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 vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that exceeds 1.5m in width, or
b) a vehicle that exceeds 2m in width.
2. A vehicle is fitted with more than:
a) one pair of lamps (other than top-mounted lamps), or
b) two single lamps, or
c) one pair of top-mounted lamps.
3. A retrofitted lamp, other than a top-mounted 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 vehicle).
4. A pair of top-mounted lamps is not fitted as close as is practicable to the top corners of the bodywork.
5. A retrofitted pair of lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle 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.
9. A mandatory lamp is obscured.
Performance
10. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp does not operate.
11. When switched on, a forward-facing position lamp emits a light that is not:
a) substantially white or amber, or
b) diffuse, or
c) projected to the front, or
d) approximately equal in colour or intensity to the other lamp in a pair, or
e) steady, or
f) bright enough to be visible from 200m in normal darkness, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or an incorrect light source.
12. A non-OE mandatory lamp mounted outside 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 or 80° outboard.
13. A modification to the vehicle has reduced the visibility angles of a mandatory lamp to less than (Figure 4-6-1):
a) 15° above and below the horizontal, or
b) 45° inboard or 80° outboard.
14. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1
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
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).
Note 3
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.
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 vehicle first registered in new Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that exceeds 1.5m in width, or
b) a vehicle that exceeds 2m in width.
2. One or two lamps may be fitted to:
a) a vehicle that does not exceed 1.5m in width, or
b) a vehicle first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978 that does not exceed 2m in width.
3. A retrofitted pair of lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
4. 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 vehicle, not exceeding 2.1m.
5. A vehicle may be fitted with one additional pair of forward-facing position lamps that must be symmetrically mounted as far towards the top corners of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).
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 vehicle, and
e) visible from 200m in normal darkness, and
f) of approximately equal intensity and colour to the other lamp of a pair.
9. A mandatory lamp must be visible within angles of:
a) 15° above and below the horizontal, and
b) 45° inboard, and
c) 80° outboard.
10. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.