Lighting

4-2 Front and rear fog lamps

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with:

a) a front fog lamp (Note 1), or

b) more than two rear fog lamps.

2. A pair of fog lamps is not fitted:

a) symmetrically, or

b) as far towards each side of the trailer as practicable.

Condition (Note 2)

3. A lamp is insecure or 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.

Performance (Note 2)

5. When switched on, a rear fog lamp emits light that is:

a) not projected to the rear, or

b) not diffuse, or

c) not substantially red, or

d) not approximately equal in colour or intensity from the other lamp in a pair, or

e) not steady, or

f) not bright enough to indicate the presence of the trailer from the rear in conditions of severely reduced visibility, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source, or

g) altered, eg due to damage or modification.

6. A fog lamp cannot be switched off from the driver’s seating position.

7. Where a fog lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.

Note 1

Fog lamp means a front or rear lamp designed to aid the driver or other road users in conditions of severely reduced visibility, including fog or snow, but not including clear atmospheric conditions under the hours of darkness.

Note 2

A rear fog 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.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. One or two rear fog lamps (Note 1).

2. A pair of lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far as is practicable towards each side of the vehicle.

Prohibited equipment

3. A trailer must not be fitted with front fog lamps.

Condition

4. A rear fog lamp must be in sound condition if it emits a light.

Performance

5. A rear fog lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

6. A rear fog lamp must emit a steady light.

7. A rear fog lamp must provide sufficient light output to indicate the presence of the trailer on the road in conditions of severely reduced visibility.

8. The light emitted from a rear fog lamp must be diffused and substantially red in colour.

9. A pair of fog lamps must emit light that is approximately equal in colour and intensity.

10. A fog lamp must be able to be turned off from the driver’s seating position.

11. Where a fog lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.

Page amended 28 April 2013 (see amendment details).

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