Lights and the MOT
Discussion
Got a few questions about lights and MOT affecting a couple of cars, so figured I'd see if anyone knows by asking them all in one thread:
1) Does a cracked rear light = automatic fail? There isn't much of the plastic actually missing and I don't think (although I will double check) that there is any white light to the rear.
2) What would constitute a failure for headlight aim? The driver's side headlight seems to aim lower than it should. The level adjustment system is broken (control in the car that changes headlamp height to account for load in the back) irrepairably so I assume this is why.
3) If the vehicle originally had a 3rd brake light, does it need to be present / work / both for the purpose of a MOT?
1) Does a cracked rear light = automatic fail? There isn't much of the plastic actually missing and I don't think (although I will double check) that there is any white light to the rear.
2) What would constitute a failure for headlight aim? The driver's side headlight seems to aim lower than it should. The level adjustment system is broken (control in the car that changes headlamp height to account for load in the back) irrepairably so I assume this is why.
3) If the vehicle originally had a 3rd brake light, does it need to be present / work / both for the purpose of a MOT?
1, if there is white light to the rear then its an automatic fail. No mention of cracks though:
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_110.htm
2, I believe if the aim is out then its a fail but is easy to adjust - some places might do this for free.
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_180.htm
3. "Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter."
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_120.htm
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_110.htm
2, I believe if the aim is out then its a fail but is easy to adjust - some places might do this for free.
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_180.htm
3. "Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter."
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_120.htm
That website is extremely useful, didn't know about that!
based on the fact a stop lamp must be secure, and mine's held in with sellotape, I should probably remove and disconnect it prior to the test
KTF said:
3. "Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter."
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_120.htm
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_120.htm
based on the fact a stop lamp must be secure, and mine's held in with sellotape, I should probably remove and disconnect it prior to the test 1) At testers discretion really. Depends how bad it is and how it affects the light output, if even a sliver of the bulb is visible through the crack then expect a fail. But to be honest its not like most rear light clusters are expensive from ebay?
2) They should be able to adjust the aim for you manually to bring it back into line if it is deemed to be too far out. Expect a small labour cost here. Also againm this will be annoying other road users so why not get it fixed as a matter of course?
3) If it is there it needs to work. If it isnt it doesnt need to be tested and wont be mentioned on the MOT
From the tester's manual (available online)
Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter.
dip beam headlamps are aimed so they do not dazzle, ie the beam image brightest part is aimed at least 0.5% below the horizontal
or for headlamps which cannot be checked on dipped beam,
Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter.
dip beam headlamps are aimed so they do not dazzle, ie the beam image brightest part is aimed at least 0.5% below the horizontal
or for headlamps which cannot be checked on dipped beam,
Why will it be annoying other road users if the driver's headlight is too low but the passenger one is where it should be?
(I'm going to get it fixed / try to fix it myself, just curious)
The car with the cracked light isn't currently on the road, I'm going to check it over tonight and see if the light unit needs replacing.
(I'm going to get it fixed / try to fix it myself, just curious)
The car with the cracked light isn't currently on the road, I'm going to check it over tonight and see if the light unit needs replacing.
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