Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000

• (i) front position lamp,

• (ii) rear position lamp,

• (iii) headlamp,

• (iv) rear registration plate lamp,

• (v) side marker lamp,

• (vi) end-outline marker lamp,

• (vii) rear fog lamp,

• (viii) retro reflector, ...

• (ix) rear marking of a type specified in Part III of Schedule 19, with which the vehicle is required by these Regulations to be fitted;

• (x) daytime running lamp,

• (xi) headlamp cleaning device, and

• (xii) reversing lamp; and

• (b) every—

• (i) stop lamp,

• (ii) direction indicator,

• (iii) running lamp,

• (iv) dim-dip device,

• (v) headlamp levelling device, ...

• (vi) hazard warning signal device, and

• (vii) front fog lamp,

with which it is fitted.

• (3) Paragraph (2) does not apply to—

• (a) a rear fog lamp on a vehicle which is part of a combination of vehicles any part of which is not required by these Regulations to be fitted with a rear fog lamp;

• (b) a rear fog lamp on a motor vehicle drawing a trailer;

• (c) a defective lamp, reflector, dim-dip device or headlamp levelling device on a vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset, if any such lamp, reflector or device became defective during the journey which is in progress or if arrangements have been made to remedy the defect with all reasonable expedition; ...

• (d) a lamp, reflector, dim-dip device, headlamp levelling device or rear marking on a combat vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset... ; or

• (e) a front fog lamp or daytime running lamp on a vehicle which was first registered before 1st March 2018.

Requirements about the use of front and rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, side marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps

27

• (1) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall—

• (a) use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle which is in motion—

• (i) between sunset and sunrise, or

• (ii) in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset; or

• (b) allow to remain at rest, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain at rest, on a road any vehicle between sunset and sunrise,

unless every front position lamp, rear position lamp, rear registration plate lamp, side marker lamp and end-outline marker lamp with which the vehicle is required by these Regulations to be fitted is kept lit and unobscured.

• (2) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), where a solo motor bicycle is not fitted with a front position lamp, a person shall not use it, or cause or permit it to be used, on a road (other than when it is parked) between sunset and sunrise or in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset, unless a headlamp is kept lit and unobscured.

• (3) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall allow to remain parked, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain parked between sunset and sunrise—

• (a) a motor bicycle combination which is required to be fitted only with a front position lamp on the sidecar; or

• (b) a trailer to the front of which no other vehicle is attached and which is not required to be fitted with front position lamps, unless a pair of front position lamps is fitted and kept lit and unobscured.

• (4) Save as provided in paragraphs (5) and (9), no person shall allow to remain parked, or cause or permit to be allowed to remain parked between sunset and sunrise a solo motor bicycle which is not required to be fitted with a front position lamp, unless a front position lamp is fitted and kept lit and unobscured.

• (5) Paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall not apply in respect of a vehicle of a class specified in paragraph (7) which is parked on a road on which a speed limit of 30 mph or less is in force and the vehicle is parked—

• (a) in a parking place for which provision is authorised under Article 10(4) or designated under Article 15(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997¹⁶, or which is set apart as a parking place under some other enactment or instrument and the vehicle is parked in a manner which does not contravene the provision of any enactment or instrument relating to the parking place; or

• (b) in a lay-by—

• (i) the limits of which are indicated by a traffic sign consisting of the road marking shown in diagram 1010 of Schedule 6 of the Traffic Signs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997¹⁷; or

• (ii) the surface of which is of a colour or texture which is different from that of the part of the carriageway of the road used primarily by through traffic; or

• (iii) the limits of which are indicated by a continuous strip of surface of a different colour or texture from that of the surface of the remainder of the carriageway of the road; or

• (c) elsewhere than in such a parking place or lay-by if—

• (i) the vehicle is parked in one of the circumstances described in paragraph (8); and

• (ii) no part of the vehicle is less than 15 m in from the junction of any part of the carriageway of any road with the carriageway of the road on which it is parked whether that junction is on the same side of the road as that on which the vehicle is parked or not.

• (6) Paragraph (5)(c)(ii) shall be construed in accordance with the diagram in Schedule 23.

• (7) The classes of vehicle referred to in paragraph (5) are—

• (a) a motor vehicle being a goods vehicle the gross weight of which does not exceed 2500 kg;

• (b) a passenger vehicle other than a bus;

• (c) an invalid carriage; and

• (d) a motor cycle or a cycle in either case with or without a sidecar, not being—

• (i) a vehicle to which a trailer is attached;

• (ii) a vehicle which is required to be fitted with lamps by regulation 24; or

• (iii) a vehicle carrying a load, if the load is required to be fitted with lamps by regulation 24.

• (8) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (5)(c)(i) are that—

• (a) the vehicle is parked on a road on which the driving of vehicles otherwise than in one direction is prohibited at all times and its left or near side is as close as may be and parallel to the left-hand edge of the carriageway or its right or off side is as close as may be and parallel to the right-hand edge of the carriageway; or

• (b) the vehicle is parked on a road on which such a prohibition does not exist and its left or near side is as close as may be and parallel to the edge of the carriageway.

• (9) Paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not apply in respect of—

• (a) a solo motor bicycle or a cycle being pushed along the left-hand edge of a carriageway;

• (b) a cycle waiting to proceed provided it is kept to the left-hand or near side edge of a carriageway; or

• (c) a vehicle which is parked in an area on part of a highway on which roadworks are being carried out and which is bounded by amber lamps and other traffic signs so as to prevent the presence of the vehicle, its load or equipment being a danger to persons using the road.

• (10) In this regulation “gross weight” has the same meaning as in regulation 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations.

Requirements about the use of headlamps and front fog lamps

28

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), a person shall not use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle which is fitted with obligatory dipped-beam headlamps unless every such lamp is kept lit—

• (a) during the hours of darkness; and

• (b) in seriously reduced visibility.

• (2) The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply—

• (a) in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with one obligatory dipped-beam headlamp or a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if a main-beam headlamp or a front fog lamp is kept lit;

• (b) in the case of a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if—

• (i) a pair of main-beam headlamps is kept lit; or

• (ii) in seriously reduced visibility, a pair of front fog lamps which is so fitted that the outermost part of the illuminated area of each lamp in the air is not more than 400 mm from the outer edge of each vehicle is kept lit;

• (c) to a vehicle being drawn by another vehicle;

• (d) to a vehicle while being used to propel a snow plough; or

• (e) to a vehicle which is parked.

• (3) For the purposes of this regulation a headlamp shall not be regarded as lit if its intensity is reduced by a dim-dip device.

Requirements about the use of warning beacons

29

A person shall not use, or cause or permit to be used, on an unrestricted dual-carriageway road a vehicle which is required to be fitted with at least one warning beacon by regulation 20 unless every such beacon is kept lit.

Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 27 refers

30

A person shall not use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Type of lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon	Manner of use prohibited
1	Headlamp	aUsed so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.bUsed so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
2.	Front fog lamp	aUsed so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.bUsed so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.cUsed so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
3.	Rear fog lamp	aUsed so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.bUsed so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.cSave in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
4.	Reversing lamp	Used so as to be lit except for the purpose of reversing the vehicle.
5.	Hazard warning signal device	Used other than—to warn persons using the road of a temporary obstruction when the vehicle is at rest; oron a motorway or unrestricted dual-carriageway, to warn following drivers of a need to slow down due to a temporary obstruction ahead; orin the case of a bus, to summon assistance for the driver or any person acting as a conductor or inspector on the vehicle ....
6.	Warning beacon emitting blue light and special warning lamp	Used so as to be lit except— orat the scene of an emergency;when it is necessary or desirable either to indicate to persons using the road the urgency of the purpose for which the vehicle is being used, or to warn persons of the presence of the vehicle or a hazard on the road.
7.	Warning beacon emitting amber light	Used so as to be lit except—at the scene of an emergency;when it is necessary or desirable to warn persons of the presence of the vehicle; ...in the case of a breakdown vehicle, while it is being used in connection with, and in the immediate vicinity of, an accident or breakdown, or while it is being used to draw a broken-down vehicle. in the case of an abnormal load escort vehicle, while it is being used in connection with the escort of another vehicle which has— an overall width (including any load) exceeding 2.9 metres,an overall length (including any load) exceeding 18.65 metres, orbeen authorised by the Department under Article 60 of the 1995 Order; andin the case of a vehicle, used for escort purposes other than an abnormal load escort vehicle, while it is being used in connection with the escort of any vehicle and travelling at a speed not exceeding 25 mph.
8.	Warning beacon emitting green light	Used so as to be lit except whilst occupied by a medical practitioner registered by the General Medical Council (whether with full, provisional or limited registration) and used for the purposes of an emergency.
9.	Warning beacon emitting yellow light	Used so as to be lit on a road.
10.	Work lamp	aUsed so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of any vehicle.bUsed so as to be lit except for the purpose of illuminating a working area, accident, breakdown or works in the vicinity of the vehicle.
10A.	A flashing red light fitted on the rear of a vehicle used for fire and rescue authority purposes	Used whilst vehicle is in motion.
11.	Any other lamp	Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.
12	Illuminable sign	Used so as to be lit when a bus is not being used to provide a school service.
13	Warning lights	Used other than—in the case of a bus to which warning lights are fitted as described in paragraph (1) of regulation 17B, when the bus is stationary and children under the age of 16 years are entering or leaving, or are about to enter or leave, or have just left the bus.in the case of a small bus to which a roof bar is fitted as described regulation 17C, when the bus is stationary and children under the age of 16 years are entering or leaving, or are about to enter or leave, or have just left the bus.
14	Roof Bar	Used so as to be lit when a bus is not being used to provide a school service.

Revocation

31

The regulations specified in Schedule 26 are hereby revoked.

SCHEDULE 1 — Obligatory lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices

(1)	(2)	(3)
Type of lamp, reflector, rear marking or device	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	None.
Dim-dip device or running lamp	Schedule 3: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 40 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996;A home forces' vehicle;A vehicle in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied—there is fitted to the vehicle all the lighting and light-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/EEC, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex including, in particular, item 4.2.6 (Alignment of dipped-beam headlamps).
Dipped-beam headlamp	Schedule 4: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 15 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Main-beam headlamp	Schedule 5: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Direction indicator	Schedule 7: Part I	An invalid carriage having a maximum speed not exceeding 4 mph and any other vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 15 mph;An agricultural vehicle having an unladen weight not exceeding 255 kg;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 being an agricultural vehicle, an industrial tractor or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
Hazard warning signal device	Schedule 8: Part I	A vehicle not required to be fitted with direction indicators;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996.
Side marker lamp	Schedule 9: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A passenger vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle the overall length of which does not exceed 6 m;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1997;A vehicle in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied—there is fitted to the vehicle all the lighting and light-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/ EEC, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex including, in particular, item 4.2.6 (Alignment of dipped-beam headlamps).
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Rear fog lamp	Schedule 11: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle manufactured before 1st May 1980 and first used before 1st November 1980;A vehicle having an overall width which does not exceed 1300 mm.
Stop lamp	Schedule 12: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 being an agricultural vehicle or a works truck;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
End-outline marker lamp	Schedule 13: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A motor vehicle having an overall width not exceeding 2100 mm;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A motor vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 .
Rear registration plate lamp	Schedule 15	A vehicle not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate;A works truck.
Side retro reflector	Schedule 17: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A goods vehicle—first used on or after 24th January 1996, the overall length of which does not exceed 6 m; orfirst used before 24th January 1996, the overall length of which does not exceed 8 m;A passenger vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle primarily constructed for moving excavated material and being used by virtue of an order under Article 60 of the 1995 Order;A mobile crane or engineering plant.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None
Rear marking	Schedule 19: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st October 1983, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 3050 kg;A vehicle the maximum gross weight of which does not exceed 7500 kg;A passenger vehicle not being an articulated bus;A tractive unit for an articulated vehicle;An incomplete vehicle proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;A vehicle first used before lst April 1986 being an agricultural vehicle, a works truck or engineering plant;A vehicle first used before lst January 1940;A home forces' vehicle;A vehicle constructed or adapted for—fire fighting or fire salvage;servicing or controlling aircraft;heating and dispensing tar or other material for the construction or maintenance of roads; ...transporting two or more vehicles or vehicle bodies or two or more boats. or a vehicle fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear where the fitting of those markings complies with the mandatory or optional ECE conspicuity requirements.
Daytime running lamp	Schedule 24A	A vehicle first registered before 1st March 2018
Headlamp cleaning device		A vehicle not required by the Road Vehicles (Approval ) Regulations 2020, or by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, to be fitted with a headlamp cleaning device.
Reversing lamp	Schedule 14	A vehicle not required by the Road Vehicles (Approval ) Regulations 2020, or by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, to be fitted with reversing lamps.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp, or reflector	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	A solo motor bicycle fitted with a headlamp.
Dipped-beam headlamp.	Schedule 4: Part I	A vehicle first registered before 1st January 1931.
Main-beam headlamp	Schedule 5: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 1st January 1972 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;A vehicle first registered before 1st January 1931.
Direction indicator	Schedule 7: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996;A vehicle which is constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise) and which can carry only one person or which, in the case of a motor bicycle combination, can carry only the rider and one passenger in the sidecar.
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Stop lamp	Schedule 12: Part I	A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;A vehicle first used before 24th January 1996 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;A vehicle first used before lst January 1936.
Rear registration plate lamp	Schedule 15	A vehicle not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp or reflector	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	None.
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None.
Pedal retro reflector	Schedule 20: Part I	A cycle manufactured before 24th January 1996.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp or reflector	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	None.
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp or reflector	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	None.
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	A vehicle fitted with a rear retro reflector.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	A vehicle fitted with a rear position lamp.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp, reflector or rear marking	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Front position lamp	Schedule 2: Part I	A trailer with an overall width not exceeding 1600 mm;A trailer manufactured before 24th January 1996 the overall length of which, excluding any drawbar and any fitting for its attachment, does not exceed 2300 mm;A trailer constructed or adapted for the carriage and launching of a boat.
Direction indicator	Schedule 7: Part I September 1965;	A trailer manufactured before lstAn agricultural vehicle or a works trailer in either case manufactured before 24th January 1996 .
Side marker lamp	Schedule 9: Part I	A trailer the overall length of which, excluding any drawbar and any fitting for its attachment, does not exceed—6 m,9.15 m in the case of a trailer manufactured before 24th January 1996;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer;A caravan;A trailer constructed or adapted for the carriage and launching of a boat;A trailer in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied—there is fitted to the trailer all the lighting and lighting-signalling devices listed in items 1.5.7 to 1.5.20 of Annex I of Community Directive 76/756/EEC, as last amended by Directive 89/278/EEC or Community Directive 76/756/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/663/EEC, which are required to be fitted under that Annex; andall those devices are so installed and maintained that they comply with the requirements set out in items 3 and 4 of that Annex.
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Rear fog lamp	Schedule 11: Part I	A trailer manufactured before 1st May 1980;A trailer the overall width of which does not exceed 1300 mm;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
Stop lamp	Schedule 12: Part I	An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
End-outline marker lamp	Schedule 13: Part I	A trailer having an overall width not exceeding 2100 mm;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle or a works trailer;A trailer manufactured before 24th January 1996.
Rear registration plate lamp	Schedule 15	A trailer not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate.
Side retro reflector	Schedule 17: Part I excluding any drawbar, does not exceed 5 m;	A trailer the overall length of which,An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;Engineering plant;A trailer primarily constructed for moving excavated material and which is being used by virtue of an Order under Article 60 of the 1995 Order.
Front retro reflector	Schedule 21: Part I January 1996;	A trailer manufactured before 24thAn agricultural vehicle or a works trailer.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None.
Rear marking	Schedule 19: Part I	A trailer first used before 1st July 1983, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 1020 kg;A trailer the maximum gross weight of which does not exceed 3500 kg;An incomplete trailer proceeding to a works for completion or to a place where it is to be stored or displayed for sale;An agricultural vehicle, a works trailer or engineering plant;A trailer drawn by a bus;A home forces' vehicle;A trailer constructed or adapted for—fire fighting or salvage;servicing or controlling aircraft;heating and dispensing tar or other material for the construction or maintenance of roads;carrying asphalt or macadam, in each case being mixing or drying plant;transporting two or more vehicles or vehicle bodies or two or more boats;a works trailer; ...a trailer drawn by a public service vehicle. or a trailer fitted with conspicuity markings to the rear where the fitting of those markings complies with the mandatory or optional ECE conspicuity requirements.
(1)	(2)	(3)
---	---	---
Type of lamp, reflector or rear marking	Schedule in which relevant installation and performance requirements are specified	Exceptions
Rear position lamp	Schedule 10: Part I	None.
Rear retro reflector	Schedule 18: Part I	None.

SCHEDULE 2

Part I — Requirements relting to Obligatory Front Position Lamps and to Optional Front Position Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings (see also regulation 2(5))—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity—

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

• (a) except in the case of a vehicle covered by sub-paragraph (b), where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form a pair, and

• (b) in the case of a trailer manufactured before 24th January 1996 and a motor bicycle combination, where two front position lamps are required to be fitted they shall be fitted on each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

• (c) in the case of a front position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light which is fitted to—

• (i) a pedal cycle; or

• (ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle,

the light shown by the lamp when flashing shall be displayed not less than 60 nor more than 240 equal times per minute and the intervals between each display of light shall be constant.

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Front Position Lamps

1

In the case of a solo motor bicycle first used on or after 24th January 1996 which is not fitted with any obligatory front position lamp, not more than two may be fitted which must comply with the requirement specified in paragraph 7 of Part I. Where two are fitted these shall be situated as close together as possible.

2

In the case of a solo motor bicycle first used on or after 24th January 1996 which is fitted with one obligatory front position lamp, not more than one additional lamp may be fitted which must comply with the requirement specified in paragraph 7 of Part I and shall be situated as close as possible to the obligatory front position lamp.

3

In the case of any other vehicle any number of front position lamps may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those in paragraphs 7 and 12(c) of Part I.

SCHEDULE 3

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Dim-Dip Devices and Running Lamps

1

A dim-dip device fitted to satisfy regulation 21 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 21 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 shall be such that the light output specified in paragraph 1 is automatically emitted whenever the following four conditions are satisfied, namely—

• (a) the engine is running, or the key or devices which control the starting or stopping of the engine are in the normal position for when the vehicle is being driven;

• (b) the obligatory main beam and dipped beam headlamps are switched off;

• (c) any front fog lamp fitted to the vehicle is switched off; and

• (d) the obligatory front position lamps are switched on.

4

The electrical connections to the obligatory running lamps shall be such that the light output specified in paragraph 2 above is automatically emitted, whenever the conditions set out in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 3 are satisfied.

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.

SCHEDULE 4

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Dipped-Beam Headlamps and to Optional Dipped-Beam Headlamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment –

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage—

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections—

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

• (a) every dipped-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the direction of the beam of light emitted therefrom can be adjusted whilst the vehicle is stationary.

• (b) every vehicle which—

• (i) is fitted with dipped-beam headlamps bearing an approval mark,

• (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 25 mph, and

• (iii) is first used on or after 24th January 1996,

shall be marked with a clearly legible and indelible marking, as illustrated in Schedule 24, close to either the headlamps or the manufacturer’s plate showing the setting recommended by the manufacturer for the downward inclination of the horizontal part of the cut-off of the beam pattern of the dipped-beam headlamps when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and has a weight of 75 kg on the driver’s seat. That setting shall be a single figure—

• (A) between 1 and 1.5 per cent. if the height of the centre of the headlamp is not more than 850 mm above the ground, and

• (B) between 1 and 2 per cent. if the height of the centre of the headlamp is more than 850 mm above the ground.

• (c) Every dipped-beam headlamp fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 24th January 1996 in accordance with this part of this Schedule shall be designed for a vehicle which is intended to be driven on the left-hand side of the road.

• (d) Where two dipped-beam headlamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair.

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Dipped-Beam Headlamps

1

In the case of a vehicle with three or more wheels having a maximum speed exceeding 25 mph first used on or after 24th January 1996, two and not more than two may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are—

• (a) those specified in paragraphs 2(c), 4, 7, 10 and 12(a) of Part I,

• (b) that they are designed for a vehicle which is intended to be driven on the right-hand side of the road,

• (c) that they form a matched pair, and

• (d) that their electrical connections are such that not more than one pair of dipped-beam headlamps is capable of being illuminated at a time.

2

In the case of any other vehicle, any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 2(c), 4, 7 and 12(a) of Part I.

SCHEDULE 5

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Main-Beam Headlamps and to Optional Main-Beam Headlamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage—

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections—

• (a) Every main-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the light—

• (i) can be deflected at the will of the driver to become a dipped beam, or

• (ii) can be extinguished by the operation of a device which at the same time either—

• (A) causes the lamp to emit a dipped beam, or

• (B) causes another lamp to emit a dipped beam;

• (b) Where a matched pair of main-beam headlamps is fitted they shall be capable of being switched on and off simultaneously and not otherwise.

11

Tell-tale—

12

Other requirements—

• (a) Every main-beam headlamp shall be so constructed that the direction of the beam of light emitted therefrom can be adjusted whilst the vehicle is stationary.

• (b) Except in the case of a bus first used before 1st October 1969, where two main-beam headlamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair.

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Main-Beam Headlamps

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7, 10 and 12(a) of Part I and, in the case of a motor vehicle first used on or after 24th January 1996, paragraph 5 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 6 — Requirements relating to optional front fog lamps

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

13

Definitions—

SCHEDULE 7

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Direction Indicators and to Optional Direction Indicators to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number (on each side of a vehicle)—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment—

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour—

8

Wattage—

9

Intensity—

10

Electrical connections—

• (a) All indicators on one side of a vehicle together with all indicators on that side of any trailer drawn by the vehicle, while so drawn, shall be operated by one switch;

• (b) All indicators on one side of a vehicle or combination of vehicles showing a flashing light shall flash in phase, except that in the case of a solo motor bicycle, a motor bicycle combination and a pedal cycle, the front and rear direction indicators on one side of the vehicle may flash alternately.

11

Tell-tale—

• (a) One or more indicators on each side of a vehicle to which indicators are fitted shall be so designed and fitted that the driver when in his seat can readily be aware when it is in operation; or

• (b) The vehicle shall be equipped with an operational tell-tale for front and rear indicators (including any rear indicator on the rearmost of any trailers drawn by the vehicle).

12

Other requirements—

• (a) Every indicator (other than a semaphore arm, that is an indicator in the form of an illuminated sign which when in operation temporarily alters the outline of the vehicle to the extent of at least 150 mm measured horizontally and is visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle) shall when in operation show a light which flashes constantly at the rate of not less than 60 nor more than 120 flashes per minute. However, in the event of a failure, other than a short-circuit of an indicator, any other indicator on the same side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles may continue to flash, but the rate may be less than 60 or more than 120 flashes per minute. Every indicator shall when in operation perform efficiently regardless of the speed of the vehicle;

• (b) Where two front or rear direction indicators are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after 24th January 1996, and two rear direction indicators are fitted to a trailer manufactured on or after 24th January 1996, in each case they shall be fitted so as to form a pair.

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Direction Indicators

1

A vehicle shall not be fitted with a total of more than one front indicator nor more than two rear indicators, on each side.

2

Any number of side indicators may be fitted to the side (excluding the front and rear) of a vehicle.

3

The only other requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12(a) and 12(b) of Part I.

Part III

SCHEDULE 8 — Requirements relating to obligatory and optional hazard warning signal devices

Every hazard warning signal device shall—

• (a) be operated by one switch;

• (b) cause all the direction indicators with which a vehicle or a combination of vehicles is equipped to flash in phase;

• (c) be provided with a circuit-closed tell-tale in the form of a flashing light which may operate in conjunction with any direction indicator tell-tale; and

• (d) be able to function even if the device which controls the starting and stopping of the engine is in a position which makes it impossible to start the engine.

SCHEDULE 9

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Side Marker Lamps and to Optional Side Marker Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Side Marker Lamps

Any number may be fitted and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 7 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 10

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Rear Position Lamps and to Optional Rear Position Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings (see also regulation 2(5))—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity—

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

• (a) Except in the case of a motor vehicle first used before 24th January 1996, any other vehicle manufactured before 24th January 1996 and a motor bicycle combination, where two rear position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form a matched pair and where four rear position lamps are required to be fitted they shall form two matched pairs.

• (b) In the case of a rear position lamp capable of emitting a flashing light which is fitted to—

• (i) a pedal cycle; or

• (ii) a trailer drawn by, or a sidecar attached to, a pedal cycle,

the light shown by the lamp when flashing shall be displayed not less than 60 nor more than 240 equal times per minute and the intervals between each display of light shall be constant.

13

Definitions—

Part II

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 12(b) of Part I.

SCHEDULE 11

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Rear Fog Lamps and to Optional Rear Fog Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number:

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Rear Fog Lamps

1

In the case of a motor vehicle first used before 1st November 1980 and any other vehicle manufactured before 1st May 1980, any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 2(d), 7 and 10 of Part I.

2

In the case of a motor vehicle first used on or after 1st November 1980 and any other vehicle manufactured on or after 1st May 1980, not more than two may be fitted and the requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are all those specified in this Schedule.

SCHEDULE 12

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Stop Lamps and to OptionalStop Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage—

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections—

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Stop Lamps

Any number may be fitted, and the requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are all those specified in Part I except—

• (a) those specified in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3;

• (b) in the case of a stop lamp fitted to a pedal cycle, those specified in paragraphs 5 and 8; and

• (c) in the case of a stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle not being a motor bicycle, first used on or after 24th January 1996 either centrally or in such a manner as to project light through the rear window the intensity of the light emitted to the rear of the vehicle shall be not less than 20 candelas and not more than 60 candelas when measured from directly behind the centre of the lamp in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

SCHEDULE 13

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory End-Outline Marker Lamps and to Optional End-Outline Marker Lamps to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number:

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Other requirements—

• The two lamps which emit white light towards the front, and the two lamps which emit red light towards the rear, shall in each case form a matched pair.

• The white front lamp and red rear lamp on one side of a vehicle may be combined into a single lamp with a single light source.

13

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional End-Outline Marker Lamps

Any number may be fitted, and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 7 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 14

1

Number:

2

Position:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage—

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale—

12

Definitions—

SCHEDULE 15 — Requirements relating to obligatory rear registration plate lamps

1

Number:

2

Position:

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of illuminated area:

7

Colour:

8

Wattage:

9

Intensity:

10

Electrical connections:

11

Tell-tale:

12

Definitions—

SCHEDULE 16 — Requirement relating to obligatory and optional warning beacons

1

Number:

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Markings:

5

Size of illuminated area:

6

Colour:

7

Wattage:

8

Intensity:

9

Electrical connections:

10

Tell-tale:

11

Other requirements—

SCHEDULE 17

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Side Retro Reflectors and Optional Side Retro Reflectors to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour—

8

Other requirements:

9

Definitions—

• (a) In this Schedule “approval mark” means either—

• (i) a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 4 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 3 or 3B of Schedule 2 to those Regulations and which includes the marking 1 or 1A; or

• (ii) a marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Designation of Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 4 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations and which includes the marking I; and

• (b) In this Schedule references to “maximum distance from the front of the vehicle” and “maximum distance from the rear of the vehicle” are references to the maximum distance from that end of the vehicle (as determined by reference to the overall length of the vehicle exclusive of any special equipment) beyond which no part of the reflecting area of the side retro reflector extends.

Part II — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL SIDE RETRO REFLECTORS

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part I. But, in respect of a vehicle to which paragraph 7(a) applies which is used for the purposes listed in column (1) of the Table, the permitted colours are those listed in column (2).

Table
Police	amber, yellow, blue, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red
Fire and rescue authority	amber, yellow, red
Ambulance	amber, yellow, green, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red
Driver and Vehicle Agency	amber, yellow, silver, white or if within 1 m of the rear of the vehicle it may be red

SCHEDULE 18

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Rear Retro Reflectors and Optional Rear Retro Reflectors to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number—

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour:

8

Other requirements—

• (a) except in the case of a motor vehicle first used before 24th January 1996, any other vehicle manufactured before 24th January 1996 and a motor bicycle combination, where two rear reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form a pair. Where four rear reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form two pairs;

• (b) no vehicle, other than a trailer or a broken- down motor vehicle being towed, may be fitted with triangular-shaped rear reflectors.

9

Definitions—

Part II — REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPTIONAL REAR RETRO REFLECTORS

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements in respect of any which are fitted are those specified in paragraphs 7 and 8(b) of Part I. But the colour of rear retro reflectors fitted to a vehicle used for—

• (a) police;

• (b) fire and rescue authority;

• (c) ambulance; or

• (d) Driver and Vehicle Agency,

purposes may be red, yellow or orange (or any combination).

SCHEDULE 19

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Rear Markings and Optional Rear Markings to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Description—

2

Position—

3

Visibility:

4

Alignment:

5

Markings—

6

Colour:

7

Other requirements—

• A rear marking of a type shown in a diagram in Part III of this Schedule shall comply with the requirements of that Part.

• The two parts of every rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 2, 3 and 5 in Part III and diagrams 2, 3, 6 and 7 in Part IV of this Schedule shall form a pair and the four parts of every rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 4 and 8 in Part IV of this Schedule shall form two pairs.

8

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Rear Markings

Subject to regulation 14(2), any number of rear markings shown in Parts III and IV may be fitted to the rear of a vehicle.

Part III — Rear Markings Prescribed for Motor Vehicles First Used Before 24th January 1996 and Trailers Manufactured Before 24th January 1996

[image omitted]

Additional Provisions Relating to the above Diagrams

1

A rear marking of a type shown in one of the above diagrams shall have the dimensions shown in relation to that diagram.

2

Any variation in a dimension (other than as to the height of a letter) specified in any of the above diagrams shall be treated as permitted for the purposes of this Schedule if the variation—

• (a) in the case of a dimension so specified as 250 mm or as over 250 mm does not exceed 2.5 per cent. of that dimension;

• (b) in the case of a dimension so specified as 40 mm or as over 40 mm but as under 250 mm does not exceed 5 per cent. of that dimension; or

• (c) in the case of a dimension so specified as under 40 mm does not exceed 10 per cent. of that dimension.

3

Any variation in a dimension as to the height of a letter specified in any of those diagrams shall be treated as permitted for the purposes of this Schedule if the variation —

• (a) in the case of a dimension so specified as 105 mm does not exceed 2.5 per cent. of that dimension; or

• (b) in the case of a dimension so specified as 70 mm does not exceed 5 per cent. of that dimension.

4

Any variation in a dimension as to the angle of hatching specified in any of those diagrams shall be treated as permitted for the purposes of the Schedule if the variation does not exceed 5 degrees.

5

A rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 1 or 4 above shall be constructed in the form of a single plate, and every rear marking shown in diagrams 2, 3 or 5 above shall be constructed in the form of two plates of equal size and shape.

6

The height of each half of the marking shown in diagram 3 above may be reduced to a minimum of 140 mm provided the width is increased so that each half of the marking has a minimum area of 980 cm².

7

All letters incorporated in a rear marking of a type shown in diagrams 4 or 5 above shall have the proportions and form of letters as shown in Schedule 25.

Part IV — Rear Markings Prescribed for Motor Vehicels Whenever First Used and Trailers Whenever Manufactured

Left	Right
Diagram 1.	[image omitted]
Diagram 2.	[image omitted]
Diagram 3.	[image omitted]
Diagram 4.	[image omitted]
Diagram 5.	[image omitted]
Diagram 6.	[image omitted]
Diagram 7.	[image omitted]
Diagram 8.	[image omitted]

SCHEDULE 20

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Pedal Retro Reflectors and Optional Pedal Retro Reflectors to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number:

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility:

4

Markings:

5

Size of reflecting area:

6

Colour:

7

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Pedal Retro Reflectors

Any number may be fitted and the only requirement prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted is that specified in paragraph 6 of Part I.

SCHEDULE 21 — Regulations 21 and 23

Part I — Requirements Relating to Obligatory Front Retro Reflectors and to Optional Front Retro Reflectors to the Extent Specified in Part II

1

Number:

2

Position—

3

Angles of visibility—

4

Alignment:

5

Markings:

6

Size of reflecting area:

7

Colour:

8

Other requirements—

• (a) Where two front reflectors are required to be fitted they shall form a pair.

• (b) Triangular shaped retro reflectors shall not be fitted to the front of any trailer.

9

Definitions—

Part II — Requirements Relating to Optional Front Retro Reflectors

Any number may be fitted and the only requirements prescribed by these Regulations in respect of any which are fitted are that specified in paragraph 8(b) of Part I and that the colour shall not be red.

SCHEDULE 22 — Standard sign for buses carrying children

Colour

Shaded areas — yellow retro reflective material

Diagram 1

Dimensions

AFront— not less than 250 mmRear — not less than 400 mm	AFront — not more than 20 mmRear — not less than 30 mm

SCHEDULE 23 — Diagram showing where unlit parking is not permitted near a junction

SCHEDULE 24 — Example of marking showing the vertical downwards inclination of the dipped-beam headlamps when the vehicle is at its kerbside weight and has a weight of 75 kg on the driver’s seat

Symbol for dipped-beam headlamp	Vertical inclination of dipped-beam

SCHEDULE 25 — Proportions and form of letters, numerals and other characters

SCHEDULE 26 — Revocations

Title	Year and Number
Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995	S.R. 1995 No. 449
The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997	S.R. 1997 No. 305

Signed

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of the Environment on 12th May 2000.

J. Ritchie — A senior officer of the — Department of the Environment

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations revoke and consolidate with amendments the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 and Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997. The amendments are as follows—

Regulation 13 and Schedules 17 and 18 allow vehicles used for police purposes to be fitted with certain markings, namely, yellow or orange retro-reflective material (in addition to red) to the rear of the vehicle and one or more of the colours yellow, blue and white (in addition to amber) to the side of the vehicle.

Regulation 27 and Schedule 23 make provision for vehicles parked no less than 15 metres from any junction of a road to be exempted from the requirement to keep all obligatory lamps lit. Previously this had been 10 metres.

These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission pursuant to European Parliament and Council Directive 98/34/EC of 22nd June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (O.J. No. L204, 21.7.98, p. 37).

Copies of this Directive can be obtained from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GD.

Footnotes

Editorial notes