Lighting
4-15 Cosmetic lamps
Reasons for rejection
Permitted equipment
1. A cosmetic lamp (ie one not listed in Table 4-15-1) that is fitted to a vehicle:
a) has a part of its light-emitting surface positioned within 250mm of any mandatory lamps, or
b) is not mounted in a fixed position, or
c) is positioned so that its light-emitting surface is visible within the shaded areas in Figure 4-15-1.
Performance
2. When switched on, a cosmetic lamp with a light-emitting surface not visible within the shaded areas in Figure 4-15-1 emits a light that:
a) is not diffuse, or
b) flashes or otherwise varies in intensity or colour, or
c) revolves, rotates or otherwise moves, or
d) is too bright and likely to dazzle other road users, or
e) is likely to cause confusion about the orientation of the vehicle, or
f) is red when seen directly from the front, or
g) is not red or amber when seen directly from the rear.
Note 1
A rear or side cosmetic lamp that does not comply with requirements for condition or performance must be made to comply, or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.
Note 2 Definitions
Lamp means a device designed to emit light, and includes an array of separate light sources that appear as a continuous illuminated surface.
Cosmetic lamp means any lamp that is not listed in Table 4-15-1.
Note 3
A forward-facing cosmetic lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be removed from the vehicle.
Table 4-15-1. Lamps that are not cosmetic lamps
|
Lamps covered in the VIRM |
Other lighting equipment not requiring inspection |
|---|---|
|
Headlamps Stop lamps High-mounted stop lamps Direction indicator lamps Position lamps Rear-registration-plate illumination lamps Rear reflectors Fog lamps Daytime running lamps Cornering lamps Reversing lamps PSV interior lamps |
Reflective material Interior lamps Work lamps Scene lamps Alley lamps Flashing or revolving beacons (except a mandatory beacon required for some overdimension vehicles) Illuminated vehicle-mounted signs |
Figure 4-15-1. Visibility angles for cosmetic lamps
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment
1. A vehicle may be fitted with one or more lamps not specified in Table 4-15-1, provided they are fitted so that light sources are not visible in those regions specified in Figure 4-15-1.
2. A lamp must be fitted in a fixed position on the vehicle and positioned so that no part of the light source is situated within 250mm of a mandatory lamp.
Performance
3. A lamp must:
a) only emit light that is diffuse, and
b) not emit light that flashes or otherwise varies in intensity or colour, and
c) be fitted in a way, and be of a luminance that ensures, that it does not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users, and
d) not emit a light that revolves, rotates or otherwise moves, and
e) not cause confusion as to the orientation of the vehicle, and
f) not emit a red light that is directly visible from the front of the vehicle, and
g) not emit a light other than red or amber if the light is directly visible from the rear of the vehicle.