Lighting
4-6 Forward-facing position lamps
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A vehicle more than 2m wide is not fitted with one pair of lamps.
2. A self-propelled vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that is more than 1.5m wide is not fitted with one pair of lamps.
3. A vehicle is fitted with:
a) more than one lamp or one pair of lamps, or
b) a single lamp that is on the left side of the vehicle.
4. A retrofitted pair of lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.
5. A pair of top-mounted lamps, if fitted, is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards the top corners of the bodywork as is practicable.
6. A lamp is not positioned to the front of the vehicle.
Condition
7. A lamp is insecure or, if a mandatory lamp, is obscured or contains visible moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles.
8. A lens is missing or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
9. A lamp’s reflector is damaged or deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
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.
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
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.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory and permitted equipment
1. A vehicle exceeding 2m in width must be fitted with one pair of lamps.
2. A self-propelled vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that is more that 1.5m wide must be fitted with one pair of lamps.
3. A self-propelled vehicle less than 2m wide or first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978, or a trailer less than 2m wide, may be fitted with:
a) one lamp on the right side of the vehicle, or
b) one pair of lamps.
4. A retrofitted pair of lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is 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 vehicle, not exceeding 2.1m.
6. A self-propelled vehicle or a heavy trailer may be fitted with one additional pair of forward-facing position lamps. These must be symmetrically mounted as far towards the top corners of the vehicle as is practicable (top-mounted lamps).
Condition
7. A forward-facing position lamp must not be obscured (if a mandatory lamp).
Performance
8. A forward-facing position lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.
9. 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.
10. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.