Correct as at 5th May 2024. It may be superseded at any time.
Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Forklifts > Lighting > Side-marker lamps
4-8 Side-marker lamps
Reasons for rejection
Prohibited equipment
1. A forklift that has a length of less than 6m is fitted with side-marker lamps.
Condition
2. A lamp is insecure.
3. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
4. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
Performance
5. When switched on, a lamp emits a light that is not:
a) diffuse, or
b) substantially red or amber to the rear, or
c) substantially white or amber to the front, or
d) steady.
6. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1 Definitions
Side-marker lamp means a position lamp designed to be fitted to the side of a vehicle or its load.
Position lamp means a low-intensity lamp that is designed to indicate to road users the prescence 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 side-marker lamp that does not comply with the 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 and prohibited equipment
1. A forklift with a length of 6m or more may be fitted with one or more side-marker lamps.
2. A forklift with a length of less than 6m must not be fitted with side-marker lamps.
Condition
3. A lamp must be in good condition.
Performance
4. A side-marker lamp must operated in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.
5. A side-marker lamp must emit light that is:
a) diffuse, and
b) substantially red or amber to the rear, and
c) substantially white or amber to the front, and
d) steady.
6. Where a side-marker lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.