Lighting

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer that is more than 2m wide is not fitted with one pair of lamps.

2. A trailer is fitted with more than two lamps.

3. A trailer less than 2m wide is fitted with a single lamp on the left side of the vehicle.

4. A pair of lamps is not:

a) symmetrically mounted, or

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

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:

a) not substantially white or amber, or

b) not diffuse, or

c) not projected to the front, 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 be visible from 200m in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.

10. A mandatory lamp emits a light that is not visible within (Figure 4-6-1):

a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or

b) 80˚ outboard.

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

Figure 4-6-1. Forward-facing position lamp beam angles

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer more than 2m wide must be fitted with one pair of forward-facing position lamps.

2. A trailer 2m wide or less may be fitted with:

a) one forward-facing position lamp on the right side of the trailer, or

b) two forward-facing position lamps.

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

Condition

4. A forward-facing position lamp must:

a) be in sound condition, and

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

Performance

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

6. 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 trailer, and

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

7. A mandatory lamp must be visible within angles of:

a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, and

b) 80˚ outboard.

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