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 It may be superseded at any time.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

4 Lighting


4-1 Headlamps

Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

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

Note 1

Headlamp means a lamp designed to illuminate the road ahead of a vehicle, and that is a:

a) dipped-beam headlamp (single lamp), or

b) main-beam (high-beam) headlamp (single lamp), and includes a driving lamp, or

c) combination of a dipped-beam headlamp and a main-beam headlamp (dual-lamp unit).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Prohibited equipment

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

4-2 Front and rear fog lamps

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.

Note 1

Fog lamp means a front or rear lamp designed to aid the driver or other road users in conditions of severely reduced visibility, including fog or snow, but not including clear atmospheric conditions under the hours of darkness.

Note 2

A rear fog 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. 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.

Page amended 28 April 2013 (see amendment details).

4-3 Cornering lamps

Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

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

Note 1

Cornering lamp means a lamp that is designed to emit light at the front of a vehicle to supplement the vehicle’s headlamps by illuminating the road ahead in the direction of the turn.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Prohibited equipment

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

4-4 Daytime running lamps

Reasons for rejection

Prohibited equipment

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

Note 1

Daytime running lamp means a lamp designed to emit a low-intensity light forward of a vehicle to make it more easily seen in the daytime.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Prohibited equipment

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

4-5 Direction indicator lamps

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A heavy trailer is fitted at the rear with:

a) only one top-mounted lamp, or

b) more than one pair of top-mounted lamps, or

c) top-mounted lamps that are not mounted as close as is practicable to the top corners of the bodywork.

3. A pair of forward-facing or rearward-facing direction indicator lamps (other than top-mounted lamps):

a) in the case of a vehicle with one pair, 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 vehicle), or

b) in the case of a vehicle with two pairs:

i. the lower pair 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 vehicle), or

ii. the other pair is fitted at a height from the ground exceeding 2.1m.

4. A heavy trailer is fitted with top-mounted lamps at the front of the trailer.

Condition

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

6. Refer to general trailer pages.

Note 2

A forward-facing permitted lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be removed from the vehicle.

Note 1

Direction indicator lamp means a lamp designed to emit a flashing light to signal the intention of the driver to change the direction of the vehicle to the right or to the left.

Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.

Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A heavy trailer may be fitted with an additional pair of lamps at the rear of the vehicle that must be symmetrically mounted as near the top corners of the bodywork of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).

2. Forward-facing or rearward-facing direction indicator lamps (excluding top-mounted lamps) may be mounted as follows:

a) one pair 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 vehicle, not exceeding 2.1m, and

b) a second pair at a height from the ground not exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

3. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Modifications

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

4-6 Forward-facing position lamps

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A heavy trailer is fitted at the front with:

a) only one top-mounted lamp, or

b) more than one pair of top-mounted lamps, or

c) top-mounted lamps that are not mounted as close as is practicable to the top corners of the bodywork.

Condition

3. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Note 1

The following total numbers of position lamps may generally be fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle:

Front of vehicle:

a) one pair of forward-facing position lamps below 1.5m

b) one pair of forward-facing position lamps at the top corners

c) 10 end-outline marker lamps fitted elsewhere on the outline of the vehicle or on the cab roof (for vehicles first registered in New Zealand before 27 February 2005 there is no restriction on the number of forward-facing end-outline marker lamps that may be fitted).

Rear of vehicle:

a) two pairs of rearward-facing position lamps, one pair below 1.5m and a second pair below 2.1m, fitted symmetrically as far as possible towards the extremities

b) one pair of rearward-facing position lamps at the top corners

c) six end-outline marker lamps elsewhere on the outline of the vehicle.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A heavy trailer may be fitted with an additional pair of forward-facing position lamps that must be symmetrically mounted as near the top corners of the bodywork of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).

Condition

2. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

3. Refer to general trailer pages.

Modifications

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

4-7 Rearward-facing position lamps

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A heavy trailer is fitted at the rear with:

a) only one top-mounted lamp, or

b) more than one pair of top-mounted lamps, or

c) top-mounted lamps that are not mounted as close as is practicable to the top corners of the bodywork.

3. A rearward-facing position lamp (other than top-mounted lamps):

a) in the case of a vehicle with one or one pair, 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 vehicle), or

b) in the case of a vehicle with two pairs:

i. the lower pair 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 vehicle), or

ii. the other pair is fitted at a height from the ground exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A heavy trailer may be fitted with an additional pair of rearward-facing position lamps that must be symmetrically mounted as near the top corners of the bodywork of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).

2. Rearward-facing position lamps (excluding top-mounted lamps) may be mounted as follows:

a) one lamp or one pair 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 vehicle, not exceeding 2.1m, and

b) a second pair at a height from the ground not exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

3. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Modifications

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

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).

4-9 End-outline marker lamps

Reasons for rejection

Permitted and prohibited equipment

1. A trailer listed in Table 4-9-1 is fitted with lamps that exceed the numbers permitted in Table 4-9-1.

2. A trailer not listed in Table 4-9-1 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 (Note 2).

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 3).

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.

Note 1

For trailers manufactured before 1/5/2011, the following total numbers of position lamps may generally be fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle:

Front of vehicle:

a) one pair of forward-facing position lamps below 1.5m

b) one pair of forward-facing position lamps at the top corners

c) 10 end-outline marker lamps fitted elsewhere on the outline of the vehicle or on the cab roof (for vehicles first registered in New Zealand before 27 February 2005 there is no restriction on the number of forward-facing end-outline marker lamps that may be fitted).

Rear of vehicle:

a) two pairs of rearward-facing position lamps, one pair below 1.5m and a second pair below 2.1m, fitted symmetrically as far as possible towards the extremities

b) one pair of rearward-facing position lamps at the top corners

c) six end-outline marker lamps elsewhere on the outline of the vehicle.

Note 2

End-outline marker lamp means a position lamp designed to be fitted near the outer extremity of the vehicle in addition to forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps, and includes a cab roof lamp.

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

a) a forward-facing position lamp (front side or park 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 (including cab roof lamps).

Note 3

A forward-facing permitted lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be removed from the vehicle. A rearward-facing end-outline marker lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.

Note 4

A vehicle originally manufactured with an end-outline marker lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original end-outline marker lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer. Lamps visible from the front and from the rear on the same side of the vehicle may be combined into one device.

Note 5

Vehicle manufacturer means the original vehicle manufacturer and the final stage manufacturer in the case of certain modified vehicles (see Technical bulletin 13:  Acceptable overseas proof of modification).

Table 4-9-1. Fitting requirements for end-outline marker lamps

If the vehicle was:

Row

Characteristics of the heavy vehicle

Front

Rear

Maximum permitted lamps1

Maximum permitted lamps1

Vehicle manufactured before 1/4/20112

A

  • A trailer with a GVM exceeding 11,300kg
  • A trailer in a vehicle combination led by a heavy vehicle, where the combination’s length exceeds 9.2m

12

(No Limit if first registered before 27/2/2005)

6

B

A trailer with an overall width of 1.8m or more (other than a trailer in row A)

6

4

Vehicle manufactured from 1/4/2011

C

A trailer with an overall width exceeding 2.1m and with a GVM or GCM exceeding 12,000kg

12

6

D

A trailer with an overall width exceeding 2.1m (other than a trailer in row C)

6

4

1 Maximum permitted lamps are the maximum number of lamps allowed to be fitted.

2 A vehicle manufactured before 1/4/2011 also has the option of complying with the requirements applicable to vehicles manufactured from 1/4/2011.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted and prohibited equipment

1. A trailer in Table 4-9-1 must or may be fitted with end-outline marker lamps as specified in the table.

2. A trailer not listed in Table 4-9-1 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.

Page amended 1 November 2018 (see amendment details).

4-10 Stop lamps

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory and permitted equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A heavy trailer is fitted at the rear with:

a) only one top-mounted lamp, or

b) more than one pair of top-mounted lamps, or

c) top-mounted lamps that are not mounted as close as is practicable to the top corners of the bodywork.

3. A stop lamp (other than top-mounted lamps):

a) in the case of a vehicle with one or one pair, 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 vehicle), or

b) in the case of a vehicle with two pairs:

i. the lower pair 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 vehicle), or

ii. the other pair is fitted at a height from the ground exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

Note 1

Stop lamp means a lamp that is designed to operate when the service brake is activated.

Note 2

A permitted 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 heavy trailer may be fitted with an additional pair of stop lamps that must be symmetrically mounted as near the top corners of the bodywork of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).

2. Stop lamps (excluding top-mounted lamps) may be mounted as follows:

a) one lamp or one pair at a height from the ground not exceeding 1.5 mor, if this is not practicable due to the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle, not exceeding 2.1m, and

b) a second pair at a height from the ground not exceeding 2.1m.

Condition

3. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Modifications

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

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.

4-12 Rear-registration-plate illumination lamps

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.

Note 1

Rear-registration-plate illumination lamp means a lamp designed to illuminate the rear registration plate of a vehicle.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
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.

Page amended 1 October 2021 (see amendment details).

4-13 Rear reflectors

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A rearward-facing reflector fitted to a class TC or TD vehicle either:

a) does not have an area of at least 30cm2 or is not fitted as a pair within 150mm on the right and left extremities of the vehicle, or

b) does not comply with an approved standard for retroreflectors and is fitted in accordance with the requirements of an approved standard for lighting equipment installation.

3. A trailer equipped with a jinker pole that extends behind its rear lamps is not, in addition to the normal rear reflectors, fitted with one red rear reflector at the rear extremity of the pole.

Condition

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

6. A rearward-facing reflector on a trailer reflects white light shining on it as anything other than red light (this does not apply to reflective material such as conspicuity/reflective tape).

Figure 4-13-1. Reflector vs reflective material
Note 1

Jinker pole means a telescoping or sliding pole that forms the drawbar to steer a pole trailer.

Pole trailer means a trailer that is attached to the towing vehicle by a telescoping or sliding pole and is designed to support a common load of logs, or a similar load, spanning between the trailer and the towing vehicle.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. Refer to general trailer pages.

2. A rearward-facing reflector fitted to a class TC or TD vehicle must have an area of at least 30cm2 and be fitted within 150mm of the right and left extremities of the vehicle.

3. A trailer equipped with a jinker pole that extends behind its rear lamps must, in addition to the normal rear reflectors, be fitted with one red rear reflector at the rear extremity of the pole.

Condition

4. Refer to general trailer pages.

Performance

5. Refer to general trailer pages.

Page amended 1 June 2019 (see amendment details).

4-14 Reversing lamps

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.

Note 1

Reversing lamp means a lamp designed to illuminate the area behind the vehicle while it is reversing and to warn other road users that the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse.

Note 2

A reversing 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. 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.

4-15 Other lighting

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

Note 1

A rear or side cosmetic lamp that does not comply with requirements for condition or performance must be made to comply, or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.

Note 2

Lamp means a device designed to emit light, and includes an array of separate light sources that appear as a continuous illuminated surface.

Cosmetic lamp means any lamp that is not listed in Table 4-15-1.

Work lamp means a high-intensity lamp that is not necessary for the operation of the vehicle but is designed to illuminate the area or scene and include scene lamps, spot lamps and alley lamps.

Scene lamp means a work lamp designed to provide a fixed or movable beam of light to illuminate the area around the vehicle or the vehicle itself.

Alley lamp means a work lamp designed primarily to provide a fixed or movable beam of light to the side of the vehicle it is fitted to.

Reflective material (or retroreflective material) means any material that is designed to reflect incident light back towards a light source or in a specific direction; but does not include a reflector.

Note 3

A forward-facing cosmetic lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be removed from the vehicle.

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

Figure 4-15-1. Visibility angles for cosmetic lamps

HT 4-15-1. Visibility angles for cosmetic lamps

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
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.

Page amended 1 November 2018 (see amendment details).