Third brake light and the test

flogen

Just a quick question on behalf of someone doing their test next week.

They noticed that their third break light (which is an LED strip just above the rear windscreen) is out and it looks like it's not easily fixed. They have their test next week and probably won't get it sorted in time.

All their normal tail lights are working properly so will this be an issue for the tester or is this light not considered to be vital for the car to be in proper working order?

Thanks.

Wishbone Ash

There is no statutory requirement to have a 3rd brake light therefore, one cannot be penalised for non-operation of said light.

The Real B-man

flogen wrote: »

Just a quick question on behalf of someone doing their test next week.

They noticed that their third break light (which is an LED strip just above the rear windscreen) is out and it looks like it's not easily fixed. They have their test next week and probably won't get it sorted in time.

All their normal tail lights are working properly so will this be an issue for the tester or is this light not considered to be vital for the car to be in proper working order?

Thanks.

Might be a fuse it's strange for the Whole LED Bar to fail usually its individual LEDS

Wishbone Ash

The Real B-man wrote: »

Might be a fuse it's strange for the Whole LED Bar to fail usually its individual LEDS

I was thinking that myself (or the cable has somehow become disconnected).

J_R

hi,

Examiner will conduct the test if any two of the three brake lights are working.

Alanstrainor

J_R wrote: »

hi,

Examiner will conduct the test if any two of the three brake lights are working.

Where did you get your information for this?
I haven't been able to find anything myself, it just seems odd.

J_R

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Where did you get your information for this?
I haven't been able to find anything myself, it just seems odd.

Hi,

1. Have seen examiners take out cars with one of the "Normal" lights out. and
2.

Where any 2 out of 3 brake-lights are working, the test should be conducted. If necessary, it is in order for the tester to press the brake pedal to demonstrate to the applicant that the brake-lights are not working.

From STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING DRIVING TESTS

Also Rules just specify Two red brake lights does not specify high level does not count.

Alanstrainor

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

1. Have seen examiners take out cars with one of the "Normal" lights out. and
2.
From STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING DRIVING TESTS

Also Rules just specify Two red brake lights does not specify high level does not count.

Thanks!
It does seem odd, but i cant argue with that!

Wishbone Ash

J_R wrote: »

Also Rules just specify Two red brake lights does not specify high level does not count.

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Thanks!
It does seem odd, but i cant argue with that!

I'm afraid I'll have to step in and argue with it!

J_R - I'm not disputing that examiners will conduct a test in a vehicle with only one normal and a 3rd brake light working but they shouldn't really do so as the vehicle does not conform to the regulations laid out in Statutory Instrument 189 of 1963.

13. (1) Stop lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.

(2) The lamps shall be actuated by the application of the service brake, and when so actuated shall show a red light to the rear of the vehicle.

(3) (a) The lamps shall be as nearly as possible of the same power.

(b) Each stop lamp shall be of substantially greater intensity than either of the rear lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped.

(4) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same appearance when lit.

(5) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same illuminated area.

(6) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height, and no part of the illuminated surfaces of the lamps shall be less than 12 inches or more than 4 feet from the ground.

(7) The lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis.

(8) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle.

One normal brake light combined with one upper brake light will not conform with parts 3(a), 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as highlighted in red above.

flogen

The Real B-man wrote: »

Might be a fuse it's strange for the Whole LED Bar to fail usually its individual LEDS

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I was thinking that myself (or the cable has somehow become disconnected).

Thanks for that - I'll get her to have a look if she can and see if it's easily fixed. Good to know that it's not vital anyway!

daoirse

Old thread, but some related up to date information.

I just had a car going for the NCT and about 4 of the 15 LEDs were not working. My mechanic told me that it could fail the test under recent rule changes. I considered removing the fuse for the centre brake light but in the end submitted it as it was.
It passed with no comments.

biko

Thanks, but old thread..