The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

[Fanum]

It's bloody hard going isn't it

I always understood that any auxilliary lights fitted to a motorcycle (specifically, although also to cars) have to comply with various rules, as contained in the The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.

These rules include lots of measurements, both minimum and maximum in relation to WHERE the lights can be fitted (fair enough) and in which direction they can shine (also fair enough)

HOWEVER......

I was convinced that any auxiliary lights have to be able to be turned off, as a pair, independently from the main/dip beam.

The only part I can find that might relate to this is the line (under several categories of lights) which says:

they shall be capable of being switched on and off simultaneously and not otherwise.

Which in its context, seems to say that you must not be able to turn off the left lamp for example, leaving the right lamp on.

I can't find anything that clearly relates to having to be able to turn off Auxilliary lights INDEPENDENTLY of the main or dip beam

I know it sounds trivial, but for something we've got planned, it's actually quite important, and it would make fitting lights for EVERYONE rather simpler, if a separate switch is not REQUIRED.


Anyone know these regs?
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/contents/made



I thank you

 

[Pablo1]

Motobozzo switch

Google it hope it helps,

 

[Fanum]

Google it hope it helps,

Thanks, but not why I was looking.

I can supply any number of switches, I was searching to see if I could find out (in the official regs) if a switch is ACTUALLY NEEDED

From reading the regs, I can't find anything to say that one is, which is the opposite of what I thought, and opposite to the conventional wisdom here on numerous threads about fitting aux lights

 

[Schtum]

I've had lots of car fitted with auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps over the years. I've always had the fogs switched and relayed but just had the driving lamp relays switched by main beam. Never had any problems at MOT time or with the officers of the law.....

That's the way I'm planning on fitting FF50s and Micro DEs to the GS, if I ever get round to it.

 

[Myke Rocks]

The general rules regarding the switching of auxiliary lights.

The general rules regarding the switching of auxiliary lights are as follows:

Foglights:
Only for use with sidelights or dipped beam of headlight(s)
If side or dip beams are extinguished, foglights must extinguish.
If Main beam is selected, foglights must extinguish.
An auxiliary switch and on indication is to be fitted to enable the vehicle to be used without foglights.
Permitted useage: Only in conditions of fog or falling snow, when visibility is less than 200 metres.

Driving lights and Spotlights:
May only be used when main beam is selected.
If side or dip beams are selected, Driving or spotlights must extinguish.
An auxiliary switch and on indication is to be fitted to enable the vehicle to be used without Driving or spotlights.
Permitted useage: As per main beam.

Myke

 

[ghiribizzo]

100 metres Myke...

 

[columbus]

In general For motorcycles fog lamps (front or rear)are optional lamps not obligatory, unlike the regs for other vehicle types. Driving lamps are also optional. Side lights dipped and main beam are obligatory.

Optional fog and driving lamps can only be used in conjunction with obligatory lamps but only in certain circumstances, hence the reason for fog lights and driving lights being switched to allow them to operate when the circumstances require them.

If you go to each individual type of lamp specified in the regs and follow it through to the appendicies/schedules you will get the answer. Just do try it on an iPhone cos its really small and awkward

 

[red1]

I'm sure there is also a bit in the regs about "only fitted in pairs" and used in pairs. Not sure if that applies to bikes or just cars.
Remember it because buses used to get away with one rear light on the offside due to open boarding platform.
(trick question)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[LOLGEOFF]

What about Audis and others where the fairy lights dim or go off one side when the indicators are used?

 

[Womble]

Isn't that more a case of they are designed to turn the indicator on when the headlamp has failed? This acts as a marker, otherwise there'd only be one lamp, so there's less chance of people thinking it's a bike. It's more of a failure condition and therefore would be an exception to the rules.