Correct as at 29th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Heavy trailers > Lighting > Side-marker lamps

4-8 Side-marker lamps

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A class TC or TD trailer with two or more axles, or an articulated vehicle that exceeds 9.2m in length, is not fitted on each side with a side-marker lamp at a point approximately one-third of the way along the vehicle, measured from the rear (Note 2).

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

Condition

3. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, 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.

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

Performance

6. When switched on, a mandatory lamp does not operate.

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

a) is not substantially white or amber to the front (for a vehicle manufactured before January 2006), or

b) is not substantially amber to the front (for a vehicle manufactured on or after January 2006), or

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

d) is not diffuse, or

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

f) does not remain steadily illuminated, or

g) 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.

8. A side-marker lamp emits a light that is not visible within (Figure 4-8-1):

a) 60° above and below the horizontal, or

b) 60° forward and rearward.

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

Note 1 Definitions

Side-marker lamp means a position lamp designed to be fitted to the side of a vehicle or its load.

Position lamp means a low-intensity lamp that is designed to indicate to road users the presence and dimensions of a vehicle, being:

a) a forward-facing position lamp (front side lamp), or

b) a rearward-facing position lamp (rear side lamp or tail lamp), or

c) a side-marker lamp, or

d) an end-outline marker lamp.

Note 2

The position of a mandatory side-marker lamp need only be approximate as long as it indicates the vehicle’s presence and approximate dimensions when viewed from the side.

Note 3

A permitted side-marker 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.

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

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

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. A class TC or TD trailer fitted with two or more axles, or an articulated heavy vehicle that exceeds 9.2m in length:

a) must be fitted on each side with one side-marker lamp at a point approximately one-third of the way along the vehicle measured from the rear, and

b) may be fitted with additional 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:

a) be in sound condition, and

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

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 (for a vehicle manufactured before January 2006), or

c) substantially amber to the front (for a vehicle manufactured on or after January 2006), or

d) 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:

a) from a distance of 100m in daylight and 200m during the hours of darkness, and

b) within an angle of 60° above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp, and within an angle of 60° forward and rearward of a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle and passing through the lamp.

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.

Page amended 14 October 2013 (see amendment details).