Headlight dim-dip requirements

[kenmorton]

Can anyone explain what are the exact requirements for dim-dip headlights for the road vehicle lighting regulations for kit cars.

Extract as follows :


SCHEDULE 3
(Regulations 18 and 20)





PART I


requirements relating to obligatory dim-dip devices and running lamps
1. A dim-dip device fitted to satisfy regulation 18 shall cause light to be emitted from the dipped-beam filament of each obligatory dipped-beam headlamp, each such light having, so far as is practicable, an intensity of between 10 and 20 per cent of the intensity of the normal dipped beam.
2. Running lamps fitted to satisfy regulation 18 shall be in the form of a matched pair of front lamps, each of which-


(a) is fitted in a position in which an obligatory front position lamp may lawfully be fitted, and


(b) is capable of emitting white light to the front having an intensity of not less than 200 candelas, measured from directly in front of the centre of the lamp in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and of not more than 800 candelas in any direction.
3. The electrical connections to the obligatory dim-dip device or running lamps, as the case may be, shall be such that the light output specified in paragraph 1 or 2 above is emitted automatically whenever-


(a) the engine of the vehicle is running, or the key or devices which control the starting or stopping of the engine are in the normal position for driving the vehicle, and


(i) the obligatory position lamps, but not the headlamps, of the vehicle are switched on, or


(ii) the obligatory position lamps are switched off.




PART II


REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL DIM-DIP DEVICES AND RUNNING LAMPS
There is no requirement relating to an optional dim-dip device or an optional running lamp

I can't find any mention of this in the S.V.A. manual so can I just wire up side lights and dip/main headlights ?

[Avocet]

You don't need it any more. Dim-dip was a peculiar British requirement from about (I think) 1986 to about 1992-ish. When we all signed up for a common EC-based type approval scheme, none of our continental brethren thought it was a good idea so it was binned (along with France's weird yellow headlights!). The EC rules over-rode the UK ones and they became redundant.