side lights

Geoff30 · Apr 22, 2009

Does anyone know what the rules are regarding sidelights. I have swapped my headlamps for sealed beams on my 200tdi, this obviously means I now have no side lights. I do have 8 leds built into my roof bar lights that come on when sidelights are switched on, are these enough or do I need to sort something at a lower level???

Optimus Prime · Apr 22, 2009

not totally sure, but I think it is against construction and use regs to use roof mounted lights on the public highway. before you jump down my throat everyone, I know that the good Geoff30 only has led's in his roof lights. But crucially, he is suggesting that the would suffice as sidelights (i.e. bright enough) and would therefore fall foul of the C & U regs, negating any chance of using them as sidelights.

might be worth checking with your local MOT station, or hang on here long enough and some kind soul will post the right section from the testers manual.

good luck

Mark Disco · Apr 22, 2009

dont all lights (front and rear) have to be within certain distances?

ie - xxcm up from ground level
xxcm inboard from the widest point of vehicle

sidelights (or marker lights) are used to let other vehicles and people know how wide your vehicle is (among other things), as opposed to giving you light to drive by so i would imagine that there are specs as to where they must be

if you can find the instructions that come with spotlights the rules are usually contained in the fitting guides, failing that do a search on google as i know the definate info is on the net but i cant remember the site i used.

Mark

treestump · Apr 22, 2009

Geoff30 said:
Does anyone know what the rules are regarding sidelights. I have swapped my headlamps for sealed beams on my 200tdi, this obviously means I now have no side lights. I do have 8 leds built into my roof bar lights that come on when sidelights are switched on, are these enough or do I need to sort something at a lower level???

Its an offence under construction and use regulations not to be fitted and working. have an accident probably not insured. Nightmare. I would check this/sort it out quickly

Geoff30 · Apr 23, 2009

Have looked on SVA site and there are regs for headlamps but no mention of side/position lights, this is the reason for asking on here, I sure someone must know.
For the moment I just switch straight to my headlamps just to be safe.

ratty · Apr 24, 2009

Geoff30 said:
Does anyone know what the rules are regarding sidelights. I have swapped my headlamps for sealed beams on my 200tdi, this obviously means I now have no side lights. I do have 8 leds built into my roof bar lights that come on when sidelights are switched on, are these enough or do I need to sort something at a lower level???

Just out of curiosity. Why have you switched to sealed beams?

Geoff30 · Apr 25, 2009

ratty said:
Just out of curiosity. Why have you switched to sealed beams?

Everytime I go and play the headlamps on the 200 ended up looking like muddy pools and becoming very dull, I have spent 2 much money replacing the headlights so decided that sealed beams would cure the problem once and for all.

MartinBird · Apr 26, 2009

IMO opinion Sealed beams are rubbish and you'd have a better headlamp with a few candles or AA maglight taped in its place.

Anyway........

Some help!!!

You can get sealed beams with a clear circle in the reflective part of the backing of the headlamp.

The headlight bulb connector has a holder for the side light in it. This may not be very wading proof but its a way around the MOT.

Maybe just put some clear side repeaters wedged in the grille or in the bottom of the valance that goes under the headlamp will get you out of trouble!!

mjltigger · Apr 26, 2009

this roof thing.. not sure any more .. I have read it a lot and always took it as being right but then i think about buses and trucks (and my caravan) which have front marker lights at eye or roof level..

Geoff30 · Apr 26, 2009

MartinBird said:
IMO opinion Sealed beams are rubbish and you'd have a better headlamp with a few candles or AA maglight taped in its place.

Anyway........

Some help!!!

You can get sealed beams with a clear circle in the reflective part of the backing of the headlamp.

The headlight bulb connector has a holder for the side light in it. This may not be very wading proof but its a way around the MOT.

Maybe just put some clear side repeaters wedged in the grille or in the bottom of the valance that goes under the headlamp will get you out of trouble!!

I was aware that sealed beams would be useless, but having fitted them they are producing more light than my standard headlamps, probably due to the lack of mud, but so far I am happy enough.
Am going to get some side markers off Ebay should do the trick.

side lights

Geoff30

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Optimus Prime

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Mark Disco

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treestump

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Geoff30

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ratty

I'm not special I'm limited edition

Geoff30

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MartinBird

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mjltigger

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Geoff30

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