Lighting
4-11 High-mounted stop lamps
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.
Note 1
Stop lamp means a lamp that is designed to operate when the service brake is activated.
High-mounted stop lamp means a stop lamp that is designed to be fitted in a central, high-mounted position at the rear of the vehicle.
Note 2
A high-mounted stop lamp that does not comply with equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
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.