distance, shall be fitted to the vehicle or the load in such a position that the distance between the lamp and the reflecting device, and the foremost projection of the load or equipment, does not exceed 2 m in the case mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) in column 2 of this item or 1 m in any other case. The intallation and performance requirements relating to front position lamps and front retro reflectors do not apply to any such additional lamp and reflecting device.
6	A vehicle which carries a load or equipment which obscures any obligatory lamp, reflector or rear marking.	Either– a) the obligatory lamp, reflector or rear marking shall be transferred to a position on the vehicle, load or equipment where it is not obscured; or b) an additional lamp, reflector or rear marking shall be fitted to the vehicle, load or equipment. All the installation, performance and maintenance requirements relating to obligatory lamps, reflectors or rear markings shall in either case be complied with.

(2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are–

(a) as regards item 6 in the Table, in so far as it relates to obligatory stop lamps and direction indicators, all circumstances; and

(b) as regards items 1 to 5 in the Table and item 6 in the Table, except in so far as it relates to obligatory stop lamps and direction indicators, the time between sunset and sunrise or, except in so far as it relates to obligatory reflectors, when visibility is seriously reduced between sunrise and sunset.

Textual Amendments

F46 Word in reg. 21(1)(b) substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 17(1)

F47 Words in reg. 21(1) Table Item 4 substituted (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 17(2)

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 21 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Additional side marker lamps E+W+S

22.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road between sunset and sunrise, or in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset, any vehicle or combination of vehicles of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below unless each side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles is fitted with the side marker lamps specified in that item in column 3 and those lamps are kept lit.

TABLE

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item No.	Vehicle or combination of vehicles	Side marker lamps
1	A vehicle or a combination of vehicles the overall length of which (including any load) exceeds 18.3 m.	There shall be fitted– (a) one lamp no part of the light-emitting surface of which is more than 9.15 m from the foremost part of the vehicle or vehicles (in either case inclusive of any load); (b) one lamp no part of the light-emitting surface of which is more than 3.05 m from the rearmost part of the vehicle or vehicles (in either case inclusive of any load); and (c) such other lamps as are required to ensure that not more than 3.05 m separates any part of the light-emitting surface of one lamp and any part of the light-emitting surface of the next lamp.
2	A combination of vehicles the overall length of which (including any load) exceeds 12.2 m but does not exceed 18.3 m and carrying a load supported by any two of the vehicles but not including a load carried by an articulated vehicle.	There shall be fitted– (a) one lamp no part of the light-emitting surface of which is forward of, or more than 1530 mm rearward of, the rearmost part of the drawing vehicle; and (b) if the supported load extends more than 9.15 m rearward of the rearmost part of the drawing vehicle, one lamp no part of the light-emitting surface of which is forward of, or more than 1530 mm rearward of, the centre of the length of the load.

(2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) do not apply to–

(a) a combination of vehicles where any vehicle being drawn in that combination has broken down; or

(b) a vehicle (not being a combination of vehicles) having an appliance or apparatus or carrying a load of a kind specified in the Table to regulation 82(7) or in regulation 82(8) of the Construction and Use Regulations, if the conditions specified in paragraphs 3 and 4 (which provide for the special marking of projections from vehicles) of Schedule 12 to those Regulations are complied with in relation to the special appliance or apparatus or load as if the said conditions had been expressed in the said regulation 82 to apply in the case of every special appliance or apparatus or load of a kind specified in that regulation.

(3) Every side marker lamp fitted in accordance with this regulation shall comply with Part I of Schedule 9.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 22 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

PART III E+W+S REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF LAMPS, REFLECTORS, REAR MARKINGS AND DEVICES

Maintenance of lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices E+W+S

23.—(1) No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device to which this paragraph applies is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean.

(2) Save as provided in paragraph (3), paragraph (1) applies to–

(a) every–

(i) front position lamp,

(ii) rear position lamp,

(iii) headlamp,

(iv) rear registration plate lamp,

(v) side marker lamp,

(vi) end-outline marker lamp,

(vii) rear fog lamp,

(viii) retro reflector, and

(ix) rear marking of a type specified in Part I of F48 ... Schedule 19,

with which the vehicle is required by these Regulations to be fitted; and

(b) every–

(i) stop lamp,

(ii) direction indicator,

(iii) running lamp,

(iv) dim-dip device,

(v) headlamp levelling device, and

(vi) hazard warning signal device,

with which it is fitted.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply to–

(a) a rear fog lamp on a vehicle which is part of a combination of vehicles any part of which is not required by these Regulations to be fitted with a rear fog lamp;

(b) a rear fog lamp on a motor vehicle drawing a trailer;

(c) a defective lamp, reflector, dim-dip device or headlamp levelling device on a vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset, if any such lamp, reflector or device became defective during the journey which is in progress or if arrangements have been made to remedy the defect with all reasonable expedition; or

(d) a lamp, reflector, dim-dip device, headlamp levelling device or rear marking on a combat vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset.

Textual Amendments

F48 Words in reg. 23(2)(a)(ix) omitted (1.10.1994) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 17(3)

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 23 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Requirements about the use of front and rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, side marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps E+W+S

24.—(1) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall–

(a) use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle which is in motion–

(i) between sunset and sunrise, or

(ii) in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset; or

(b) allow to remain at rest, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain at rest, on a road any vehicle between sunset and sunrise

unless every front position lamp, rear position lamp, rear registration plate lamp, side marker lamp and end-outline marker lamp with which the vehicle is required by these Regulations to be fitted is kept lit and unobscured.

(2) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), where a solo motor bicycle is not fitted with a front position lamp, no person shall use it, or cause or permit it to be used, on a road (other than when it is parked) between sunset and sunrise or in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset, unless a headlamp is kept lit and unobscured.

(3) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall allow to remain parked, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain parked between sunset and sunrise–

(a) a motor bicycle combination which is required to be fitted only with a front position lamp on the sidecar; or

(b) a trailer to the front of which no other vehicle is attached and which is not required to be fitted with front position lamps,

unless a pair of front position lamps is fitted and kept lit and unobscured.

(4) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall allow to remain parked, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain parked between sunset and sunrise a solo motor bicycle which is not required to be fitted with a front position lamp, unless a front position lamp is fitted and kept lit and unobscured.

(5) Paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall not apply in respect of a vehicle of a class specified in paragraph (7) which is parked on a road on which a speed limit of 30 mph or less is in force and the vehicle is parked–

(a) in a parking place for which provision is made under section 6, or which is authorised under section 32 or designated under section 45 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, or which is set apart as a parking place under some other enactment or instrument and the vehicle is parked in a manner which does not contravene the provision of any enactment or instrument relating to the parking place; or

(b) in a lay-by–

(i) the limits of which are indicated by a traffic sign consisting of the road marking shown in diagram 1010 in Schedule 2 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981(16); or

(ii) the surface of which is of a colour or texture which is different from that of the part of the carriageway of the road used primarily by through traffic; or

(iii) the limits of which are indicated by a continuous strip of surface of a different colour or texture from that of the surface of the remainder of the carriageway of the road; or

(c) elsewhere than in such a parking place or lay-by if–

(i) the vehicle is parked in one of the circumstances described in paragraph (8); and

(ii) no part of the vehicle is less than 10 m from the junction of any part of the carriageway of any road with the carriageway of the road on which it is parked whether that junction is on the same side of the road as that on which the vehicle is parked or not.

(6) Sub-paragraph (5)(c)(ii) shall be construed in accordance with the diagram in Schedule 22.

(7) The classes of vehicle referred to in paragraph (5) are–

(a) a motor vehicle being a goods vehicle the unladen weight of which does not exceed 1525 kg;

(b) a passenger vehicle other than a bus;

(c) an invalid carriage; and

(d) a motor cycle or a pedal cycle in either case with or without a sidecar;

not being–

(i) a vehicle to which a trailer is attached;

(ii) a vehicle which is required to be fitted with lamps by regulation 21; or

(iii) a vehicle carrying a load, if the load is required to be fitted with lamps by regulation 21.

(8) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (5)(c) are that–

(a) the vehicle is parked on a road on which the driving of vehicles otherwise than in one direction is prohibited at all times and its left or near side is as close as may be and parallel to the left-hand edge of the carriageway or its right or off side is as close as may be and parallel to the right-hand edge of the carriageway; or

(b) the vehicle is parked on a road on which such a prohibition does not exist and its left or near side is as close as may be and parallel to the edge of the carriageway.

(9) Paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not apply in respect of–

(a) a solo motor bicycle or a pedal cycle being pushed along the left-hand edge of a carriageway;

(b) a pedal cycle waiting to proceed provided it is kept to the left-hand or near side edge of a carriageway; or

(c) a vehicle which is parked in an area on part of a highway on which roadworks are being carried out and which is bounded by amber lamps and other traffic signs so as to prevent the presence of the vehicle, its load or equipment being a danger to persons using the road.

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 24 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Requirements about the use of headlamps and front fog lamps E+W+S

25.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle which is fitted with obligatory dipped-beam headlamps unless every such lamp is kept lit–

(a) during the hours of darkness, except on a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by virtue of a system of street lighting when it is lit; and

(b) in seriously reduced visibility.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply–

(a) in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with one obligatory dipped-beam headlamp or a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if a main-beam headlamp or a front fog lamp is kept lit;

(b) in the case of a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if–

(i) a pair of main-beam headlamps is kept lit; or

(ii) in seriously reduced visibility, a pair of front fog lamps which is so fitted that the outermost part of the illuminated area of each lamp in the pair is not more than 400 mm from the outer edge of the vehicle is kept lit;

(c) to a vehicle being drawn by another vehicle;

(d) to a vehicle while being used to propel a snow plough; or

(e) to a vehicle which is parked.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation a headlamp shall not be regarded as lit if its intensity is reduced by a dim-dip device.

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 25 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Requirements about the use of warning beacons E+W+S

26.  No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on an unrestricted dual-carriageway road a vehicle which is required to be fitted with at least one warning beacon by regulation 17 unless every such beacon is kept lit.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 26 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 24 refers E+W+S

27.  No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.

TABLE

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item No.	Type of lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon	Manner of use prohibited
1	Headlamp	(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road. (b) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
2	Front fog lamp	(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road. (b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility. (c) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
3	Rear fog lamp	(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle. (b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility. (c) Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
4	Reversing lamp	Used so as to be lit except for the purpose of reversing the vehicle.
5	Hazard warning signal device	Used other than– (i) to warn persons using the road of a temporary obstruction when the vehicle is at rest; or (ii) on a motorway or unrestricted dual-carriageway, to warn following drivers of a need to slow down due to a temporary obstruction ahead; or (iii) in the case of a bus, to summon assistance for the driver or any person acting as a conductor or inspector on the vehicle; [F49 or (iv) in the case of a bus to which prescribed signs are fitted as described in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of regulation 17A(1), when the vehicle is stationary and children under the age of 16 years are entering or leaving, or are about to enter or leave, or have just left the vehicle.]
6	Warning beacon emitting blue light and special warning lamp	Used so as to be lit except– (i) at the scene of an emergency; or (ii) when it is necessary or desirable either to indicate to persons using the road the urgency of the purpose for which the vehicle is being used, or to warn persons of the presence of the vehicle or a hazard on the road.
7	Warning beacon emitting amber light	Used so as to be lit except– (i) at the scene of an emergency; (ii) when it is necessary or desirable to warn persons of the presence of the vehicle; F50 ... (iii) in the case of a breakdown vehicle, while it is being used in connection with, and in the immediate vicinity of, an accident or breakdown, or while it is being used to draw a broken-down vehicle. (iv) [F51 in the case of an abnormal load escort vehicle, while it is being used in connection with the escort of another vehicle which has— (aa) an overall width (including any load) exceeding 2.9 metres; (bb) an overall length (including any load) exceeding 18.65 metres, o (cc) been authorised by the Secretary of State under section 44 of the Act; and (v) in the case of a vehicle, used for escort purposes other than an abnormal load escort vehicle, while it is being used in connection with the escort of any vehicle and travelling at a speed not exceeding 25 mph.]
8	Warning beacon emitting green light	Used so as to be lit except whilst occupied by a medical practitioner registered by the General Medical Council (whether with [F52 full or provisional] registration) and used for the purposes of an emergency.
9	Warning beacon emitting yellow light	Used so as to be lit on a road.
10	Work lamp	(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of any vehicle. (b) Used so as to be lit except for the purpose of illuminating a working area, accident, breakdown or works in the vicinity of the vehicle.
11	Any other lamp	Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

Textual Amendments

F49 Words in reg. 27 Table Item 5 added (1.10.1994) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2280), regs. 1(2), 9(2)

F50 Word in reg. 27 omitted (21.10.2005) by virtue of The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 8(2)

F51 Words in reg. 27 added (21.10.2005) by The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2559), regs. 1, 8(2)

F52 Words in reg. 27 Table Item 8 substituted (19.7.2006 for specified purposes in accordance with art. 1(2)(b) of the amending S.I. as notified in the London Gazette dated 20.7.2007) by The Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Amendments Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1914), arts. 1(2)(b)(c)(3), 76(b)

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 27 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

PART IV E+W+S TESTING AND INSPECTION OF LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND REFLECTORS

Testing and inspection of lighting equipment and reflectors E+W+S

28.  The provisions of regulation 74 of the Construction and Use Regulations apply in respect of lighting equipment and reflectors with which a vehicle is required by these Regulations to be fitted in the same way as they apply in respect of brakes, silencers, steering gear and tyres.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 28 in force at 1.11.1989, see reg. 1(1)

Cecil Parkinson

Secretary of State for Transport