Lights, number plates and accessories

It is safest to assume that all the lights on your vehicle must be in working order – if they aren't you may commit an offence. However, there are exemptions in relation to a:

• rear fog lamp on a vehicle which is part of a combination of vehicles, any part of which is not required to be fitted with a rear fog lamp.
• rear fog lamp on a motor vehicle drawing a trailer.
• defective lamp, reflector, dim-dip device or headlamp levelling device on a vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset, if any such lamp, reflector or device became defective during the journey which is in progress or if arrangements have been made to remedy the defect as soon as possible.
• lamp, reflector, dim-dip device, headlamp levelling device or rear marking on a combat vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset.
• front fog lamp or a daytime running lamp on a vehicle which was first registered before 1st March 2018.

Winter conditions -

• you MUST have a full view of the road and traffic ahead, so clear snow and ice from all your windows
• you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
• make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are de misted thoroughly
• remove all snow from your roof and bonnet, to avoid it slipping or being blown over your windscreen, or flying into the path of another car
• remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
• check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snow falls or severe weather are predicted.
• Drive slowly making any movements slowly and calmly.
• If you have to brake, just pump the brakes gently this will help to reduce skidding.
• If you do skid then turn the wheel the opposite way and that should help to correct your car's position.
• Always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front.
• Make sure you have a spade, blanket and water in the car in case of emergencies.
• Move off in second gear to get a better grip on the road surface.
• Try not to brake if you are on a patch of ice unless necessary.
• Call ahead and let someone know your expected time of arrival.
• If you are going up a steep hill use as high a gear as possible to stop your wheels from slipping.
• Make sure battery is fully charged.

Fog -

• Drive slower and watch carefully the road in front of you because fog can appear and disappear in an instant.
• Use rear fog lights when visibility reduced to 100m or less.
• Only use front fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced.
• Turn radio off and open window slightly so you can hear other vehicles.
• Do not follow the car in front too closely.
• Do not use full beam head lights but dipped as these point to the road making it easier for you to see and for others to see you.
• Use windscreen wipers and demisters.
• If visibility reduced to less than 20/30m then your speed should be 20mph.

Lights mounted on the screen wash nozzle may be legal if they do not flash, move or distract other drivers. It is illegal to have any red lights to the front of the vehicle.

If the light can be seen from the rear of the vehicle (which more than likely will be the case with these types of lights) then an offence is committed as the only lights that can be seen from the rear of the vehicle have to be red (subject to certain exceptions, e.g. indicator lights and reverse light). If you are found guilty of this offence you could face a substantial fine.

These types of lights are known as tire flares and are attached to the tyre vales. They are in contravention of the regulations relating to vehicle lighting, as they are capable of being moved. Any lights on vehicles have to be fixed. If you are found guilty of this offence you could face a substantial fine.

The requirements for number plates are that there is now only one type of font which is prescribed. The registration plate must be in the prescribed font or be substantially similar to the font so that the characters are easily distinguishable. This means that you cannot use italic fonts or broken strokes or basically anything that would make the appearance of the number plate substantially different.

An example of the prescribed font can be seen on the DVLA website.

It is no longer permitted to use strategically placed bolts and screws to alter the letters or numbers on a registration plate.

In the windscreens (including rear windscreen) and front side windows of motor vehicles first used after 1st April 1985 there must be a minimum of 75% of light allowed through the window (for vehicles first used before 1/04/85 min of 70%). The windows that are exempted from this are any windows, which the driver when sat in the driving seat is unable at any time to see any part of the road on which the vehicle is situated whether proceeding or waiting.

Yes, this is illegal.

Any interference with the number plate to make it less easily distinguishable to the eye is illegal. You could be liable for a substantial fine if you are found guilty of tampering with the number plate.

No, this would be unlawful. Even if a blue light is masked over or doesn't have any wiring, it would still be 'fitted' for the purposes of the law.

The requirement is that you must be able to see clearly down both sides of your caravan, and 4 metres either side at a distance of 20 metres behind the caravan. If your existing car mirrors cannot provide this or you are doubtful as to whether they can, it is safest to fit extension towing mirrors otherwise you may commit an offence.