Front And Rear Position Lamps, Registration Plate Lamps, Front & Rear Fog Lamp, Reversing Lamp, Daytime Running Lamps, End Outline And Side Marker Lamps
Form Number: DVT 899
Issue: 8
Origin: DVT
Review: Jan 2028
Information
This Inspection applies to all vehicles, except those used only during the hours of daylight, and which:
• Are not fitted with any front or rear position lamps, or
• Have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked.
If no front or rear position lamps are fitted to a vehicle, there is no legal requirement to fit any other lamp.
Obligatory Front Position Lamps (Side Lamps)
Lamps required by Regulations to be fitted to a vehicle to indicate its presence and width when viewed from the front.
They must show a steady white to the front, or a yellow light if incorporated in a headlamp, which emits yellow light.
The light must be visible from a reasonable distance.
On vehicles fitted with dim-dip headlamp systems, the front position lamps must be checked for operation with the ignition switched off. This may involve the operation of a separate switch.
Daytime running lamps (DRLs) or headlamps may function as front position lamps. If the DRLs function as front position lamps, they should dim when rear position lamps are switched on and may turn off when headlamps are switched on.
The front position lamps may also extinguish when the front fog lamps are illuminated.
Two front position lamps are required on all vehicles except three wheeled mopeds, tricycles, light quadricycles and quadricycles if the maximum vehicle width is 1300 mm or less, then only one is required.
Where one is fitted it must be mounted centrally, or if adjacent to another lamp (e.g. main beam lamp) they must be mounted symmetrically about the centre.
Where two is fitted, they must be symmetrical.
Obligatory Rear Position Lamps (Rear Lamps)
Lamps required by Regulations to be fitted to a vehicle to indicate its presence and width when viewed from the rear.
They must show a steady red light to the rear, visible from a reasonable distance.
Two rear position lamps are required on all vehicles except three wheeled mopeds, tricycles, light quadricycles and quadricycles if the maximum vehicle width is 1300 mm or less, then only one is required.
Where one is fitted it must be mounted centrally.
Where two is fitted, they must be symmetrically.
Combined Lamps
Stop Lamps or Direction Indicators may be combined in the same lamp housing as Front and Rear Position Lamps (ref Reason for Rejection 5e). If position lamps are combined with direction indicators, position lamps may or may not switch off when the relevant direction indicator is flashing.
Number Plate Lamps
Number plate lamps are the lamps that illuminate the rear registration plate. Some vehicles may have these lamps fitted behind the plate. Where more than one rear registration plate lamp, or bulb, is fitted, as original equipment, any one inoperative lamp or bulb may be a reason for rejection.
Three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles do not require number plate lamps.
Rear Fog Lamps
The inspection of rear fog lamps is confined to the one rear fog lamp, which is required to be fitted to the Centre or offside of vehicles, first used on or after 1 November 1980. Three wheeled mopeds, light quadricycles, tricycles and quadricycles are not required to have a rear fog lamp fitted.
On some vehicles the front fog lamps need to be switched on before the rear fog lamp(s) will work.
A rear fog lamps are permitted to operate independently of any other lamps or ignition systems.
Rear fog lamps must show a steady red light to the rear.
Front Fog Lamps
This inspection only applies to front fog lamps where fitted to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018
Front fog lamps are permitted to operate independently of any other lamps or ignition systems.
Front fog lamps must show a steady white or yellow light to the front.
End Outline Marker Lamps
The inspection of end outline marker lamps applies to the obligatory marker lamps fitted to
Vehicles first used from 24 January 1996 that are more than 2.1 m wide.
• These are not required on vehicles designed to carry demountable bodies if the overall width without the body fitted is less than 2.1 m.
• The front lamp and the rear lamp may be combined.
• The rear marker lamps on vehicles such as tippers and tankers and those designed to carry demountable bodies may be fitted at chassis level.
• It is not acceptable for the rear position light to be used additionally as a marker lamp. A separate lamp must be fitted.
There must be two white lamps visible from the front positioned at windscreen upper edge level or higher and two red lamps visible from the rear, positioned as high as is practicable.
Side Marker Lamps
The inspection of side marker lamps applies to obligatory marker lamps fitted to Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1997, more than 6m long, excluding Passenger Vehicles.
Two or more marker lamps must be fitted at each side of to ensure that the following is complied with
• Maximum distance of the foremost marker lamp from the front of the vehicle is 4m.
• Maximum distance of the rearmost marker lamp from the rear of the vehicle is 1m.
Maximum distance between the light emitting surface of adjacent marker lamps is 3m or if this is not practical 4m.
Daytime Running Lamps
This inspection applies to daytime running lamps (DRLs) fitted as original equipment on motor vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018. Three wheeled mopeds, light quadricycles, tricycles and quadricycles are not required to have DRL’s fitted.
Note: Some vehicle models manufactured after 1 March 2018 may not have DRLs fitted if the same vehicle model was in production prior to 1 March 2018.
Reversing Lamps
This inspection applies to all reversing lamps required on vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009. Three wheeled mopeds, light quadricycles, tricycles and quadricycles are not required to have reversing lamps fitted.
Reversing lamps must show a white light to the rear.
One or two reversing lamps may be fitted, but they must all work.
Buses over 6m in length may have four reversing lamps which may be:
• all showing white light to the rear
• two showing white light to the rear and one on each side.
Reversing lamps must operate automatically when reverse gear is selected and extinguish when reverse gear is deselected.
Note: Vehicles issued with a Department’s Approval Certificate (IVA) may have reversing lamps that operate manually by a separate switch.
Method of Inspection
Obligatory Front And Rear Position Lamps
1. Check that two front and two rear position lamps are fitted to the vehicle, one of each on each side.
2. Check the presence, condition, security and operation of the switch.
3. Check that the front and rear position lamps illuminate with a single operation of the switch.
4. Check that the front and rear position lamps show light of the correct colour.
5. Check that the lamps
a. Are complete, in good working order and clean;
b. Are secure, not obscured, and face to the front or rear as appropriate; At least 50% of each lamp must be visible from the front or rear as appropriate
c. Do not flicker when tapped lightly by hand.
d. Are not adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp (see combined lamp section above)
e. Are not obviously out of position
Number Plate Lamps
6. With the front and rear position lamps switched on, check that the rear registration plate lamp(s)
• Is fitted
• Is secure
• illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps
• Is working
• Is correctly position
• Does not flicker when tapped lightly by hand; and
• Does not show white light to the rear
(See information: Multiple Number Plate Lights)
Rear Fog Lamps
7. With dipped headlamps and the ignition switched on, operate the rear fog lamp switch and check that a rear fog lamp
a. the presence, security and operation of the switch
b. the presence and operation of the ‘tell-tale’.
Note: Some ‘tell-tales’ may be in the form of a coloured tag on a switch.
8. with the rear fog lamp(s) switched on check that the fog lamp:
a. is securely fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle
b. is working
c. is not obscured
d. is in good condition
Note: An effective proprietary repair (e.g. lens repair tape etc.) must be assessed on its merits, considering security, colour, light output and durability.
e. shows light of the correct colour
f. is not adversely affected by the operation of other lamps
Front Fog Lamps
9. With dipped headlamps and the ignition switched on, operate the front fog lamps switch and check the front fog lamps for:
a. security and operation of the switch
b. presence and operation of the ‘tell-tale’.
Note: Some ‘tell-tales’ may be in the form of a coloured tag on a switch.
10. with the front fog lamps switched on check that the fog lamps:
a. are securely fitted.
b. are working
c. are not obscured
d. are in good condition
e. shows light of the correct colour
End Outline Marker Lamps (Where Required)
11. With the front and rear position lamps switched on, check that the end outline marker lamps
• are fitted and in good condition
• are securely fitted to the vehicle, two on the front and two on the rear.
• are working and illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps
• are correctly positioned and not obscured
• Are not adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp
• do not flicker when tapped lightly by hand; and
• do not show white light to the rear or red to the front
Side Marker Lamps (Where Required)
12. With the front and rear position lamps switched on, check that the side marker lamps
• are fitted
• are secure
• are working
• are correctly position
• do not flicker when tapped lightly by hand; and
• are amber in colour (may be red if fitted within 1m from the rear)
Daytime Running Lamps
13. Check that there are only 2 daytime running lamps (DRL) fitted and are white in colour.
14. Check operation of DRL’s where practical.
Note: DRLs must switch on and off with the ignition or its equivalent, however, DRLs may not operate when the parking brake is applied, or when the park position is selected on automatic transmissions. They may also be manually switched off, in some cases they may not illuminate until the vehicle speed exceeds 10km/h (6.2mph) or the vehicle has travelled 100m (328ft).
Note: When separate from indicator lamp, DRLs may dim or extinguish (but must not flash) when indicator is activated.
Reversing Lamps
15. Check the operation and security of the reversing lamp(s)
16. Check condition of the reversing lamp lens
Reason for Rejection
Obligatory Front And Rear Position Lamps
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | An obligatory position lamp missing | MAJOR | |
| 2 | A switch missing, insecure, faulty or not able to be operated from the normal driving position | MAJOR | |
| 3 | The front and rear position lamps do not illuminate with a single operation of the switch | MAJOR | |
| 4 | a | A front position lamp shows a light other than white to the front, (or yellow if incorporated in a yellow headlamp) | MAJOR |
| b | A rear position lamp shows a light other than red to the rear, Note: Some front position lamps have a blue tinge to the light. This is acceptable provided the light is predominantly white. | MAJOR | |
| 5 | A front or rear position lamp | ||
| a | Incomplete, not in good working order or not clear. Note: An effective proprietary repair (e.g. lens repair tape, etc) must be assessed on its merits, considering security, colour, light output and durability. | MAJOR | |
| b | Not securely attached. | MINOR | |
| c | Likely to become detached, obscured, or does not face to the front or rear or side as appropriate. | MAJOR | |
| d | Flicker when tapped lightly by hand. | ||
| e | Adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp, (see combined lamp section above) | MAJOR | |
| f | Obviously incorrectly positioned | MAJOR | |
| g | Reduced light intensity with more than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| h | inoperative or less than 50% of the light sources illuminating *(one inoperative where more than one is fitted) | *MINOR / MAJOR | |
| i | obscured so that less than 50% of the lamp illuminating surface is visible from the front or rear as appropriate | MAJOR | |
| j | not visible from a reasonable distance due to excessive damage, deterioration, or having products on the lens or light source | MAJOR |
Number Plate Lamps
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | A rear registration plate lamp | ||
| a | Does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps | MINOR | |
| b | Not fitted | MAJOR | |
| c | Insecure | MINOR | |
| d | Defective forming part of a multiple lamp or light source | MINOR | |
| e | Defective where it is the only lamp or light source | MINOR | |
| f | Not illuminating the rear number plate | MINOR | |
| g | Flickers when tapped lightly by hand | MINOR | |
| h | Shows white light directly to the rear | MINOR |
Rear Fog Lamp
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | A mandatory rear fog lamp | ||
| a | switch missing, insecure, faulty, or not able to be operated from the normal driving position | MAJOR | |
| b | ‘tell-tale’ missing or inoperative. | MINOR | |
| c | missing, obviously incorrectly positioned or does not face to the rear | MAJOR | |
| d | not securely attached | MINOR | |
| e | Likely to become detached | MAJOR | |
| f | Reduced light intensity with more than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| g | inoperative or less than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| h | obscured so that less than 50% of the lamp illuminating surface is visible from the rear | MAJOR | |
| i | not visible from a reasonable distance due to excessive damage, deterioration, or having products on the lens or light source | MAJOR | |
| j | shows other than a steady red light to the rear | MAJOR | |
| k | adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp | MAJOR |
Front Fog Lamp
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | A front fog lamps: | ||
| a | switch missing, insecure, faulty, or not able to be operated from the normal driving position | MAJOR | |
| b | ‘tell-tale’ missing or inoperative | MINOR | |
| c | obviously incorrectly positioned or does not face to the front | MAJOR | |
| d | not securely attached | MINOR | |
| e | likely to become detached | MAJOR | |
| f | reduced light intensity with more than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| g | inoperative or less than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| h | shows other than a steady white or yellow light to the front | MAJOR | |
| i | lens defective | MINOR |
End Outline Marker Lamps (Where Required)
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | An end outline marker lamp: | ||
| a | does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps | MAJOR | |
| b | missing, obviously incorrectly positioned or does not face to the front or rear as appropriate | MAJOR | |
| c | not securely attached | MINOR | |
| d | likely to become detached | MAJOR | |
| e | reduced light intensity with more than 50% of the light sources illuminating | MINOR | |
| f | inoperative or less than 50% of the light sources illuminating *(one inoperative where more than one is fitted) | *MINOR / MAJOR | |
| g | obscured so that less than 50% of the lamp illuminating surface is visible from the front or rear as appropriate | MAJOR | |
| h | not visible from a reasonable distance due to excessive damage, deterioration, or having products on the lens or light source | MAJOR | |
| i | shows a light other than red to the rear and white to the front | MAJOR | |
| j | adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp. | MAJOR | |
| k | Flickers when tapped lightly by hand | MINOR |
Side Marker Lamps (Where Required)
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | A side marker lamp: | ||
| a | missing, obviously incorrectly positioned | MAJOR | |
| b | obscured so that less than 50% of the lamp illuminating surface is visible | MAJOR | |
| c | not securely attached | MINOR | |
| d | likely to become detached | MAJOR | |
| e | not working, *(one not working where more than one is fitted) | *MINOR / MAJOR | |
| f | Flickers when tapped lightly by hand | MINOR | |
| g | Shows light of incorrect colour | MAJOR |
Daytime Running Lamps
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Lamp: | ||
| a | Emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | MINOR | |
| b | Missing or inoperative | MAJOR | |
| c | Showing red light to the front, white light to the rear | MAJOR | |
| d | Defective Lens | MAJOR | |
| e | Likely to become detached | MAJOR | |
| f | When separate from indicator lamp, DRL flashes during indicator activation. | MAJOR |
Reversing Lamps
| Reason for Rejection | Deficiency Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | A reversing lamp missing or inoperative. | MINOR | |
| 13 | A reversing lamp lens defective. | MINOR | |
| 14 | A reversing lamp: | ||
| a | not securely attached | MINOR | |
| b | likely to become detached. | MAJOR | |
| c | does not extinguish when reverse gear is deselected. Note: This does not apply to vehicles issued with a Department’s Approval Certificate (IVA). | MAJOR | |
| d | emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | MAJOR |