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The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally made).

Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 24 refers

27.  No person shall 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 below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.

TABLE

(1)(2)(3)
Item No.Type of lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beaconManner of use prohibited
1Headlamp

(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

(b)Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

2Front fog lamp

(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

(b)Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.

(c)Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

3Rear fog lamp

(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.

(b)Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.

(c)Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

4Reversing lampUsed so as to be lit except for the purpose of reversing the vehicle.
5Hazard warning signal device

Used other than–

(i)

to warn persons using the road of a temporary obstruction when the vehicle is at rest; or

(ii)

on a motorway or unrestricted dual-carriageway, to warn following drivers of a need to slow down due to a temporary obstruction ahead; or

(iii)

in the case of a bus, to summon assistance for the driver or any person acting as a conductor or inspector on the vehicle.

6Warning beacon emitting blue light and special warning lamp

Used so as to be lit except–

(i)

at the scene of an emergency; or

(ii)

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.

7Warning beacon emitting amber light

Used so as to be lit except–

(i)

at the scene of an emergency;

(ii)

when it is necessary or desirable to warn persons of the presence of the vehicle; and

(iii)

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.

8Warning beacon emitting green lightUsed 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.
9Warning beacon emitting yellow lightUsed so as to be lit on a road.
10Work lamp

(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of any vehicle.

(b)Used so as to be lit except for the purpose of illuminating a working area, accident, breakdown or works in the vicinity of the vehicle.

11Any other lampUsed so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

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