MOT Test of Lights, Headlamps and Electrical Equipment (4)
(Formerly MOT Test of Lights and Headlamps)
This section includes lights (lamps) for indicators, reversing, fog, number plate, reflectors etc. The precise requirements for vehicle lighting are complex and, to an extent, dependent upon the age of the vehicle as to where the lights should be situated on the vehicle, the type of lighting, and how they are checked.
Headlamps aren’t needed on vehicles first used before 1 January 1931.
The Tester will inspect:
- Headlamps for aim and operation
- Sidelights (known as position lamps) for location, operation and condition
- Side marker lamps and end outline marker lamps (as appropriate) for presence, location, operation and condition.
- Stop lamps for presence, operation and condition.
- Daytime running lamps (for vehicles made after 1/3/18)
- Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps for presence, condition and operation and flashing frequency.
- Front fog lamps (for vehicles made after 1/3/18) for presence, condition and operation.
- Rear fog lamps
- Reversing lamps (for vehicles made after 1/9/09)
- Rear registration plate lamps
- Rear reflectors
Notes:
The switching systems to all the lamps will be inspected where that is appropriate. Sometimes the switches will be part of an integrated system, e.g. the fog lamps may be part of the overall switching system for both position lamps and headlamps.
The inspection to determine the ‘condition’ of the lamps will include how much light is emitted (is it sufficient?), the colour of the light emitted, if the lamp has been repaired with coloured tape, is it appropriate? And so on.
The check of headlamp levelling devices does not apply to motor caravans.
All required lights are checked for:
- Presence
- Condition
- Operation
- Security
Headlamps
The Tester will inspect for condition, operation, alignment and security.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A headlamp: i. with up to ½ light sources* not functioning in the case of LED | Minor |
| ii. missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED | Major |
| b. Headlamp reflector or lens: i. slightly defective | Minor |
| ii. seriously defective or missing | Major |
| c. Lamp not securely attached | Major |
* A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
Headlamp alignment
Headlamps alignment is checked with specialised equipment.
All dipped beam headlamps fitted will be checked.
It’s acceptable for masks or converter kits to be fitted to right hand dip headlamps to temporarily alter the lamp for use in the UK by removing the beam ‘kick-up’ to the right.
If driver’s beam aim controls are fitted, the beam aim will be Tested without altering the control setting. If this would result in failure for beam aim being too low, the Tester will re-check the beam aim with the control set at its ‘highest’ position.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | Major |
| b. Headlamp aim unable to be tested | Major |
| c. Beam image obviously incorrect | Major |
Headlamp switching
Dipped or main beam headlamps must immediately light up when they’re switched on (depending on the position of the dip switch).
Headlamps must switch immediately between main beam and dipped beam when you move the dip switch.
Moving the dip switch must do one of the following:
- extinguish all main beam headlamps and leave on at least one pair of dipped-beam headlamps
- deflect the main beams to make them dipped beams
Dipped beam headlamps can remain on or switch off when main beam is selected.
When optional headlamps are fitted:
- if one is fitted it must dip
- if 2 are fitted, either both must dip or one must dip and the other switch off
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Headlamp ‘on’ switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements | Minor |
| b. Headlamp ‘dip’ switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements | Major |
Compliance with requirements
The colour of the light headlamps emit must be one of the following:
- white
- predominantly white with blue tinge
- yellow
In a four-headlamp system the outer headlamps do not need to emit the same colour light as the inner pair.
The precise position of lamps is not part of the inspection, but will be checked visually that they are at about the same height and the same distance from each side of the vehicle.
Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, the headlamp will fail.
Tricycle and quadricycle headlamps must be:
- mounted centrally – if there’s only one lamp
- mounted symmetrically about the centre – if they’re adjacent to another lamp, such as there’s one dipped beam lamp and one main beam lamp
- mounted symmetrically – if there are 2 lamps
The following must have a pair of main beam headlamps and a pair of dipped beam headlamps – can be separate or a single pair of headlamps:
- tricycles and quadricycles with a maximum width over 1,300mm
- motorcycle derived tricycles with a maximum width over 1,700mm
Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds do not need main beam headlamps.
A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
You must assess damaged or repaired lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Headlamp permitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | Major |
| b. Product on the lens or light source which obviously reduces light intensity or changes emitted colour to other than white or yellow | Major |
| c. Light source and lamp not compatible | Major |
| d. Mandatory headlamps, intended to be a matched pair, are not the same shape, size or colour | Major |
Headlamp Levelling devices
The Tester will make sure any manual headlamp levelling devices (driver controls) work by:
- switching on the dipped beam headlamps
- operating the manual levelling device
- checking that the headlamp beams move up and down
- returning the levelling device control to its original position
Vehicles with high intensity discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with a suspension or headlamp self-levelling system. If these systems have been fitted, they must work.
In cases where it is not easy to determine if the self-levelling system works, the benefit of the doubt will be given.
The check of headlamp levelling devices does not apply to motor caravans.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Headlamp levelling device inoperative | Major |
| b. Manual levelling device cannot be operated from the driver’s seat | Major |
Headlamp cleaning devices
The Tester will inspect vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009 equipped with headlamp washers.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Headlamp cleaning device: i. inoperative | Minor |
| ii. inoperative in the case of LED or gas discharge systems (HID | Major |
Front and rear position lamps, side marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps
Presence, condition and operation
This inspection is for:
- mandatory position lamps
- mandatory end-outline marker lamps
- daytime running lamps (DRLs) fitted to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018
Vehicles don’t need to be fitted with position lamps, or they can have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked. In this situation you will receive an advisory notice. These vehicles don’t need end-outline marker lamps.
All lamps
Repairs to lamps will be assessed for security, colour, light output and durability.
Front and rear position lamps
Vehicles must have 2 front and 2 rear position lamps, except for tricycles or quadricycles that are less than 1,300mm wide.
Daytime running lamps (DRLs) or headlamps may function as front position lamps. If the DRLs function as front position lamps, they should dim when rear position lamps are switched on and may turn off when headlamps are switched on.
Front position lamps can switch off when the front fog lamps are switched on.
The front and rear position lamps must light up at the same time with the registration plate lamps and end-outline marker lamps.
Daytime running lamps
Testers will only inspect daytime running lamps (DRLs) if they’re fitted as original equipment to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Lamp: i. multiple light source up to a half not functioning | Minor |
| ii. missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than a half not functioning | Major |
| b. Defective lens | Major |
| c. Lamp: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
Position lamps (sidelights etc) switching
It must be possible to switch on the position lamps from the driver’s seat with a single operation of the switch. The position lamps must light up at the same time as the registration plate lamps and any end-outline marker lamps where they are fitted.
Some vehicles have position lamps that come on automatically when the engine is running.
Daytime running lamps (DRLs) or headlamps may function as front position lamps. If the DRLs function as front position lamps, they should dim when rear position lamps are switched on and may turn off when headlamps are switched on.
The front position lamps may turn off when the headlamps or front fog lamps are switched on.
If position lamps are combined with direction indicators, position lamps should switch off when the relevant direction indicator is flashing.
The front and rear position lamps must light up at the same time with the end-outline marker lamps where they are fitted.
Military vehicles may have a multi-position switch which cannot turn the front and rear position lamps on with a single operation of the switch. This should not be regarded as a defect.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements or the rear position lamps can be switched off when the headlamps are on | Major |
| b. Function of the switch impaired | Major |
Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps
Presence, condition and operation
The Tester will inspect all direction indicators and hazard warning lamps.
Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps aren’t needed for vehicles that:
- don’t have front and rear position lamps
- have front and rear position lamps that are permanently disconnected, painted over or masked
- were first used before 1 January 1936
Direction indicators must be amber.
Vehicles first used before 1 September 1965 may have white front indicators and red rear indicators, if the direction indicators are combined with stop lamps or combined with front or rear position lamps.
Vehicles first used before 1 April 1986 don’t need to have hazard warning devices.
Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must be fitted with an amber side repeater indicator on each side.
The side repeater can be part of the front direction indicator if it has one of the following:
- a wraparound lens marked either with an ‘E’ mark in a circle or an ‘e’ mark in a rectangle with a number 5 above it
- an amber light coming through the front lens when viewed from 1m to the side of the rear bumper
Semaphore arms may flash but don’t need to.
A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
The Tester will assess repairs to lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A direction indicator: i. lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning | Minor |
| ii. lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | Major |
| b. A lens defective: i. which has no effect on emitted light | Minor |
| ii. such that the emitted light is adversely affected | Major |
| c. A lamp: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
| d. Mandatory hazard warning device not fitted | Major |
| e. Mandatory hazard warning device inoperative | Major |
Direction indicators switching
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Indicator or hazard warning switch: i. does not operate in accordance with the requirements | Minor |
| ii. Inoperative | Major |
Compliance with requirements
(Position, colour, flashing etc)
Vehicles first used before 1 September 1965 may have white front indicators and red rear indicators, if the direction indicators are combined with stop lamps or combined with front or rear position lamps.
On vehicles first used on or after 1 September 1965 with direction indicators combined with position lamps, the position lamp must go out when its direction indicator is flashing. The direction indicator must flash amber only, with no white or red light.
A semaphore arm must light up when switched on, but it doesn’t need to flash.
The precise position of lamps isn’t part of the inspection. The Tester will check visually that they are at about the same height and distance from each side of the vehicle.
Direction indicators that function sequentially/dynamically are not to be considered a reason to fail.
The Tester will assess repairs to lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | Major |
| b. A direction indicator lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp | Major |
Flashing frequency
Indicators must flash at between 60 and 120 times per minute. Semaphore type direction indicators don’t need to flash.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute | Minor |
Front and rear fog lamps
Presence, condition and operation
The Tester will inspect:
- front fog lamps fitted to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018
- the 1 rear fog lamp which must be fitted to the centre or offside of vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1980
A rear fog lamp isn’t needed on:
- vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps
- vehicles with permanently disconnected, painted over or masked front and rear position lamps
- tricycles and quadricycles
Front and rear fog lamps are permitted to operate independently of any other lamps or ignition systems.
Fog lamps must produce a steady light which is:
- white – for front fog lamps
- red – for rear fog lamps
Rear fog lamps may be combined with the rear position lamps.
A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
The Tester will assess repairs to lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. i. A front or rear fog lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning | Minor |
| ii. An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | Major |
| b. A lens defective: i. which has no effect on emitted light | Minor |
| ii. such that emitted light is adversely affected | Major |
| c. A front or rear fog lamp: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
Fog lamp switching
Front and rear fog lamp switches may be combined or independent switches.
The switch or switches must:
- be secure
- be able to be operated from the normal driving position
- operate the fog lamps as intended
Rear fog lamps may be combined with the rear position lamps.
Front and rear fog lamps are permitted to operate independently of any other lamps or ignition systems.
The function of a fog lamp mustn’t be adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Front or rear fog lamp switch: i. inoperative or not operating in accordance with the requirements | Major |
Compliance with requirements
The Tester will inspect:
- all front fog lamps fitted to vehicles first used on or after 1 March 2018
- the 1 rear fog lamp which must be fitted to the centre or offside of vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1980
Fog lamps must produce a steady light which is:
- white – for front fog lamps
- red – for rear fog lamps
Rear fog lamps may be combined with the rear position lamps.
A rear fog lamp isn’t needed on:
- vehicles not fitted with front and rear position lamps
- vehicles with permanently disconnected, painted over or masked front and rear position lamps that are
- tricycles and quadricycles
The Tester will assess repairs to lamps for security, colour, light output and durability.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Front or rear fog lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | Major |
| b. A rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp | Major |
Reversing lamps
Condition and operation
The Tester will inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 other than quadricycles and Class 3 vehicles.
Reversing lamps must show a white light to the rear. On some vehicles it may be necessary to have the engine running before the reversing lamps will work.
One or two reversing lamps may be fitted, but they must all work.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A reversing lamp inoperative | Major |
| b. A reversing lamp lens defective | Major |
| c. A reversing lamp: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
Reversing lamp switching
Reversing lamps must operate automatically when reverse gear is selected and extinguish when reverse gear is deselected.
The following category applies to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Reversing lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements | Major |
Rear registration plate lamps
Checked for:
Presence, condition and operation
The Tester will inspect the registration plate lamps on all vehicles fitted with front and rear position lamps.
Registration plate lamps must light up the rear registration plate. Some vehicles may have these lamps fitted behind the number plate.
A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds don’t need a rear registration plate lamp.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A rear registration plate lamp throwing direct white light to the rear | Minor |
| b. A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative: i. in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | Minor |
| ii. in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | Major |
| c. A registration plate lamp: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
Compliance with requirements
The tester will inspect the registration plate lamps on all vehicles fitted with front and rear position lamps.
Registration plate lamps must operate at the same time as the position lamps.
Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds don’t need a rear registration plate lamp.
The following category applies to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Rear registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps | Major |
Rear reflectors
Presence, condition and operation
The Tester will inspect the 2 mandatory red rear reflectors that must be fitted.
Rear reflectors aren’t needed on vehicles:
- not fitted with front and rear position lamps
- have front and rear position lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked
Reflective tape isn’t an acceptable substitute for a rear reflector.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Reflector defective or damaged: ii. by up to 50% of the reflecting surface | Minor |
| ii. by more than 50% of the reflecting surface | Major |
| b. Reflector: i. not securely attached | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Reflector: i. colour or position not in accordance with the requirements | Minor |
| ii. missing or reflecting white to the rear | Major |
‘Tell-tales’ mandatory for lighting equipment
(This section is repeated in the Instrument Panel checks page)
Presence, condition and operation
The Tester will inspect the following lighting ‘tell-tales’:
- headlamp main beam
- direction indicators
- hazard warning lamps
- rear fog lamps
A main beam ‘tell-tale’ is only required on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986. Class 3 vehicles don’t need to have the main-beam tell-tale inspected.
A direction indicator ‘tell-tale’ can be audible or visual.
A hazard warning ‘tell-tale’ must be a flashing light.
A rear fog ‘tell-tale’ is only required where a rear fog lamp is mandatory.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A mandatory tell-tale: i. for direction indicators or hazard warning missing or inoperative | Minor |
| ii. for main beam headlamp or rear fog lamp missing or inoperative | Major |
‘Tell-tales’ – compliance
The Tester will inspect the ‘tell-tale’ for hazard warning lamps, which must be a flashing light.
The following category applies to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A hazard warning lamp tell-tale is not a flashing light | Minor |
Trailer electrical socket
The tester will inspect the trailer electrical socket on vehicles fitted with a towing coupling.
If there’s no tow ball or pin, but the attachment brackets are still in place, the Tester will assess the electrical sockets if the tow ball or pin has been:
- detached
- unbolted
- otherwise removed
The Tester will not assess the electrical sockets if the attachment brackets have been deliberately made unfit for further use.
The Tester will not assess the trailer electrical socket if tools or specialist equipment are needed to remove access panels in the bumper or bodywork to gain access to the socket.
A trailer electrical socket with a defective or missing cover flap that incorporates a lug and spring to hold the plug in place isn’t considered to be a defect.
On vehicles fitted with a trailer 13 pin Euro-socket, the Tester will use an approved device to check that the socket is wired to correctly operate the trailer:
- position lamps
- stop lamps
- direction indicators
- rear fog lamp
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A trailer electrical socket: i. insecure | Minor |
| ii. likely to become detached | Major |
| b. A trailer electrical socket wiring: i. insulation damaged or deteriorated | Minor |
| ii. insulation damaged or deteriorated and likely to cause a short-circuit | Major |
| c. A 13-pin trailer socket: i. not functioning correctly | Major |
| ii. not functioning at all | Dangerous |
Electrical Wiring
You must inspect all visible electrical wiring, other than on Class 3 vehicles.
This inspection does not apply to electrical wiring to brake pads.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Electrical wiring: i. insecure or inadequately secured | Minor |
| ii. insecure and in contact with sharp edges or connectors likely to become disconnected | Major |
| iii. likely to touch hot or rotating parts, drag on the ground or the connectors for braking or steering disconnected | Dangerous |
| b. Electrical wiring: i. slightly deteriorated | Minor |
| ii. so damaged or deteriorated it is likely to cause a short-circuit | Major |
| iii. for braking or steering components extremely deteriorated | Dangerous |
| a. Electrical wiring insulation: i. damaged or deteriorated | Minor |
| ii. heavily deteriorated | Major |
| iii. in such a condition there is an imminent risk of fire or formation of sparks | Dangerous |
Battery(ies)
Battery(ies) on all vehicles including electric and hybrid vehicles will be checked. The check does not apply to Class 3 vehicles.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. A battery insecure: i. but not likely to fall from carrier | Minor |
| ii. and likely to fall from carrier or cause a short circuit | Major |
| b. A battery leaking: | Major |
Link to all MOT Test procedures and failure items descriptions HERE