Lighting
4-13 Rear-reflectors
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A group M or N vehicle:
a) is not fitted with at least one red rearward-facing reflector on each side, or
b) is fitted with a red rearward-facing reflector that is not in a pair.
2. A class LE vehicle is not fitted with at least one red rearward-facing reflector.
3. A reflector is not positioned to the rear of the vehicle.
4. A retrofitted reflector 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).
5. A retrofitted pair of reflectors is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
Condition
6. A mandatory reflector’s ability to reflect light is affected by excessive:
a) fading, or
b) scratching or other damage.
7. A mandatory reflector is obscured.
Performance
8. The reflected light from a mandatory reflector is not visible from 100m.
9. A rearward-facing reflector on a vehicle reflects white light shining on it as anything other than red light (this does not apply to reflective material such as conspicuity/reflective tape).
10. The reflected light from a reflector is not red.
11. An overlay has been applied that reduces or distorts the light emitted from the lamp (eg a tinted cover).
Note 1 Definitions
Reflector means a distinct item of lighting equipment that is designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, but does not include reflective material (such as reflective tape).
Reflective material means any material that is designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source and includes reflective tape, but does not include a reflector.
Note 2
A vehicle originally manufactured with a rear reflector arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original rear reflectors provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Figure 4-13-1. Reflector vs reflective material
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A group M or N vehicle must be fitted with at least one pair of rearward-facing reflectors 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.
2. A class LE vehicle must be fitted with at least one rearward-facing reflector that reflects light that is visible from 100m.
3. A rearward-facing reflector must be positioned to the rear of the vehicle.
4. A reflector must be of an area that allows it to reflect light to improve the visibility of the vehicle to other road users, but it must not cause them undue dazzle or discomfort.
5. A retrofitted pair of reflectors must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
Condition
6. A mandatory reflector must be in good condition and not be obscured.
Performance
7. A reflector must operate in a way that is appropriate for the reflector and the vehicle.
8. A reflector must reflect white light as substantially red light.
9. A reflector must provide sufficient light reflection to fulfil its intended purpose.
Modifications
10. A rear reflector that is affected by a modification:
a) must meet equipment, condition and performance requirements, and
b) does not require LVV specialist certification.
Page amended 2 December 2019 (see amendment details).