Legality of work lamps

[Sgt Bilko]

Can anyone tell me what the legalities are of having a high-level spot lamp on your car. Not the "Hella" lamps types, but something similar to what rabbit hunters have - a movable/swivel type. Oh, and what the legalities are of having the lilt whilst moving on the public highway?

Cheers

[Burgmeister]

Not sure what the rules are regarding drinking while in charge. The lamp maybe a grey area as taxis often have similar to search out house numbers at night.

[Chrisgr31]

Burgmeister said:

Not sure what the rules are regarding drinking while in charge. The lamp maybe a grey area as taxis often have similar to search out house numbers at night.

So do the police! I have seen a police car driving past the car parks on Ashdown Forest at night with a light shining out from the roof bar into the car park.

[AndyRw]

Sgt Bilko said:

Can anyone tell me what the legalities are of having a high-level spot lamp... a movable/swivel type.

Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

12.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle to which, or to any load or equipment of which, there is fitted a lamp, reflector or marking which is capable of being moved by swivelling, deflecting or otherwise while the vehicle is in motion.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of-
(f) a work lamp;

Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 24 refers

27. No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.

10 - Work lamp :
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of any vehicle.
(b) Used so as to be lit except for the purpose of illuminating a working area, accident, breakdown or works in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Chrisgr31 said:

So do the police!

Yup... alley lights. Extremely handy for address finding, illuminating a job, providing lighting for a stop/search, etc...

[streaky]

Predates those regs too. I recall from my Motoring News rallying days (when Paddy Hopkirk reigned) that those swivelling lights that stuck to the windscreen (handily for the navigator) were illegal to use while moving - Streaky

[Sgt Bilko]

Ta!

[JustinP1]

Chrisgr31 said:

Burgmeister said:

Not sure what the rules are regarding drinking while in charge. The lamp maybe a grey area as taxis often have similar to search out house numbers at night.

So do the police! I have seen a police car driving past the car parks on Ashdown Forest at night with a light shining out from the roof bar into the car park.

They were 'off duty' going dogging.....