Information

Method of Inspection

Reason for rejection

This inspection applies to: All direction indicators and hazard warning devices fitted.

Flashing Type

Al. Operate the left and right direction indicators in turn and check
a. that all lamps are present and secure

A .A direction indicator

a. missing or insecure

Exempt Vehicles

Direction indicators and hazard warning devices are not required by regulations on vehicles not fitted with any front or rear position lamps (see1.1), nor are they required on vehicles first used before 1 January 1936.

But, if they are fitted, they must be tested.

b. that all lamps are complete, in good working order and clean

b. incomplete, not in good working order or not clean, ie so damaged or deteriorated that its function is impaired

Note: An effective proprietary repair (eg lens repair tape, etc.) must be assessed on its merits considering security, colour, light output and durability.

Vehicles first used before 1 September 1965

Direction indicators may be incorporated with stop lamps, or combined with side or rear lamps.

c. the flashing rate

Note: It may be necessary to run the engine when checking the flashing rate

c. does not flash 60 to 120 times per minute

Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986

These must be fitted with one side repeater indicator on each side. Instead of a separate lamp, the side repeater might be part of the front direction indicator if it includes a wraparound lens. (See information on following page).

d. that every direction indicator emits amber light, except vehicles first used before 1 September 1965 where both front indicators may be white and both rear indicators red

e. that their operation is separate from, and not adversely affected by, the operation of any other lamp.

2. Check the selector switch for presence, security, condition and operation.

3. Check the driver's 'tell-tale' warning device for presence and operation.

Note: A 'tell-tale' may be audible or visual, it is not required if one or more direction indicators on each side can be seen by the driver from the driver's seat.

d. does not show light of the appropriate colour

e. adversely affected by the operation of another lamp eg dual function lamps on foreign vehicles.

2. A missing, insecure or faulty selector
switch.

3. The drivers 'tell-tale' missing or inoperative.

Acceptable wrapround lens marking

Lamps incorporating a side repeater are marked either with an 'E' mark in a circle or an 'e' mark in a rectangle above which is a number 5. Some vehicles are fitted with a wraparound lens with no European approval markings. These can be tested by standing approximately 1000mm to the side of the vehicles rear bumper with indicator on. If amber light can be seen coming through the front lens (not a reflection) this is acceptable.

4. Check that the hazard warning device is present, secure and operates using only one switch with the ignition switched both on and off. While it operates, check that all the direction indicators flash simultaneously and the 'tell-tale' is working correctly.

4. A hazard warning device
a. does not cause all the direction indicators to flash in phase with the ignition both on and off

b. 'tell-tale' not working correctly

c. a switch missing, insecure or faulty.

d. operated by more than one switch

Vehicles first used before 1 April 1986

A hazard warning device is not required by Regulation, but, if one is fitted, it must be tested.
The hazard warning lamp 'tell tale' may be a separate light or the same as the indicator 'tell-tale. However, it must be a flashing light.

Semaphore Type

B 1. Operate the direction indicators and
check
a. the operation of each indicator

b. that every direction indicator emits an amber light

Note: A semaphore arm must illuminate when in operation. It may flash, but is not required to do so

c. selector switch presence, security, condition and operation.

2. Check the correct operation of the 'tell-tale'.

Note: A 'tell-tale' may be audible or visual. A 'tell-tale' is not required if
one or more direction indicators on each side of the vehicle can be seen by the driver from the driver's seat.

B 1 .A semaphore arm
a. does not extend or retract smoothly

b. does not show an amber light to the front and rear

c. a selector switch missing, insecure or faulty.

2. The 'tell-tale' is missing or not working correctly.

Issue Date: 10th January 2005