Lighting
4-5 Direction indicator lamps
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A trailer is not fitted with one pair of lamps at the rear if the trailer is one of the following:
a) a trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 April 2012, or
b) a trailer first registered in New Zealand before 1 April 2012 that is so constructed that the driver’s arm signals cannot be seen from behind the trailer.
2. A trailer is fitted with more than:
a) two pairs of lamps at the front, or
b) two pairs of lamps at the rear, or
c) two side-facing lamps on each side of the trailer.
3. A trailer is fitted with a lamp that is not in a pair.
4. A lamp is fitted at a height from the ground exceeding 1.5m (or 2.1m where fitting below 1.5m is not practicable due to the shape of the bodywork of the trailer).
5. A pair of lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the trailer as practicable.
Condition
6. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, contains moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.
7. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
8. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
Performance
9. When switched on, a direction indicator lamp:
a) does not operate, or
b) does not begin flashing within one second of switching on, or
c) flashes:
i. faster than two flashes per second, or
ii. slower than one flash per second, or
iii. at a different rate from other lamps on the same side.
10. When switched on, a direction indicator lamp emits a light that is:
a) not substantially white or amber to the front, or
b) not substantially amber or red to the rear, or
c) not substantially amber to the side, or
d) not approximately equal in colour or intensity from the other lamp in a pair, or
e) not bright enough to be visible from 100m in normal daylight and from 200m in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source, or
f) too bright causing significant dazzle to other road users, eg due to an incorrect light source, or
g) altered, eg due to damage or modification.
11. A mandatory lamp emits a light that is not visible within (Figure 4-5-1):
a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or
b) 45˚ inboard and 80˚ outboard.
12. On a trailer of American origin fitted with combined stop and indicator lamps, the stop lamp function is not overridden by the indicator function.
13. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1
Direction indicator lamp means a lamp designed to emit a flashing light to signal the intention of the driver to change the direction of the vehicle to the right or to the left.
Note 2
A permitted (ie non-mandatory) rear- or side-facing direction indicator lamp that does not comply with condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.
Note 3
A forward-facing permitted lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be removed from the vehicle.
Figure 4-5-1. Direction indicator beam angles
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A trailer may be fitted with:
a) one or two pairs of lamps at the front, and
b) one or two pairs of lamps at the rear, and
c) one or two side-facing lamps at each side.
2. One or two pairs of lamps must be fitted to the rear of the trailer if the trailer:
a) was first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 April 2012, or
b) was first registered before 1 April 2012 and is so constructed that it prevents an arm signal given by the driver from being seen from behind the vehicle combination.
3. A pair of lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the trailer as is practicable.
4. A lamp must be fitted at a height from the ground not exceeding 1.5m, or if this is not possible due to the shape of the bodywork, not exceeding 2.1m.
5. On trailers of American origin, the stop lamp and direction indicator lamp functions may be combined in one lamp.
Condition
6. A direction indicator lamp must:
a) be in sound condition, and
b) not be obscured (if a mandatory lamp).
Performance
7. A direction indicator lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.
8. A direction indicator lamp must emit a light that is substantially:
a) white or amber to the front, and
b) red or amber to the rear, and
c) amber to the side.
9. A lamp must flash at a fixed frequency in the range of 1–2 Hertz.
10. Each lamp in a pair must, when operated, emit a light of approximately equal intensity, colour and frequency.
11. A lamp must emit a light that is visible from 100m during normal daylight and 200 m in normal darkness.
12. A retrofitted mandatory lamp must emit a light that is visible within angles of:
a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, and
b) 45˚ inboard, and
c) 80˚ outboard.
13. If a trailer of American origin is fitted with combined stop and indicator lamps, the indicator lamps must override the stop lamps so that the stop lamps operate as direction indicators.
14. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.
Page amended 28 April 2013 (see amendment details).