Information

Method of Inspection

Reason for rejection

This inspection applies to: all machines except those which either have no front or rear position lamps or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked that are:
. only used during daylight hours, and
. not used at times of seriously reduced visibility

If this situation occurs the machine presenter should be issued with a VT32 (advisory notice) recording the above.

1. Operate the direction indicators on each side in turn and check the colour, flash rate and is not obscurred, ,Check that the illumination of the indicators is not affected by the operation of any other lamp. Each Lamp must emit an amber light, except vehicles first used before 1 September 1965 where both front indicators may be white and both rear indicators red.

2. Operating the indicators see that the operation of each front indicator is readily visible from the riding position or that the 'tell tale' is operating correctly.

1. A direction indicator

a. missing or obscured.

b. does not show a light of the appropriate colour

c. not working or not flashing at 60 to 120 flashes per minute, or which is affected by the operation of another lamp.

2. A "tell tale" does not function or operate correctly.

Note: if the indicators can be seen from the riding position there is no need for a "tell tail" to operate.

Exemptions

If direction indicators are fitted they must meet the requirements of this inspection, but need not be fitted to a machine which:
. cannot exceed 30mph / 50kph, or
. was first used before 1 August 1986, or
. 'off road' machines which are designed
to carry only the rider.
. 'off road' machines with side car designed to carry the rider and one passenger in the side car.

off road machines are constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise).

3. Check the condition and security of each direction indicator





4. Check the condition and operation of the switch.

3. An indicator lamp
a. so damaged or deteriorated that its function is impaired.

b. insecure

4. A defective or insecure switch or one which does not operate the direction indicators on the side of the machine selected.

Statutory indicators

The precise position and angle of visibility of direction indicators are not part of this inspection, but they must be on each side of the longitudinal axis of a solo machine. If a side car is attached, the indicators must be on opposite sides of the combination.

Motorcycles first used before 1 September 1965 may be fitted with direction indicators showing a WHITE light to the front and a RED light to the rear.

On motorcycles without a battery or with an insufficiently charged battery, it will be necessary to run the engine. The 'tell tale' may be audible, visual or both.

Amber lamps located within the indicator lamp must not adversely affect the operation of the indicator i.e. the indicator must go on and off to function not dim and bright.

Issue Date:January 10th 2005