Q When do vehicles need side marker lights? • A • The
Page 72
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
requirements for side marker lamps on vehicles are contained in Part VIII of The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1971 Under Regulations 40 and 41, a vehicle or combination of vehicles one of which is drawing the other and which exceeds 18 metres (60ft) in length, must display on each side one lamp not more than 9 metres (30ft) from the foremost part of the vehicle and one lamp not more than 3 metres (1 Oft) from the rearmost part of the vehicle.
In addition, there should be displayed such other lamps as will ensure that the distance between the side marker lamps does not exceed 3 metres.
Regulation 42 exempts a combination of vehicles if one is broken down and single vehicles carrying long or wide loads as laid down in Regulation 135 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1973.
Regulations 43 and 44 deal with a combination of vehicles over 12 metres (40ft) long but not exceeding 18 metres (60ft) when a supported load is carried (articulated vehicles are excluded).
In this case, one lamp must be displayed not forward of, and not more than 1,515mm (5ft) from the rear of the vehicle, one lamp not forward of, and not more than 1,515mm to the rear of the centre point of the overall length of the load.