Vehicles first used before 1 April 1986 do not need to have hazard warning devices. For front position lamps, the following colour of light is acceptable: If position lamps are combined with direction indicators, position lamps may or may not switch off when the relevant direction indicator is flashing. The type of headlamp will determine whether the aim must be checked on dipped or main beam (see Diagrams 1, 2 and 3). If anyone hits him from behind due to the fact he has no break lights then they will be at fault as it would be difficult for them to prove his lights were faulty if his rear end was smashed up. In certain modern cars, brake light bulbs can be difficult to change with a new bulb. Still no brake lights. The person driving the car might not know he has an electrical fault and by reporting them you will make sure he does not cause an accident with another driver later on. Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds do not need hazard warning lamps. Connect the light switch to a good ground with a jumper wire and press the brake pedal. The italics then imply as the car was first registered in 1931, Rear Brake Lights are not required. 2 3. Along with charging Heien with cocaine trafficking, the officer cited Heien for a non-working brake light, and the state trial court agreed that the … You only need to inspect daytime running lamps (DRLs) fitted as original equipment to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018. Insurance companies determine who pays for what, not the Officer taking the report. And assuming there are no electrical gremlins it costs bugger all to remedy too. Ifyou're on the road behind them, get their license plate number and the make, model and color of the car, then call 911 to report them. I wouldn't just report them as they might not be aware they weren't working. 1796’ (The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989). Unfortunately I didnt get the chance to let the driver know, they looked like an ordinary old couple. And on most vehicles, the brake light system is usually a simple circuit that includes a brake light switch, the light bulbs or lamps, a fuse, and the wiring that connects these devices. I would feel rotten for reporting them but also worry they could cause an accident to themselves and other motorists. Tried it once at a cop shop a couple of miles and minutes after it happened. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Not to mention you won't get a report and you won't get an answer if you try to call for a refund. Obviously if you know the person you should have a quiet word with them but the situation you describe ( i.e., both brake lights not working) is an unroadworthy vehicle and someone is bound to smash into his rear end eventually. European manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have models that come with brake lights that can flash. The generally also have a circular lens marked with a figure ‘1’ followed by an arrow indicating the direction of dip. Difficulty changing brake light bulbs. The front position lamps may turn off when the headlamps or front fog lamps are switched on. you need to tell him they are not working this could cause an accident and it will not just be him that is involved it will be they guy who runs into the back of him. Determine the appropriate headlamp beam image and its aim (see Diagrams 1, 2 and 3). The function of a fog lamp must not be adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp. I'd suggest paying the fine and taking the points. Before 1989, your lights merely had to be “visible from a reasonable distance”. Class 3 vehicles do not need end-outline marker lamps. When the tail lights fail or do not function properly the car becomes a danger or hazard to self and others on the road. That standard remains good enough for the police. All stop lamps must light up immediately when the brake is applied and switch off immediately when the brake is released. Check of the rear light can be performed on your own as well as with the help of the car experts. Registration plate lamps must light up the rear registration plate. The brake light automatically comes on during braking. First of all, inspect the part visually: it should have no visible damages. These can be separate or a single pair of headlamps. If driver’s beam aim controls are fitted, you should test the beam aim without altering the control setting. Four of them on rear of caravan so its not bulb as they wouldnt all go at once. A direction indicator ‘tell-tale’ can be audible or visual. The direction indicator must flash amber only, with no white or red light. These can be separate or a single pair of headlamps. Sometimes it is not easy to determine if the self-levelling systems work. It is a good practice to diagnose lamps, electric circuit, fuse, relay coil. can be adapted to the current situation. Do I have to leave enough room for cars on...? If he had to make an emergency stop I would have had no time to react in time as his lights wouldn't show like they should. I have a mutter to myself then forget it. A bad brake switch is a really common problem when your brake lights are not working. In such cases you should give the benefit of the doubt. Criteria for European beam headlamp aim. ? If DRLs have been manually switched off, sometimes they do not light up until the vehicle is travelling faster than 10km/h (6.2mph) or the vehicle has travelled 100m (328ft). Report them. You must inspect the following lighting ‘tell-tales’: A main beam ‘tell-tale’ is only required on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986. Headlamp, position lamps, daytime running lamps, stop lamps, indicators, hazard warning lamps, fog lamps, reversing lamps, lighting ‘tell-tales’, trailer electrical socket, electrical wiring and battery rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests. You must inspect the ‘tell-tale’ for hazard warning lamps, which must be a flashing light. Along with a white front light, red rear reflector, and amber pedal reflectors, a red rear light is a legal requirement when riding at night. Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1991 that are wider than 2,100mm must have their end-outline marker lamps inspected. These vehicles do not need end-outline marker lamps. On vehicles fitted with a trailer 13 pin Euro-socket, use an approved device to check that the socket is wired to correctly operate the trailer: You must inspect all visible electrical wiring, other than on Class 3 vehicles. I suggest you forget it. What really annoys me is people who do not use their indicators. What else could it be. Daniel Doornbos. HID headlamps use high voltage. It is illegal to operate a vehicle on public roads without functioning brake lights. So I would try and give them a flash or find a way to let them know. You do not need to assess the trailer electrical socket if you need tools or specialist equipment to remove access panels in the bumper or bodywork to gain access to the socket. You must inspect all ‘mandatory’ headlamps fitted. If these systems have been fitted, they must work. You must inspect the registration plate lamps on all vehicles fitted with front and rear position lamps. Rear dogs being left on is annoying but no more so than people leaving their foot on the brake in traffic as brake lights are quite blinding, especially the led ones. Press the brake pedal to light up the stop lamps and operate all the other lamps in turn to see if the stop lamps are adversely affected. 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