Lighting
4-6 Forward-facing position lamps
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. One pair of lamps is not fitted to:
a) a motorcycle first registered in new Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that exceeds 1.5m in width, or
b) a motorcycle that exceeds 2m in width.
2. A motorcycle is fitted with more than:
a) one pair of lamps, or
b) two single lamps.
3. A motorcycle (eg a vintage or veteran motorcycle) does not meet standard forward-facing position lamp requirements, and:
a) does not have a valid vehicle identity card with a lighting equipment endorsement, or
b) does not meet the conditions of the lighting equipment endorsement in its vehicle identity card.
4. A retrofitted lamp is mounted 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 motorcycle).
5. A retrofitted pair of lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the motorcycle as is practicable.
Condition
6. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, contains moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.
7. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
8. A lamp’s reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
Performance
9. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp does not operate.
10. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp emits a light that is:
a) not substantially white or amber, or
b) not diffuse, or
c) not projected to the front, 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 be visible from 200m in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source
g) is altered, eg due to damage or modification.
11. A mandatory lamp that is not OE and not mounted in the original position emits a light that is not visible within (Figure 4-6-1):
a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or
b) 45˚ inboard and 80˚ outboard.
12. A mandatory lamp’s visibility angles are reduced due to modification of the motorcycle so that emitted light is not visible within:
a) 15˚ above and below the horizontal, or
b) 45˚ inboard and 80˚ outboard.
13. An overlay has been applied that reduces or distorts the light emitted from the lamp (eg a tinted cover).
14. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1 Definitions
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.
An original equipment (OE) lamp is one that is fitted by the vehicle manufacturer in the original position, or is an equivalent replacement or aftermarket lamp suitable for the position provided by the vehicle manufacturer for that lamp.
All other lamps are considered retrofitted (ie non-OE).
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 (including cab roof lamp).
Note 2
A vehicle originally manufactured with a forward-facing position lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original forward-facing position lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
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.
Figure 4-6-1. Forward-facing position lamp beam angles
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. One pair of lamps must be fitted to:
a) a motorcycle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that exceeds 1.5m in width
b) a motorcycle that exceeds 2m in width.
2. One or two lamps may be fitted to:
a) a motorcycle that does not exceed 1.5m in width
b) a motorcycle first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978 that does not exceed 2m in width.
3. A motorcycle (eg a vintage or veteran motorcycle) manufactured without lamps, or with lamps that cannot meet specified requirements, may obtain a WoF if:
a) the motorcycle has a valid vehicle identity card with a lighting equipment endorsement, and
b) the motorcycle meets the conditions of that endorsement.
4. A retrofitted pair of lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the motorcycle as practicable.
5. A retrofitted lamp must be mounted 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 motorcycle, not exceeding 2.1m.
Condition
6. A forward-facing position lamp must:
a) be in sound condition, and
b) not be obscured (if a mandatory lamp).
Performance
7. A forward-facing position lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.
8. A lamp must emit a light that is:
a) diffuse, and
b) substantially white or amber, and
c) steady, and
d) sufficient to indicate to other road users the presence and dimensions of the motorcycle, and
e) visible from 200 m in normal darkness, and
f) of approximately equal intensity and colour to the other lamp of a pair.
9. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.
Modifications
10. A forward-facing position lamp that is affected by a modification must meet the equipment, condition and performance requirements.
Page amended 2 December 2019 (see amendment details).