Side lights and the law

[craigjm]

What is the legal situation regarding side lights on a car? Can a car pass an MOT without them?

[Vipers]

From what I remember. The old Land Rovers had their headlights either on the grill or near it, and side lights are to indicate the width of the vehicle, so I think if they don't work it's a fail.

[mcford]

It can, provided that the car is only used during day light hours and not under conditions of seriously reduced visibility and the MOT paperwork must be endorsed as such.

[craigjm]

Would it be possible for the halos on a set of headlights like the BMW angel eyes to operate as the side lights and it be legal for an MOT?

[Vipers]

From the HC.

See rule 249.

All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h). Law RVLR reg 24

See -

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=967...

Also

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

Edited by Vipers on Friday 27th May 19:26

[craigjm]

Hmm the sidelights are under the bumper on my car and I want to get rid of them. Trying to think of a way of integrating them into the headlamps and wondering if an Angel Eye type halo that illuminates when the side lights are turned on and goes out when the main lights are on would be legal. Need to ask an MOT test centre I guess as the rules are not clear.

[xjay1337]

Yes angel eyes would pass as fine
There's nothing that stipulates they have to be seperate bulbs or otherwise seperate to the headlight housing.

[craigjm]

I thought that would be the case. Will check with my local MOT centre

[xjay1337]

Seems pretty logical no? :-)

[gruffalo]

If you are talking about the Jag then reroute the side light wiring to the headlights, drill the headlight reflectors to accept a generic bulb holder. Would look in period and keep you legal.

[craigjm]

gruffalo said:

If you are talking about the Jag then reroute the side light wiring to the headlights, drill the headlight reflectors to accept a generic bulb holder. Would look in period and keep you legal.

I am talking about the Jag and the idea is to remove the indicator / side light units from below the bumper. The headlights will be bespoke made HID units so driiling them in that way isnt going to work which is why I was thinking the halo route because 99% of the time it wouldnt be lit and you wouldnt see it. Doesn't need to look "period" as the grilles etc and front end is being updates in a subtle way which is why I want to remove the original units.

[Roo]

Sidelights don't go off when you turn the headlights on.

HID will need EU marking and self levelling suspension, or lights, and headlamp washers.

[craigjm]

Roo said:

Sidelights don't go off when you turn the headlights on.

HID will need EU marking and self levelling suspension, or lights, and headlamp washers.

Dont need self levellers or washers because of the age of the vehicle. Ive already checked all of that and they will be bespoke made not a conversion so will be entirely legal in their application. Just need to sort the issue with side lights. Good point about the sidelights remaining on though.