Lighting
4-7 Rearward-facing position lamps
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A forklift that is likely to be operated during the hours of darkness (where the vehicle inspector can determine that) is not fitted with at least one lamp.
2. A retrofitted pair of lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
Condition
3. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, contains moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.
4. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
5. A lamp’s reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
6. A mandatory lamp is obscured.
Performance
7. When switched on, a mandatory lamp does not operate.
8. When switched on, a lamp emits a light that is not:
a) substantially red, or
b) diffuse, or
c) projected to the rear, or
d) approximately equal in colour or intensity to the other lamp in a pair, or
e) steady, or
f) bright enough to be visible from 100m in normal darkness (if a mandatory lamp), eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.
9. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1 Definition
Position lamp means a low-intensity lamp that is designed to indicate to road users the presence and dimensions of a vehicle, being:
a) a forward-facing position lamp (front side lamp), or
b) a rearward-facing position lamp (rear side lamp or tail lamp), or
c) a side-marker lamp, or
d) an end-outline marker lamp (including cab roof lamp).
Note 2
A permitted rearward-facing position lamp that does not comply with equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.
Note 3
A vehicle originally manufactured with a rearward-facing position lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original rearward-facing position lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A forklift operated during the hours of darkness must be fitted with at least one rearward-facing position lamp.
2. A forklift may be fitted with one or more rearward-facing position lamps.
3. A retrofitted pair of lamps must be mounted symmetrically as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
4. A lamp must be positioned to the rear of the vehicle.
Condition
5. A rearward-facing position lamp must:
a) be in sound condition, and
b) not be obscured (if a mandatory lamp).
Performance
6. A rearward-facing position lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.
7. A lamp must emit a light that is:
a) diffuse, and
b) substantially red, and
c) steady, and
d) sufficient to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the vehicle, and
e) visible from a distance of 100m in normal darkness (if a mandatory lamp), and
f) of approximately equal intensity and colour to the other lamp of the pair.
8. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.
Page amended 1 November 2012 (see amendment details).