Windscreen Wiper / Washers legal requirement to fit?

[sherbertdip]

I've searched for the answer as to whether there is a legal requirement to have windscreen wipers and washers fitted if a windscreen is fitted.

I can only find details regarding them being in good condition/working to pass MOT.

I ask as I've got a kit car with an aeroscreen but would like to fit a full windscreen, however retro-fitting wipers/ washers is going to be difficult.

I'm really looking for an informed answer from MOT testers, not in depth discussions as to why I'm asking.

Ta

[grimmac]

..........every vehicle fitted with a windscreen shall, unless the driver can obtain an adequate view to the front of the vehicle without looking through the windscreen, be fitted with one or more efficient automatic windscreen wiper........

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regul...

[surveyor_101]

you need a front wiper/s and washer but rear is optional

[sherbertdip]

Many thanks for a speedy and informative reply. I was aware of the Road Vehicle Construction and Use Legislation, it is part and parcel of passing the IVA, i just wondered if it was also a requirement for an MOT, it probably is, but there are some instances where items are required for IVA yet are not part of MOT.

ETA: IVA can also be very subjective - as in depends upon tester as to what is ok or not.

Edited by sherbertdip on Wednesday 13th January 13:46

[marshalla]

MOT tester's manual : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

Section 8.2 is the relevant one.

There must be some way of giving the driver an unimpeded view if there is a windscreen fitted. It doesn't have to be wipers & washers.

(but be prepared for an argument with the tester if they aren't familiar with alternatives)

[vanordinaire]

Should be easy enough to fit a series Landrover single motor with wiper .

[url]

Or a set from a 2CV?

[sherbertdip]

marshalla said:

MOT tester's manual : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

Section 8.2 is the relevant one.

There must be some way of giving the driver an unimpeded view if there is a windscreen fitted. It doesn't have to be wipers & washers.

Now that is what i was looking for, brilliant - thanks.

Looks like scuttle off, drilling and wiring shall commence!

[marshalla]

sherbertdip said:

Now that is what i was looking for, brilliant - thanks.

Looks like scuttle off, drilling and wiring shall commence!

Or fit a foldable windscreen and leave it DOWN for the test.

[sherbertdip]

Lateral thinking - i like that!

[over_the_hill]

marshalla said:

sherbertdip said:

Now that is what i was looking for, brilliant - thanks.

Looks like scuttle off, drilling and wiring shall commence!

Or fit a foldable windscreen and leave it DOWN for the test.

Or fit something interchangeable so you can put a screen on most of the time but swap it for the aero-screen come test time.

[imagineifyeswill]

If the windscreen can open or fold flat then no wipers or washers required, otherwise yes both must be fitted. Its only been a legal requirement for screenwashers to be fitted at manufacture since 1934, but it is the only condition that has ever been applied retrospectively for the purpose of MOT test and as such all vehicles with non opening or folding screens must have washers fitted. I personally think there could be an argument in law on this point as when testing vintage and veteran cars you cannot apply standards that didnt exist when the were built.

[sherbertdip]

over_the_hill said:

Or fit something interchangeable so you can put a screen on most of the time but swap it for the aero-screen come test time.

Indeed that is one option and others have done the same albeit it having a spare scuttle with windscreen or aeroscreens fitted.

[starf]

Is it a requirement to have a windscreen at all?

ETA - Meaning could you have it MOTed without a windscreen, then fit it afterwards.

[sherbertdip]

starf said:

Is it a requirement to have a windscreen at all?

ETA - Meaning could you have it MOTed without a windscreen, then fit it afterwards.

No it isn't, a lot of builders have their cars IVA'd with aeroscreens then fit windscreens afterwards, this is partly why I aimed my question at MOTs.

Another trick is to fit an IVA compliant steering wheel then take it off and put a non-padded wheel on, there are lots of things that are a requirement to pass IVA but not tested afterwards, that is a whole discussion topic as the leagalities of such things.

[Tom_C76]

I know a lot of people IVA cars with aeroscreens then fit full screens later, but that's normally to avoid the need for demisting kit. That is an IVA requirement but not an MOT one, and can be dealt with relatively easily in a small cockpit with a cloth or pad.

Wipers on the other hand are pretty much essential the first time you get caught out in bad weather so why risk it?

[over_the_hill]

sherbertdip said:

starf said:

Is it a requirement to have a windscreen at all?

ETA - Meaning could you have it MOTed without a windscreen, then fit it afterwards.

No it isn't, a lot of builders have their cars IVA'd with aeroscreens then fit windscreens afterwards, this is partly why I aimed my question at MOTs.

Another trick is to fit an IVA compliant steering wheel then take it off and put a non-padded wheel on, there are lots of things that are a requirement to pass IVA but not tested afterwards, that is a whole discussion topic as the leagalities of such things.

But if builders didn't have screens how would they keep all of their errh 'equipment' in place

[Jim1556]

Tom_C76 said:

<snip>
Wipers on the other hand are pretty much essential the first time you get caught out in bad weather so why risk it?

This!

Why would you not want to be able to clear a bug, bird droppings or spray from the car in front when you're out n about?

I suppose you could always stop and clear it, but let's say the sun was low, car in front washes their windscreen and you get some greasy drops on yours - all of a sudden, zero visibilty...

[BobSaunders]

Speak to the MOT station as to what they will allow.

My kit car had no windscreen/frame, but i left the windscreen wipers in place. I was advised to remove the wipers, because with them i would need a windscreen.

I would just remove the aeroscreen for the MOT.

[Hooli]

Jim1556 said:

Tom_C76 said:

<snip>
Wipers on the other hand are pretty much essential the first time you get caught out in bad weather so why risk it?

This!

Why would you not want to be able to clear a bug, bird droppings or spray from the car in front when you're out n about?

I suppose you could always stop and clear it, but let's say the sun was low, car in front washes their windscreen and you get some greasy drops on yours - all of a sudden, zero visibilty...

Us bikers manage without wipers on our visors, it's much the same.

[marshalla]

Jim1556 said:

This!

Why would you not want to be able to clear a bug, bird droppings or spray from the car in front when you're out n about?

I suppose you could always stop and clear it, but let's say the sun was low, car in front washes their windscreen and you get some greasy drops on yours - all of a sudden, zero visibilty...

And then you look over the top of the screen, or drop it flat on the bonnet...