Law regarding reverse lights
Discussion
Was talking down the pub with a mate. We're agreed that reverse lights are not required for a MOT test but not sure on other parts of law. If fitted, do they have to work for the MOT? Someone else mentioned that it's an offence to have no reverse lights fitted if stopped at roadside by the police 
Is there any truth in this or do they just need to be working if fitted?
Is there any truth in this or do they just need to be working if fitted?See here: www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm . Reversing lamps are not mentioned - Streaky
Reversing lights are not obligatory lights they are classed as optional lights.
Must not be used other than for reversing a vehicle.
Maximum number:- 2
Alignment:- to the rear, no restriction on angle of visibility.
Position:- no restriction
Approval marks:- mpv first used after 1.4.86 must have an approval mark, before that not required.
Illuminated area:- No restriction (Super Oscar?)
Colour:- white
Wattage:- if carring an approval mark no restriction, no approval mark 24w max per light. (That does NOT mean you can take a light with an approval mark and put 100W halogens in, other rules apply)
Tell Tale:- Vehicle first used after 1954 tell tale not required if can only be illuminated by selection of reverse gear, otherwise a tell tale lamp visible at driver's seat iirc. Otherwise not required.
Notwithstanding the above one could always be bloody minded and argue that equipment fitted to the vehicle should be in working condition.
Must not be used other than for reversing a vehicle.
Maximum number:- 2
Alignment:- to the rear, no restriction on angle of visibility.
Position:- no restriction
Approval marks:- mpv first used after 1.4.86 must have an approval mark, before that not required.
Illuminated area:- No restriction (Super Oscar?)
Colour:- white
Wattage:- if carring an approval mark no restriction, no approval mark 24w max per light. (That does NOT mean you can take a light with an approval mark and put 100W halogens in, other rules apply)
Tell Tale:- Vehicle first used after 1954 tell tale not required if can only be illuminated by selection of reverse gear, otherwise a tell tale lamp visible at driver's seat iirc. Otherwise not required.
Notwithstanding the above one could always be bloody minded and argue that equipment fitted to the vehicle should be in working condition.
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