Reasons for rejection

Permitted and prohibited equipment

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

2. A vehicle less than 6m in length is fitted with a side-marker lamp, unless the vehicle is a production vehicle and the lamp is fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.

3. A vehicle manufactured before 1 January 2006 has a forward-facing side-marker lamp that emits light that is not substantially white or amber.

4. A vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2006 has a forward-facing side-marker lamp that emits light that is not substantially amber.

Condition

5. A lamp is insecure.

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

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

Performance

8. 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.

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

Modifications

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

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Permitted and prohibited equipment

1. A light vehicle 6m or more in length may be fitted with one or more side-marker lamps.

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

3. A light vehicle less than 6m in length must not be fitted with a side-marker lamp, unless the vehicle is a production vehicle and the lamp is fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.

4. The light emitted from a forward-facing side-marker lamp on a vehicle manufactured before 1 January 2006 is not substantially white or amber.

5. The light emitted from a forward-facing side-marker lamp on a vehicle manufactured on or after1 January 2006 is not substantially amber.

Condition

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

Performance

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

8. 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.

7. A lamp must emit a steady light.

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

10. 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.

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

Modifications

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