The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

• Citation: S.I. 1989/1796
• Sections: 256

Section 1 Commencement, citation and revocations

(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 and the Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1987 are hereby revoked.

Section 2 Statement under section 43(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988

(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 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–

Section 3 Interpretation

(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

A vehicle of any of the following descriptions–

a vehicle used for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or, in England or Wales, fire and rescue authority ... or police purposes;

a vehicle used for ambulance purposes or for the purpose of providing a response to an emergency at the request of an NHS ambulance service;

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;

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;

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;

a vehicle owned by a body formed primarily for the purposes of fire salvage and used for those or similar purposes;

a vehicle owned by the Forestry Commission or by a local authority and used from time to time for the purposes of fighting fires;

a vehicle owned by the Natural Resources Body for Wales for the purposes of its functions relating to forestry and woodlands and used from time to time for the purposes of fighting fires;

a vehicle owned by the Scottish Ministers for the purposes of their functions under the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 and used from time to time for the purposes of fighting fires,

a vehicle owned or operated by the Secretary of State for Defence and used –

for the purposes of the disposal of bombs or explosives,

for the purposes of any activity—

which prevents or decreases the exposure of persons to radiation arising from a ... radiation emergency, or

in connection with an event which could lead to a ... radiation emergency; or

by the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service for the purposes of rescue operations or any other emergencies, ...

...

a vehicle primarily used for the purposes of the Blood Transfusion Service provided under the National Health Service Act 1977 or under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 ;

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;

a vehicle ... used for the purposes of rescue operations at mines;

a vehicle owned by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and used for the purposes of launching lifeboats; ...

a vehicle primarily used for the purposes of conveying any human tissue for transplanting or similar purposes; ...

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) ; and

a vehicle used for mountain rescue purposes .

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–

so much of the distortion of any tyre as is caused by the weight of the vehicle,

any connections for tyre pressure gauges,

any anti-skid devices which may be mounted on the wheels,

rear-view mirrors,

lamps and reflectors,

customs seals affixed to the vehicle, and devices for securing and protecting such seals, and

special equipment.

Either–

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

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.

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.

The requirements specified in—

paragraph 5.15. of ECE Regulation 48 in respect of a conspicuity marking; and

paragraph 6.21. of ECE Regulation 48 as relating to vehicles for which the fitting of conspicuity markings is mandatory.

In relation to lamps, a pair of lamps in respect of which–

both lamps emit light of substantially the same colour and intensity, and

both lamps are of the same size and of such a shape that they are symmetrical to one another.

The expression means–

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

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.

an NHS trust or NHS foundation trust established under the National Health Service Act 2006 which has a function of providing ambulance services;

an NHS trust established under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 which has a function of providing ambulance services;

the Scottish Ambulance Service Board.

The requirements specified in—

paragraph 5.15. of ECE Regulation 48 in respect of a conspicuity marking; and

paragraph 6.21. of ECE Regulation 48 as relating to vehicles for which the fitting of conspicuity markings is optional.

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–

each lamp, reflector or rear marking is at the same height above the ground, and

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.

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)–

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

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.

(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.

(9) In these Regulations, a reference to “ ECE Regulation” followed by a number is a reference to the regulation of the same number annexed to the Agreement concerning the adoption of uniform conditions of approval for Motor Vehicle Equipment and Parts and reciprocal recognition thereof concluded at Geneva on 2nd March 1958 as revised and re-titled the Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be fitted and/or be used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these Prescriptions by an agreement at Geneva on 5th October 1995.

(10) In these Regulations, a reference to ECE Regulation 48 is to that Regulation as amended by the 03 series of amendments (as in force on 12th June 2007) with the following modifications—

(a) footnote 6 is omitted;

(b) paragraph 6.21.4.1.3. is deemed to read “In the case of a motor vehicle first used before 10th October 2011 or a trailer manufactured before 10th October 2011, where it is impossible to achieve the value referred to in paragraph 6.21.4.1.2. above, the cumulative length may be reduced to 60 per cent.”;

(c) paragraph 6.21.4.2.3. is deemed to read “In the case of a motor vehicle first used before 10th October 2011 or a trailer manufactured before 10th October 2011, where it is impossible to achieve the value referred to in paragraph 6.21.4.2.2. above, the cumulative length may be reduced to 60 per cent.”;

(d) footnote 10 is omitted;

(e) in paragraph 6.21.7.3. the reference to a “mandatory stop lamp” is deemed to be a reference to an obligatory stop lamp;

(f) in paragraph 6.21.7.4. the words “at the discretion of the manufacturer” are omitted; and

(g) paragraph 6.21 is deemed to contain the following paragraph inserted after paragraph 6.21.7.5.—

6.21.7.6. No conspicuity marking may be fitted unless it bears the international approval mark referred to in paragraph 5.4. of ECE Regulation 104 (as in force on 11th July 2008).

Section 3A Equivalent standards

(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.

Section 4 Exemptions—General

(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.

Section 4A Exemptions—Vehicle Examiners

(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.

Section 5 Exemptions—Temporarily imported vehicles and vehicles proceeding to a port for export

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 or the International Convention relating to Motor Traffic concluded at Paris on 24th April 1926 .

Section 6 Exemptions—Vehicles towing or being towed

(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.

Section 7 Exemptions—Military vehicles

(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 .

(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.

Section 8 Exemptions—Invalid carriages

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.

Section 9 Exemptions—Vehicles drawn or propelled by hand

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.

Section 9A Exemptions—Tramcars

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

Section 9B Modifications in relation to vehicles approved under the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 1996

(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 as amended by the 01 series of amendments (as in force on 20th March 1982) ;

...

“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—

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

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.

Section 10 Provision as respects Trade Descriptions Act 1968

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Section 11 Colour of light shown by lamps and reflectors

(1) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp 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–

(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 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 to a vehicle used for special forces purposes , 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;

(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 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;

(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–

(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;

(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 ;

(sb) reflected light from a registration plate fixed to the rear of a trailer displaying a registration mark assigned to that trailer in accordance with regulations made under section 15 of the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018 (c. 19) ;

(t) reflected light from yellow retro reflective material incorporated in a 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; ...

(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 or the Road Traffic (Carriage of Dangerous Substances in Packages etc ) Regulations 1986

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

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

(x) reflected light from a yellow conspicuity marking where the fitting of that marking complies with the mandatory or optional ECE conspicuity requirements; or

(y) reflected light from yellow or orange retro reflective material fitted to the rear of a vehicle used for—

(i) police,

(ii) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service or, in England and Wales, fire and rescue authority,

(iii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iv) Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency , or

(v) traffic officer,

purposes

(z) reflected light from yellow or orange retro reflective material fitted to the rear of a vehicle—

(i) used for ambulance purposes, or

(ii) used for the purpose of providing a response to an emergency at the request of an NHS ambulance service.

(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 authority (within the meaning of the Education Act 1996) in connection with the exercise of its functions relating to education 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 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.

Section 12 Movement of lamps and reflectors

(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; ...

(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–

(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;

(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.

Section 13 Lamps to show a steady light

(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 or a vehicle used for special forces purposes ;

(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; ...

(f) lamps forming part of a traffic sign;

(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.

Section 14 Filament lamps

(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.

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

Section 15 General requirements for electrical connections

(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.

Section 16 Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices

No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle or a vehicle used for special forces purposes , 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.

Section 17 Obligatory warning beacons

(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.

Section 17A Signs on buses carrying children

(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.

Section 18 Obligatory lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices

(1) Save as provided in the foregoing provisions of these Regulations , in regulation 20A(9) and in paragraphs (2), (2ZA), (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.

(2ZA) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) do not apply in the case of a headlamp cleaning device fitted to a lamp, other than a gas discharge headlamp or an adaptive front lighting system.

(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 , 20A and 21.

(4) The Schedules referred to in the Tables in Schedule 1 are Schedules 2 to 21 , and 24 .

Section 19 Restrictions on the obscuration of certain obligatory lamps and reflectors

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.

Section 20 Optional lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices

Subject to regulation 20A(9), 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

Section 20A Application of the ECE conspicuity requirements

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (4) and (5), a goods vehicle which is—

(a) a motor vehicle first used on or after 10th July 2011, or

(b) a trailer manufactured on or after 10th July 2011,

shall be fitted with conspicuity markings which comply with the mandatory ECE conspicuity requirements.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of a goods vehicle which is—

(a) a motor vehicle with a maximum gross weight not exceeding 7500 kg ;

(b) a trailer with a maximum gross weight not exceeding 3500 kg ;

(c) an incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale; or

(d) a motor car or heavy motor car intended to form part of an articulated vehicle.

(3) A goods vehicle to which paragraph (1) applies is referred to in this regulation as a “relevant goods vehicle”.

(4) If the overall length of a relevant goods vehicle does not exceed 6 m, conspicuity markings that comply with the mandatory ECE conspicuity requirements need not be fitted to the side of that vehicle.

(5) If the overall width of a relevant goods vehicle does not exceed 2.1 m, conspicuity markings that comply with the mandatory ECE conspicuity requirements need not be fitted to the rear of that vehicle.

(6) To the extent that, pursuant to paragraph (4) or (5), a relevant goods vehicle is not required to be fitted with conspicuity markings to the side or rear that comply with the mandatory ECE conspicuity requirements, conspicuity markings which comply with the optional ECE conspicuity requirements may be fitted to the side or rear (as the case may be).

(7) Subject to paragraph (8), a vehicle which is not a relevant goods vehicle may be fitted with conspicuity markings which comply with the optional ECE conspicuity requirements.

(8) Paragraph (7) does not apply in respect of—

(a) a passenger vehicle (other than a bus); or

(b) a trailer with a maximum gross weight not exceeding 750 kg.

(9) A requirement imposed under regulation 18 or 20 is to be disregarded to the extent it is incompatible with paragraph (1), (6) or (7).

(10) In this regulation “motor car” and “heavy motor car” have the same meaning as in the Construction and Use Regulations.

Section 21 Projecting trailers and vehicles carrying overhanging or projecting loads or equipment

(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 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

(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.

Section 22 Additional side marker lamps

(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

(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.

Section 23 Maintenance of lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices

(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, ...

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

(x) daytime running lamp,

(xi) headlamp cleaning device, and

(xii) reversing lamp,

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, ...

(vi) hazard warning signal device, and

(vii) front fog lamp,

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; ...

(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; or

(e) a front fog lamp or a daytime running lamp on a vehicle which was first registered before 1st March 2018.

Section 23A Review

(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—

(a) carry out a review of the regulatory provision contained in regulations 18 and 23, and in Schedules 1, 14 and 24, which relate to—

(i) daytime running lamps,

(ii) front fog lamps,

(iii) headlamp cleaning devices, and

(iv) reversing lamps, and

(b) publish a report setting out the conclusions of the review.

(2) The first report must be published before 20th May 2023.

(3) Subsequent reports must be published at intervals not exceeding 5 years.

(4) Section 30(3) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 requires that a review carried out under this regulation must, so far as is reasonable, have regard to how Article 6 of Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers is implemented in other member States.

(5) Section 30(4) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 requires that a report published under this regulation must, in particular—

(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory provision referred to in paragraph (1)(a),

(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved,

(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate, and

(d) if those objectives remain appropriate, assess the extent to which they could be achieved in another way which involves less onerous regulatory provision.

(6) In this regulation, “regulatory provision” has the same meaning as in sections 28 to 32 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (see section 32 of that Act).

Section 24 Requirements about the use of front and rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, side marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps

(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 ; 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 gross vehicle weight of which does not exceed 2500 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.

Section 25 Requirements about the use of headlamps and front fog lamps

(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.

Section 26 Requirements about the use of warning beacons

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.

Section 27 Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 24 refers

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

Section 28 Testing and inspection of lighting equipment and reflectors

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.

Section 1

Number–

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

Section 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.

Section 2

Position–

(a) Longitudinal:

Section 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.

Section 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:

Section 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

Section 4

Alignment:

Section 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:

Section 6

Size of illuminated area:

Section 7

Colour:

Section 8

Wattage:

Section 9

Intensity–

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

Section 10

Electrical connections:

Section 11

Tell-tale:

Section 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.