Lighting
4-8 Side-marker lamps
Reasons for rejection
Permitted and prohibited equipment
1. A vehicle that has a length of less than 6m is fitted with a side-marker lamp.
2. A vehicle is fitted with side-marker lamps that do not give an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.
Condition
3. A lamp is insecure.
4. A lens is missing or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
5. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.
Performance
6. When switched on, a lamp emits a light that is not:
a) steady, or
b) diffuse, or
c) substantially red or amber to the rear, or
d) substantially white or amber to the front.
7. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate.
Note 1 Definitions
Side-marker lampmeans a position lamp designed to be fitted to the side of a vehicle or its load.
Position lamp means a low-intensity lamp that is designed to indicate to road users the presence and dimensions of a vehicle, being:
a) a forward-facing position lamp (front side lamp), or
b) a rearward-facing position lamp (rear side lamp or tail lamp), or
c) a side-marker lamp, or
d) an end-outline marker lamp (including cab roof lamp).
Note 2
A permitted side-marker lamp that does not comply with equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.
Note 3
A vehicle originally manufactured with a side-marker lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original side-marker position lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Permitted and prohibited equipment
1. A vehicle with a length of 6m or more may be fitted with one or more side-marker lamps on each side.
2. A vehicle with a length of less than 6m must not be fitted with side-marker lamps.
3. The position of the lamps must be such that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.
Condition
4. A side-marker lamp must be in good condition.
Performance
5. A side-marker lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and for the vehicle.
6. A lamp must emit a light that is:
a) steady, and
b) diffuse, and
c) substantially red or amber to the rear, and
d) substantially white or amber to the front.
7. Where a side-marker lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.