Vehicle exterior

2-1 External projections

Reasons for rejection

Condition and performance (Note 1)

1. The risk of a component (Note 2) hooking a vehicle, or hooking or grazing a person, has not been minimised.

2. An ornamental object or fitting (Note 3) protrudes in such a way that it is likely to injure a person.

3. A protruding object or fitting (Note 4) that has a functional purpose is not installed so that the risk of causing injury to a person is minimised, eg the object or fitting:

a) is of excessively heavy construction for the purpose for which it has been fitted, or

b) has sharp corners, or

c) exceeds the vehicle’s width by more than 100mm on either side.

4. A protruding component, object or fitting is not securely fitted.

5. A protruding object or fitting adversely affects the driver’s vision or control.

Note 1

The external projections requirements relate to the design and maintenance of objects and fittings that protrude from the exterior of the motor vehicle with regard to the safety of other motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The attachment of such objects and fittings to the vehicle is addressed in the Vehicle structure section of this manual.

Note 2

Components include damaged, corroded and exposed body panels.

Note 3

Ornamental object or fitting means any object or fitting that does not have a practical purpose.

Note 4

Functional object or fitting means an object or fitting that has a practical purpose, eg load restraints.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A motor vehicle may be fitted with a protruding ornamental or functional object or fitting.

Condition and performance

2. A protruding ornamental object or fitting must not be likely to injure a person.

3. A protruding object or fitting that has a functional purpose must be installed so that the risk of the object or fitting causing injury to a person is minimised.

4. Components of a motor vehicle, including damaged or corroded body panels, must be such that the risk of their hooking a vehicle, or hooking or grazing a person, is minimised.

5. A protruding object or fitting must not adversely affect driver vision or driver control.

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