Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with headlamps (Note 1).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer must not be fitted with a headlamp (Note 1).

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with:

a) a front fog lamp (Note 1), or

b) more than two rear fog lamps.

2. A pair of fog lamps is not fitted:

a) symmetrically, or

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

Condition (Note 2)

3. A lamp is insecure or contains moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.

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

Performance (Note 2)

5. When switched on, a rear fog lamp emits light that is:

a) not projected to the rear, or

b) not diffuse, or

c) not substantially red, 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 indicate the presence of the trailer from the rear in conditions of severely reduced visibility, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source, or

g) altered, eg due to damage or modification.

6. A fog lamp cannot be switched off from the driver’s seating position.

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted equipment

1. One or two rear fog lamps (Note 1).

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

Prohibited equipment

3. A trailer must not be fitted with front fog lamps.

Condition

4. A rear fog lamp must be in sound condition if it emits a light.

Performance

5. A rear fog lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

6. A rear fog lamp must emit a steady light.

7. A rear fog lamp must provide sufficient light output to indicate the presence of the trailer on the road in conditions of severely reduced visibility.

8. The light emitted from a rear fog lamp must be diffused and substantially red in colour.

9. A pair of fog lamps must emit light that is approximately equal in colour and intensity.

10. A fog lamp must be able to be turned off from the driver’s seating position.

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

Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with cornering lamps (Note 1).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer must not be fitted with cornering lamps (Note 1).

Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with daytime running lamps (Note 1).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Prohibited equipment

1. A trailer must not be fitted with daytime running lamps (Note 1).

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.

Figure 4-5-1. Direction indicator beam angles

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

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.

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.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978 is not fitted with:

a) one single rearward-facing position lamp (Note 1) in the centre or to the right of the centre of the trailer, or

b) one pair of rearward-facing position lamps.

2. A trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978:

a) that is less than 1.5m wide is not fitted with one single rearward-facing position lamp in the centre or to the right of the centre of the trailer, or with one pair of rearward-facing position lamps, or

b) that is more than 1.5m wide is not fitted with one pair of rearward-facing position lamps.

3. A trailer is fitted with more than:

a) one single lamp, or

b) two pairs of lamps.

4. A lamp is mounted 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 is 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 mandatory lamp does not operate.

10. When switched on, a lamp emits a light that is:

a) not substantially red, or

b) not diffuse, or

c) not projected to the rear, 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.

11. A mandatory lamp emits a light that is not visible within (Figure 4-7-1):

a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or

b) 45˚ inboard or 80˚ outboard

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

Figure 4-7-1. Rearward-facing position lamp beam angles

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 and that is more than 1.5m wide must be fitted with one or two pairs of rearward-facing position lamps (Note 1).

2. A trailer first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978 or that does not exceed 1.5m in width must be fitted with:

a) one single rearward-facing position lamp in the centre or on the right side of the trailer, or

b) one or two pairs of rearward-facing position lamps.

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 practicable due to the shape of the bodywork of the trailer, not exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

5. A rearward-facing position lamp must:

a) be in sound condition, and

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

Performance

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

7. A lamp must emit a diffuse light that is substantially red.

8. A lamp must emit a steady light.

9. A lamp must provide sufficient light output to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the trailer.

10. A lamp must emit light that is visible from a distance of 200m in normal darkness.

11. A retrofitted mandatory lamp must be visible within angles of 15˚ above and below the horizontal, and within 45˚ inboard and 80˚ outboard.

12. Each lamp in a pair must, when operated, emit a light of approximately equal intensity and colour.

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

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A side-marker lamp is not positioned so that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.

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 mandatory lamp does not operate.

6. When switched on, a side-marker lamp emits a light that:

a) is not substantially white or amber to the front, or

b) is not substantially red or amber to the rear, or

c) is not diffuse, or

d) is not approximately of the same colour and intensity on each side of the vehicle, or

e) does not remain steadily illuminated, or

f) is not bright enough to produce light that is visible from 100m in normal daylight and from 200m in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.

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

Figure 4-8-1. Visibility angles for side-marker lamps

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted equipment

1. A light trailer may be fitted with side-marker lamps.

2. A side-marker lamp must be positioned so that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.

Condition

3. A side-marker lamp must be in sound condition.

Performance

4. A side-marker lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

5. A lamp must emit a light that is:

a) diffuse, and

b) substantially white or amber to the front, and

c) substantially red or amber to the rear.

6. A lamp must emit a steady light.

7. A side-marker lamp must provide sufficient light output to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the vehicle.

8. A side-marker lamp must emit a light that is visible from a distance of 100m in daylight and 200m during the hours of darkness.

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

Modifications

10. A side-marker lamp that is affected by a modification must meet equipment, condition and performance requirements.

Reasons for rejection

Permitted and prohibited equipment

1. A light trailer with an overall width of 1.8m or more is fitted with more than:

a) four forward-facing lamps, or

b) two rearward-facing lamps.

2. A light trailer with an overall width of less than 1.8m is fitted with end-outline marker lamps.

3. An end-outline marker lamp is not positioned so that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions, ie lamps are fitted other than around the outline of the vehicle.

Condition

4. A lamp is insecure.

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

6. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

7. When switched on, a forward-facing end-outline marker lamp does not operate (Note 2).

8. When switched on, an end-outline marker lamp emits a light that is:

a) not substantially white or amber to the front, or

b) not substantially red to the rear, or

c) not diffuse, or

d) not projected to the front or rear, or

e) not approximately of the same colour and intensity as the other lamp if fitted in a pair, or

f) not steady, or

g) not bright enough to indicate the presence and dimensions of the vehicle to other road users.

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted and prohibited equipment

1. A light trailer with an overall width of 1.8m or more may be fitted with a maximum of:

a) four forward-facing lamps, and

b) two rearward-facing lamps.

2. A light trailer with an overall width of less than 1.8m must not be fitted with end-outline marker lamps.

3. An end-outline marker lamp must be positioned so that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.

Condition

4. An end-outline marker lamp must be in sound condition.

Performance

5. An end-outline marker 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 to the front, and

c) substantially red to the rear.

7. A lamp must emit a steady light.

8. An end-outline marker lamp must provide sufficient light output to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the vehicle.

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

Modifications

10. An end-outline marker lamp that is affected by a modification must meet equipment, condition and performance requirements.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer first registered in NZ on or after 1 April 2012:

a) is not fitted with one pair of stop lamps, or

b) is fitted with more than two pairs of stop lamps, or

c) is fitted with a stop lamp that is not in a pair.

2. A trailer first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978:

a) is not fitted with one pair of stop lamps (Note 1) if the trailer is so constructed that the driver’s arm signals or the towing vehicle’s stop lamps cannot be seen from behind the trailer, or

b) is fitted with more than two pairs of stop lamps, or

c) is fitted with a stop lamp that is not in a pair.

3. A trailer first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978:

a) is not fitted with one stop lamp if the trailer is so constructed that the driver’s arm signals or the towing vehicle’s stop lamps cannot be seen from behind the trailer, or

b) is fitted with more than four stop lamps.

4. A stop 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 the service brake is activated:

a) a mandatory lamp does not operate, or

b) a lamp does not remain steadily illuminated.

10. A lamp operates when the service brake is not activated.

11. A lamp emits a light that is:

a) not substantially red, or

b) not diffuse, or

c) not projected to the rear, or

d) not approximately equal in intensity from the other lamp in a pair, or not bright enough to produce a light that is visible from 100m in normal daylight, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.

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

a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or

b) 45˚ inboard and outboard

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

14. On a trailer of American origin fitted with combined stop and direction indicator lamps, the stop lamp function is not overridden by the indicator function.

Figure 4-10-1. Stop lamp beam angles

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A trailer first registered in NZ before 1 January 1978 must be fitted with one stop lamp, or one or two pairs of stop lamps, if the trailer is so constructed that the driver’s arm signals or the towing vehicle’s stop lamps cannot be seen from behind the trailer.

2. A trailer first registered in NZ between 1 January 1978 and 31 March 2012 must be fitted with one or two pairs of stop lamps if the trailer is so constructed that the driver’s arm signals or the towing vehicle’s stop lamps cannot be seen from behind the trailer.

3. A trailer first registered in NZ on or after 1 April 2012 must be fitted with one or two pairs of stop lamps.

4. A pair of stop lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the trailer as is practicable.

5. A stop lamp must be fitted 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.

Condition

6. A stop lamp must:

a) be in sound condition, and

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

Performance

7. A stop lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

8. The light emitted from a stop lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red.

9. A required stop lamp must operate when a service brake is activated.

10. A required stop lamp must provide sufficient light output to fulfil its intended purpose.

11. A stop lamp must emit a steady light.

12. A mandatory stop lamp must emit a light that is visible within the angles of 15˚ above and below the horizontal, and 45˚ inboard and outboard.

13. If a trailer of American origin is fitted with combined stop and direction indicator lamps, the indicator lamps must override the stop lamps so that the stop lamps will operate as direction indicators.

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

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with more than two high-mounted stop lamps (Note 1).

2. A lamp is not fitted in a central high-mounted position.

Condition

3. A lamp is insecure.

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

5. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

6. When the service brake is activated, a lamp does not remain steadily illuminated.

7. A lamp operates when the service brake is not activated.

8. A lamp emits a light that:

a) is not substantially red, or

b) is not diffuse, or

c) is not projected to the rear, or

d) has insufficient light output to produce a light that is visible from 100m in normal daylight, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted equipment

1. A trailer may be fitted with one or two high-mounted stop lamps (Note 1).

2. A lamp must be fitted in a central high-mounted position at the rear of the trailer.

Condition

3. A high-mounted stop lamp must be in good condition.

Performance

4. A high-mounted stop lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

5. The light emitted from a high-mounted stop lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red.

6. A high-mounted stop lamp must emit a steady light.

7. Where a high-mounted stop lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A trailer is not fitted with at least one rear-registration-plate illumination lamp (Note 1).

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, or lens, is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

5. The lamp emits a light that is not:

a) substantially white, or

b) steady, or

c) diffuse.

6. The lamp does not illuminate the registration plate (eg either the lamp or plate have been moved, or the lamps orientation has been changed).

7. The light source of a lamp is visible from the rear of the trailer.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Mandatory equipment

1. At least one rear-registration-plate illumination lamp (Note 1).

Performance

2. A rear-registration-plate illumination lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

3. A lamp must emit a diffuse light that is substantially white.

4. A rear-registration-plate illumination lamp must emit a steady light.

5. The light source of the lamp must not be visible from the rear of the trailer.

6. A lamp must illuminate the figures and letters of the plate so that they are visible from 20m during normal darkness.

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

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.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

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.

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A trailer is fitted with more than two reversing lamps at the rear of the trailer (Note 1).

2. A pair of reversing lamps is not:

a) symmetrically mounted, or

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

Condition

3. A lamp is insecure.

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

5. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

6. A lamp controlled by gear engagement continues to display a light to the rear when the reverse gear is disengaged.

7. A lamp controlled by a manual switch continues to display a light to the rear while the headlamps are switched on.

8. When engaged, a lamp emits light that is not:

a) substantially white, or

b) steady, or

c) diffuse or a dipped beam.

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted equipment

1. One or two reversing lamps fitted at the rear of the trailer (Note 1).

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

Condition

3. A reversing lamp must be in good condition.

Performance

4. A reversing lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

5. A reversing lamp, when operated, must emit a diffuse light or a dipped beam of light that is substantially white.

6. A reversing lamp must emit a steady light.

7. A reversing lamp may operate only when the reverse gear is engaged or the headlamps are turned off.

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

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A cosmetic lamp (ie one not listed in Table 4-15-1) that is fitted to a vehicle:

a) has a part of its light-emitting surface positioned within 250mm of any mandatory lamp, or

b) is not mounted in a fixed position, or

c) is positioned so that its light-emitting surface is visible within the shaded areas in Figure 4-15-1.

2. A work lamp that is fitted to a vehicle is wired in such a way that the switch or circuit for any mandatory or optional lamp controls it.

Performance

3. When switched on, a cosmetic lamp with a light-emitting surface not visible within the shaded areas in Figure 4-15-1 emits a light that:

a) is not diffuse, or

b) flashes or otherwise varies in intensity or colour, or

c) revolves, rotates or otherwise moves, or

d) is too bright and likely to dazzle other road users, or

e) is likely to cause confusion about the orientation of the vehicle, or

f) is red when seen directly from the front, or

g) is not red or amber when seen directly from the rear.

4. A side-facing reflector on a vehicle reflects white light shining on it as anything other than white or amber light

Table 4-15-1. Lamps that are not cosmetic lamps

Lamps covered in the VIRM	Other lighting equipment not requiring inspection
Headlamps Stop lamps High-mounted stop lamps Direction indicator lamps Position lamps (includes side-marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps) Rear-registration-plate illumination lamps Rear reflectors Fog lamps Daytime running lamps Cornering lamps Reversing lamps PSV interior lamps Work lamps	Interior lamps Designed to illuminate the interior of the vehicle for the convenience of passengers Flashing or revolving beacons Illuminated vehicle-mounted signs Includes PSV destination signs, taxi signs, and variable message signs operated by enforcement officers, under a traffic management plan or permitted by other legislation

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted equipment

1. A vehicle may be fitted with one or more lamps not specified in Table 4-15-1, provided they are fitted so that light sources are not visible in those regions specified in Figure 4-15-1.

2. A cosmetic lamp must be fitted in a fixed position on the vehicle and positioned so that no part of the light source is situated within 250mm of a mandatory lamp.

3. A work lamp that is fitted to a vehicle is wired in such a way that the switch or circuit for any mandatory or optional lamp controls it.

Performance

4. A cosmetic lamp must:

a) only emit light that is diffuse, and

b) not emit light that flashes or otherwise varies in intensity or colour, and

c) be fitted in a way, and be of a luminance that ensures that it does not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users, and

d) not emit a light that revolves, rotates or otherwise moves, and

e) not cause confusion as to the orientation of the vehicle, and

f) not emit a red light that is directly visible from the front of the vehicle, and

g) not emit a light other than red or amber if the light is directly visible from the rear of the vehicle.

5. A side-facing reflector on a vehicle must reflect white light shining on it as white or amber light.