Vision
5-3 Windscreen wipe and wash
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. A vehicle that has a windscreen is not fitted with a windscreen wipe system.
2. A vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1960 is fitted with wipers that are not power driven.
Condition
Windscreen wipe system
3. The wiper operating device is missing.
4. A wiper arm or wiper blade is:
a) missing, or
b) insecure, or
c) damaged so as to affect the performance of the wipers.
5. The wiper operating mechanism is:
a) missing, or
b) insecure, or
c) damaged so as to affect the performance of the wipers.
Windscreen wash system
6. A wash system component is missing or insecure.
7. The wash operating device is missing.
Performance
Windscreen wipe system
8. A windscreen wiper does not wipe the windscreen effectively, preventing adequate forward vision by the driver.
9. The wipe operating device is unable to activate the wipe system.
Windscreen wash system
10. A windscreen wash nozzle does not discharge washer liquid directly onto the windscreen.
11. The wash operating device is unable to activate the wash system.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A vehicle that is fitted with a windscreen must have a windscreen wipe system.
2. Windscreen wipers must be power driven, unless they follow OE specifications in a vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1960.
Permitted equipment
3. A vehicle may be fitted with a wash system.
Condition
4. A vehicle’s windscreen wipe and wash system must be efficient and within the vehicle manufacturer’s operating limits.
Performance
5. The equipment fitted must be capable of keeping an adequate area of the windscreen clean and clear so that the vehicle may be operated safely under all reasonably foreseeable conditions.