Lighting
4-13 Rear reflectors
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A trailer:
a) is not fitted with at least one red rearward-facing reflector on each side (Note 1), or
b) is fitted with a red rearward-facing reflector that is not in a pair.
2. A reflector is not positioned to the rear of the trailer.
3. A reflector is fitted at a height from the ground exceeding 1.5m, or if this is not practicable due to the shape of the bodywork of the trailer, exceeding 2.1m.
4. A trailer equipped with a jinker pole that extends behind its rear lamps is not fitted with one red rearward-facing reflector at the rear extremity of the pole.
5. A pair of reflectors is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the trailer as is practicable.
Condition
6. A mandatory reflector’s ability to reflect light is affected by excessive:
a) fading, or
b) scratching or other damage.
7. A mandatory reflector is obscured.
Performance
8. The reflected light from a mandatory reflector is not visible from 100m.
9. The reflected light from a reflector is not red.
Note 1
Reflector means a distinct item of lighting equipment that is designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, but does not include reflective material (such as reflective tape).
Reflective material means any material that is designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, and includes reflective tape, but does not include a reflector.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A trailer must be fitted with at least one pair of rearward-facing reflectors (Note 1) at a height from the ground not exceeding 1.5m, or if this is not practicable due to the shape of the bodywork of the trailer, not exceeding 2.1m.
2. A trailer equipped with a jinker pole that extends behind its rear lamps must also be fitted with one red reflector at the rear extremity of the pole.
3. A rearward-facing reflector must be positioned to the rear of the trailer.
4. A reflector must be of an area that allows it to reflect light to improve the visibility of the trailer to other road users without causing undue dazzle or discomfort.
5. A pair of reflectors must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the trailer as is practicable.
Condition
6. A reflector must be in good condition and not be obscured.
Performance
7. A reflector must operate in a way that is appropriate for the reflector and the vehicle.
8. A reflector must reflect white light as substantially red light.
9. A reflector must provide sufficient light reflection to fulfil its intended purpose.