Lighting

4-6 Forward-facing position lamps

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A forklift is fitted with more than two pairs of lamps.

2. A retrofitted pair of lamps is:

a) not symmetrically mounted, or

b) not mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable, or

c) mounted at a height from the ground exceeding 2.1m.

3. A pair of top-mounted lamps, if fitted, is not:

a) symmetrically mounted, or

b) mounted as far towards the top corners of the bodywork as is practicable.

4. A lamp is not positioned to the front of the vehicle.

Condition

5. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, contains moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.

6. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.

7. A lamp’s reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

8. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp does not operate.

9. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp emits a light that is not:

a) substantially white or amber, or

b) diffuse, or

c) projected to the front, 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 a reasonable distance in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.

Note 1

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 vehicle originally manufactured with a forward-facing position lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original forward-facing position lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A forklift may be fitted with one or two pairs of forward-facing position lamps.

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

3. A retrofitted lamp must be mounted at a height from the ground not exceeding 2.1m.

4. A forklift may be fitted with one additional pair of forward-facing position lamps that must be symmetrically mounted as far towards the top corners of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).

5. A lamp must be positioned to the front of the vehicle.

Condition

6. A forward-facing position lamp must:

a) be in sound condition,

b) not be obscured (if a mandatory lamp).

Performance

7. A forward-facing position lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

8. A lamp must emit a light that is:

a) diffuse, and

b) substantially white or amber, and

c) steady, and

d) sufficient to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the vehicle, and

e) of approximately equal intensity and colour to the other lamp of a pair.

9. 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).

Back to top