Stop lamps and indicators
Page 36
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• Regulations have been laid before Parliament which make the fitting of stop lamps and direction indicators obligatory on most vehicles from January 1 1971. The regulations also require "dual intensity" stop lamps and rear indicators on new vehicles from 1973.
Existing vehicles (except for some specialized types) must be fitted with direction indicators and at least one red stop lamp. The old types of direction indicator—the semaphore arm or the flashing indicator lights which are white at the front and red at the rear—will be permitted on pre-1965 vehicles, but amber coloured stop lamps will no longer be permitted. This part of the regulations comes into force on January 1 1971.
Direction indicators and stop lamps must be maintained in a clean condition and in good and efficient working order. This part of the regulations comes into force on March 11970.
New vehicles nowadays are generally fitted with two stop lamps. This is made obligatory as from January 11971.
As from July 1 1973 new vehicles must be fitted with stop lamps and direction indicators which comply with a new International standard. Stop lamps and rear direction indicators must operate at two levels of intensity. These "dual intensity" lamps enable a brighter light to be given in the day time when greater brilliance is needed, and less dazzle at night.
The regulations also permit the lighting system to be wired in such a way that the brighter intensities can be used in conjunction with a fog lamp, so increasing safety in fog.
Copies of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1970 (statutory instrument No 49/1970) can be obtained, price Is 9d, from HMSO or from any bookseller.