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Land Transport Rule

Vehicle Lighting 2004

Rule 32005

Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2005, Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2007 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment (No 2) 2007.

Contents

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards

Section 3     Headlamps

Section 4     Stop lamps

Section 5     High-mounted stop lamps

Section 6     Direction-indicator lamps

Section 7     Position Lamps

Section 8     Rear registration-plate illumination lamps

Section 9     Retroreflectors and retroflective material

Section 10    Optional lamps

Section 11     Flashing or revolving beacons

Section 12     Modification, retrofitting and repair

Section 13     Responsibilities

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

 

Objective of the rule

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 is one of a series of rules that sets safety requirements and standards for systems and components in vehicles operating in New Zealand. This rule applies to all motor vehicles and also to vehicles of Class AA (pedal cycles). It reviews, updates, consolidates and clarifies standards and safety requirements for lighting equipment that is fitted to a vehicle, to allow the vehicle to be operated safely under all driving conditions and not endanger the safety of other road users.

This rule regulates the following aspects of vehicle lighting:

The installation standards and the standards for each lighting component are incorporated by reference in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998 so that, effectively, they are part of the rule. A choice of standards provides flexibility within agreed safety parameters.

This rule applies throughout the on-road life of a vehicle by specifying requirements for certification as a prerequisite to first registration in New Zealand, repair, modification, in-service inspection and other aspects of continuing compliance. The rule is an essential element of the safety framework governing vehicles in New Zealand. It links with, and provides a means of assessment for, Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, which sets procedures for vehicle certification for registration, in-service fitness and other purposes.

The rule states who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: operators, repairers, modifiers, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations, manufacturers and retailers. This links the rule to provisions of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.

 

Extent of consultation

There were two rounds of consultation on this rule. A preliminary (red) draft was published in September 2000 with a deadline for submissions of 13 November 2000. Fifty submissions were received on the red draft and these were analysed and taken into account when redrafting the rule.

Formal public consultation on this rule began on 12 November 2003 when the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) released the yellow (public consultation) draft with a deadline for submissions of 23 December 2003. The availability of the draft was publicised in metropolitan and regional daily newspapers, Te Karere National News and the New Zealand Gazette. The draft rule was also made available on the LTSA’s website and was sent to overseas libraries and transport organisations.

The LTSA received 108 submissions on the yellow draft. The submissions were taken into account in redrafting the rule before it was submitted to Cabinet, and to the Minister for Transport Safety for signature.

 

Material incorporated by reference

Documents that are ‘incorporated by reference’ in this rule are available, on request, for inspection (free of charge) at the head office of the LTSA. Contact details for the LTSA are listed at the front of the rule.

 

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This rule is Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

1.2     Scope of the rule

1.2(1)     This rule applies to lighting equipment for all motor vehicles, and for vehicles of Class AA in Table A in Part 2.

1.2(2)     This rule specifies requirements:

1.2(3)     This rule specifies approved lighting equipment for the purposes of Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

1.3     Date when rule comes into force

This rule comes into force on 27 February 2005.

1.4     Application of rule provisions

1.4(1)     Except as provided in 2.2(8), if there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the rule, the provision of this rule applies.

1.4(2)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 applies.

1.4(3)     Lighting equipment that, before 27 February 2005, was approved for fitting to a vehicle under any enactment in force immediately before the commencement of this rule, whether or not the lighting equipment was required to be fitted, may remain fitted on or after 27 February 2005 if it complies with the relevant safety requirements in this rule.

1.4(4)     A motor vehicle that is identified, by an organisation recognised by the Director under 13.7(b), as being manufactured without lighting equipment, or as being manufactured with lighting equipment that does not comply with the requirements of this rule, does not have to comply with this rule, provided that it is operated in accordance with the conditions of the Lighting Equipment Endorsement on a valid Vehicle Identity Card issued by that organisation to that vehicle.

1.4(5)     For the avoidance of doubt, an exemption from, or approval of a variation to, a requirement for lighting equipment in the Traffic Regulations 1976 or the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 that was published in the Gazette before 27 February 2005 and that was not revoked before the commencement of this rule, in relation to a specified vehicle or a specified vehicle operator, remains valid after this rule comes into force, for all relevant vehicles that were first registered in New Zealand before 27 February 2005.

1.4(6)     In addition to complying with the applicable requirements in this rule, an overdimension motor vehicle, a pilot vehicle or a motor vehicle whose load extends beyond the vehicle must comply with additional requirements for vehicle lighting that are specified in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

 

Section 2     General safety requirements and approved vehicle standards

2.1     General safety requirements

2.1(1)     Lighting equipment fitted to a motor vehicle or a vehicle of Class AA must be:

2.1(2)     Except as provided in 2.1(12), if a maximum number is specified for the fitting of a particular type of lighting equipment in this rule, or in an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment, this number must not be exceeded.

2.1(3)     The light emitted from a lamp must be steady unless otherwise specified in this rule or any other enactment.

2.1(4)     The light emitted from a flashing lamp required or permitted under this rule must operate at a fixed frequency.

2.1(5)     If the lighting equipment that is fitted to a motor vehicle is activated by an anti-theft car alarm, 2.1(3) and 2.1(4) do not apply.

2.1(6)     Lighting equipment, retroreflectors and retroreflective material that are required to be fitted to a vehicle must be maintained in sound condition and in accordance with the general safety requirements in 2.1(1) and other applicable safety requirements of this rule.

2.1(7)     A forward-facing lamp fitted to a vehicle must be maintained in sound condition and in accordance with the general safety requirements in 2.1(1) and other applicable safety requirements of this rule, whether or not it is required to be fitted to a vehicle.

2.1(8)     A lamp fitted to a vehicle that is not maintained in sound condition and in accordance with the general safety requirements in 2.1(1) and other applicable safety requirements of this rule must be disabled so that it does not emit light when turned on.

2.1(9)     A work lamp fitted to a vehicle does not have to be maintained in sound condition and good working order.

2.1(10)     A lamp comprising an array of separate light sources is no longer in good working order if more than 25% of the light sources fail to operate.

2.1(11)     Subject to 2.1(12)and 5.2(3), lighting equipment that is required to be fitted to a vehicle under this rule must not be obscured.

2.1(12)     Despite 2.1(11), lighting equipment that is required to be fitted to the sides or rear of a vehicle under this rule may be temporarily obscured by a load transported on the vehicle, by a towed vehicle or by a load transported on the towed vehicle, provided that temporary lighting equipment is fitted to the vehicle, the towed vehicle, the load on the vehicle or the load on the towed vehicle that:

2.1(13)     The light emitted by lighting equipment must be visible under clear atmospheric conditions from the distances specified in this rule.

2.1(14)     The type and performance of light sources used in lighting equipment must be as specified by:

2.1(15)     Lighting equipment (except direction-indicator lamps and beacons) fitted as a pair to the front or to the rear of a motor vehicle must:

2.1(16)     Except as provided in section 11, a lamp that emits red light must not be fitted to a vehicle if the light is directly visible from the front of the vehicle.

2.1(17)     Except as provided in 6.2(2), 7.2(3), 10.5(1), 10.7 and section 11, or in any other enactment, a lamp that emits other than red or amber light must not be fitted to a vehicle if the light is directly visible from the rear of the vehicle.

 

    Assessing whether lighting equipment complies with relevant safety requirements

2.1(18)     In assessing whether lighting equipment complies with the relevant safety requirements in this rule, a person in section 13 may take into account:

 

2.2    Approved vehicle standards

2.2(1)     Lighting equipment fitted to a motor vehicle that is required by this rule to comply with a vehicle standard for lighting equipment must comply with a version, as specified in 2.2(5), of an approved vehicle standard in Schedule 1.

[Note: The standards in Schedule 1 are component standards, that is, they set out the technical requirements for lamps and reflectors, for example, how bright a lamp must be, its colour and beam pattern.]

2.2(2)     Lighting equipment fitted to a scratch-built light motor vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 that is a replica of a vehicle built before 1 January 1992 does not have to comply with an approved vehicle standard in Schedule 1, provided that it complies with the requirements of the Low Volume Vehicle Code.

2.2(3)     Except if 2.2(8) applies, a motor vehicle that is required by this rule to comply with a vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with a version, as specified in 2.2(5), of an approved vehicle standard in Schedule 2.

[Note: The standards in Schedule 2 are installation standards, that is, they set out the lighting requirements for the vehicle as a whole, including which lights it must have, where the lights must be fixed and how they must be aligned.]

2.2(4)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, must comply with:

    Application of vehicle standards requirements

2.2(5)     If required by this rule to comply with an approved vehicle standard, a motor vehicle or its lighting equipment must comply with the version of the standard that:

2.2(6)     An approved vehicle standard in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 includes all amendments to that standard, some of which apply to classes of vehicle additional to those covered by the original standard.

2.2(7)     A motor vehicle, or its lighting equipment, complies with an applicable approved vehicle standard if it:

2.2(8)     A requirement for a motor vehicle to comply with an approved vehicle standard does not apply if:

2.2(9)     A motor vehicle that, under 2.2(8), does not have to comply with an approved vehicle standard must comply with the other applicable requirements of this rule.

 

Section 3     Headlamps

3.1     Application of headlamp requirements

3.1(1)     A headlamp fitted to a motor vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 3.2.

3.1(2)     A headlamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for headlamps if this is specified in Table 3.2 for that vehicle group or class.

3.1(3)     A vehicle of Group A must comply with the relevant requirements in 3.3.

3.1(4)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M or N, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 3.3.

3.1(5)     A vehicle retrofitted with a headlamp must comply with 3.3.

3.2     Safety requirements for headlamps

3.2(1)     When operated, a headlamp must emit a beam of light that is substantially white or amber.

3.2(2)     A main-beam headlamp must be able to be dipped or extinguished from the driver’s seating position.

3.2(3)     A warning device that is designed to indicate that the main-beam headlamp is in operation must, if fitted, be in good working order.

3.2(4)     The horizontal orientation of a headlamp on a vehicle must, when the vehicle’s front wheels are pointing in the straight-ahead position, ensure that the centre-line of the beam of light emitted from the lamp is projected either parallel to, or to the left of, the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.

3.2(5)     The vertical orientation of a main-beam headlamp on a vehicle must be such that, under all conditions of use, the centre-line of the beam of light emitted from the lamp does not rise above a plane that passes through the centre of the lamp and is parallel to the surface on which the vehicle is standing.

3.2(6)     A dipped-beam headlamp designed solely for a left-hand-drive motor vehicle, where the maximum intensity of the beam is dispersed to the right, must not be fitted to a vehicle.

    Angles of dip

3.2(7)     A motor vehicle must comply with:

3.2(8)     The vertical inclination of the centre-line of the light beam of a symmetric dipped-beam headlamp on a motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE, Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3),must be between 3% and 3.5%.

3.2(9)     The vertical inclination of the cut-off of the light beam of an asymmetric dipped-beam headlamp on a motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE, Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), must be within the limits specified in Table 3.1.

 

Table 3.1     Dipped-beam requirements according to height of headlamp

Height of headlamp lens Minimum dip Maximum dip
h1 ≤ 0.8m
1.0%
1.5%
0.8m ≤ h ≤ 1.2m
1.0%
2.0%
h > 1.2m
2.0%
2.5%

Note 1. ‘h’ is the mounting height of the centre of the light source.

3.2(10)     A motor vehicle equipped with dipped-beam headlamps that are able to be adjusted from the driver’s seating position must comply with the requirements in 3.2(8) or 3.2(9) with the adjustment in its highest position.

3.2(11)     A motor vehicle that is equipped with self-levelling suspension must comply with the requirements in 3.2(8) or 3.2(9) when the suspension is at its normal level.

 

3.3     Fitting and performance requirements for headlamps

3.3(1)     A dipped-beam headlamp on a motor vehicle (other than an unclassified motor vehicle, or a vehicle having a gross vehicle mass exceeding 12,000 kg) must be positioned at a height not exceeding 1.2 m from the ground.

3.3(2)     A vehicle of Group A:

3.3(3)     If a vehicle of Group A is fitted with:

3.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Class LA or Class LB:

3.3(5)     A motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE:

3.3(6)     A vehicle of Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3):

3.3(7)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3 (other than a trailer):

3.3(8)     A motor vehicle of Group T must not be fitted with a headlamp.

 

3.4     Flashing headlamps

3.4(1)     An emergency vehicle or a pilot vehicle may be fitted with a device that allows headlamps to flash alternately provided that:

3.4(2)     A pilot vehicle that is accompanying an overdimension vehicle must comply with the requirements for alternately flashing headlamps in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

 

Table 3.2     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for headlamps

Vehicle1 Vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1992 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 and before 1 January 1996 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Group A Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2
Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 and approved vehicle standard for headlamps
Classes MA, NA Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 and approved vehicle standard for headlamps
Classes MB, MC, MD, ME, NB, NC Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2 and approved vehicle standard for headlamps
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 3.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 4     Stop lamps

4.1     Application of stop lamp requirements

4.1(1)     A stop lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 4.2.

4.1(2)     A stop lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for stop lamps if this is specified in Table 4.1 for that vehicle group or class.

4.1(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 4.3.

4.1(4)     A vehicle retrofitted with a stop lamp must comply with 4.3.

 

4.2     Safety requirements for stop lamps

4.2(1)     The light emitted from a stop lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red.

4.2(2)     A stop lamp that is required to be fitted under 4.3(4), 4.3(5), 4.3(6) or 4.3(7) must operate when a service brake is activated.

 

4.3     Fitting and performance requirements for stop lamps

4.3(1)     Subject to 4.3(2), a motor vehicle of Class LA or Class LB may be fitted with one or two stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle.

4.3(2)     A motor vehicle of Class LA or Class LB first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1991 must be fitted with one or two stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle.

4.3(3)     Subject to 4.3(4), a motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE may be fitted with one or two stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle.

4.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 must be fitted with one or two stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle.

4.3(5)     Except as provided in 4.3(6), a motor vehicle of Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), must be fitted with one or two pairs of stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle that emit light that is visible from a distance of 100 m.

4.3(6)     Despite 4.3(5), a motor vehicle of Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978:

4.3(7)     A motor vehicle of Group T (other than one in Schedule 3) must be fitted with one or two pairs of stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle if the vehicle’s construction, equipment or loading prevents an arm signal given by the driver of the towing vehicle from being seen from behind the vehicle combination.

4.3(8)     The lamps in 4.3(4), 4.3(5), 4.3(6) and 4.3(7) must be fitted at a height not exceeding 1.5 m from the ground, or at a height not exceeding 2.1 m from the ground if the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle makes it impracticable to comply with the 1.5-m height restriction.

4.3(9)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3 may be fitted with one or two pairs of stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle provided that they comply with the height restriction in 4.3(8).

4.3(10)     A vehicle of Group A must not be fitted with a stop lamp.

4.3(11)     A heavy motor vehicle may be fitted with one pair of stop lamps, in addition to those specified in 4.3(5), 4.3(6), or 4.3(7), provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork at the rear of the vehicle.

4.3(12)     An unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3) may be fitted with one pair of stop lamps, in addition to those specified in 4.3(5) and 4.3(6), provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork at the rear of the vehicle.

 

    Angles of visibility

4.3(13)     A stop lamp that is required to be fitted under 4.3(4), 4.3(5), 4.3(6) or 4.3(7) must emit light that is visible within an angle of at least 15 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp, and within at least 45 degrees either side of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle and passing through the lamp.

 

Table 4.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for stop lamps

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1992 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 and before 1 January 1996 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Classes MA, NA Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 and approved vehicle standard for stop lamps
Classes MB, MC, MD, ME, NB, NC, TC, TD Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 and approved vehicle standard for headlamps
Classes TA, TB, Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2 and approved vehicle standard for stop lamps
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 4.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 5     High-mounted stop lamps

5.1     Application of high-mounted stop lamp requirements

5.1(1)     A high-mounted stop lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 5.2.

5.1(2)     A high-mounted stop lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for high-mounted stop lamps if this is specified in Table 5.1 for that vehicle group or class.

5.1(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 5.3.

5.1(4)     A vehicle retrofitted with a high-mounted stop lamp must comply with 5.3.

 

5.2     Safety requirements for high-mounted stop lamps

5.2(1)     The light emitted from a high-mounted stop lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red.

5.2(2)     A high-mounted stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must operate when any of that vehicle’s service brakes is activated.

5.2(3)     Despite 5.2(2), if two high-mounted stop lamps are fitted to a motor vehicle, only one is required to operate when that vehicle’s service brake is activated provided that, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the non-operational high-mounted stop lamp does not obscure the operational high-mounted stop lamp.

 

5.3     Fitting and performance requirements for high-mounted stop lamps

5.3(1)     A motor vehicle not specified in 5.3(2) or 5.3(3) may be fitted with one or two high-mounted stop lamps.

5.3(2)     A motor vehicle of Class MA, first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1990, must be fitted with one or two high-mounted stop lamps.

5.3(3)     A vehicle of Group A must not be fitted with a high-mounted stop lamp.

5.3(4)     A high-mounted stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle of Group M or Group N must be fitted in a central high-mounted position at the rear of a vehicle, so that no part of its illuminated area is lower than 150 mm below the bottom edge of the rear window of the vehicle.

5.3(5)     A high-mounted stop lamp fitted to a motor vehicle of Group M or Group N that does not have a rear window or whose rear window is not visible from behind the vehicle, or that is fitted to a vehicle of Group T, must be fitted in a central high-mounted position at the rear of the vehicle.

Table 5.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for high-mounted stop lamps

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1991 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1991 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Class MA Requirements in 2.1 and 5.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 5.2 and approved vehicle standard for hogh-mounted stop lamps
Classes MB, MC, MD, ME
Groups N, L, T
Requirements in 2.1 and 5.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 5.2 and approved vehicle standard for high-mounted stop lamps

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 6     Direction-indicator lamps

6.1     Application of direction-indicator lamp requirements

6.1(1)     A direction-indicator lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 6.2.

6.1(2)     A direction-indicator lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for direction-indicator lamps if this is specified in Table 6.1 for that vehicle class.

6.1(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 6.3.

6.1(4)     A motor vehicle retrofitted with a direction-indicator lamp must comply with 6.3.

 

6.2     Safety requirements for direction-indicator lamps

6.2(1)     The light emitted from a forward-facing direction-indicator lamp must be substantially white or amber.

6.2(2)     The light emitted from a rearward-facing direction-indicator lamp must be substantially red or amber.

6.2(3)     The light emitted from a side-facing direction-indicator lamp must be substantially amber.

6.2(4)     Direction-indicator lamps fitted to a motor vehicle must flash at a fixed frequency in the range of 1 to 2 Hertz.

6.2(5)     Direction-indicator lamps must be fitted to a motor vehicle in pairs, and each pair fitted to the front or to the rear of a vehicle must:

6.2(6)     The failure of one or more direction-indicator lamps required by this rule to be fitted to a motor vehicle, other than one of Class TA or Class TB, must be indicated to the driver by a suitable device.

 

6.3     Fitting and performance requirements for direction-indicator lamps

6.3(1)     A motor vehicle of Class LA or Class LB, or a motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978, may be fitted with two direction-indicator lamps to the front, and two direction-indicator lamps to the rear, of the vehicle.

6.3(2)     A motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 must be fitted with two or four direction-indicator lamps to the front and two or four direction-indicator lamps to the rear of the vehicle.

6.3(3)     A motor vehicle of Group M or Group N:

6.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Group T:

6.3(5)     An unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3 or a forklift) first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 2006 must be fitted with two or four rearward-facing direction-indicator lamps if the driver’s arm signals cannot be seen by a following driver because of the construction, equipment or loading of the vehicle.

6.3(6)     An unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3 or a forklift) first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 2006 must be fitted with two or four direction-indicator lamps to the rear of the vehicle.

6.3(7)     A heavy motor vehicle may be fitted with one pair of direction-indicator lamps, in addition to those specified in 6.3(3) or 6.3(4), provided that the additional pair of direction-indicator lamps is positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork at the rear of the vehicle.

6.3(8)     An unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3) may be fitted with one pair of direction-indicator lamps, in addition to those specified in 6.3(5), provided that the additional pair of direction-indicator lamps is positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork at the rear of the vehicle.

6.3(9)     The lamps in 6.3(2), 6.3(3)(b), 6.3(4), 6.3(5)and 6.3(6) must be fitted at a height not exceeding 1.5 m from the ground, or at a height not exceeding 2.1 m from the ground if the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle makes it impracticable to comply with the 1.5-m restriction.

6.3(10)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3 may be fitted with two or four direction-indicator lamps to the front, and two or four direction-indicator lamps to the rear of the vehicle.

6.3(11)     A vehicle of Group A must not be fitted with a direction-indicator lamp.

 

    Performance and angle requirements

6.3(12)     The light emitted from a direction-indicator lamp must be visible in daylight from a distance of 100 m, and during the hours of darkness from a distance of 200 m.

6.3(13)     A direction-indicator lamp that is required to be fitted under 6.3(2), 6.3(3), 6.3(4), 6.3(5) or 6.3(6) to a motor vehicle must, when operated, emit light that is visible within an angle of at least 15 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp 45 degrees inboard, and 80 degrees outboard, of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle and passing through the lamp.

 

    Side-facing direction-indicator lamps

6.3(14)     In addition to the direction-indicator lamps required to be fitted under 6.3(3), a heavy motor vehicle of Group M or Group N first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 that exceeds 9.2 m in length must be fitted with one or two side-facing direction-indicator lamps:

6.3(15)     A direction-indicator lamp required under 6.3(14) to be fitted to a heavy motor vehicle must emit light that is visible to the side of the vehicle through an angle of 60 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp and at least between an angle of 30 degrees and 80 degrees rearward of a vertical plane that is at right angles to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle and passing through the lamp.

6.3(16)     A motor vehicle not specified in 6.3(11) or 6.3(14) may be fitted with one or two side-facing direction-indicator lamps on each side.

Table 6.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for direction-indicator lamps

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1996 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Classes TC, TD, Groups L, M Requirements in 2.1 and 6.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 6.2 and approved vehicle standard for direction indicator lamps
Classes TA, TB, Group N Requirements in 2.1 and 6.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 6.2 and approved vehicle standard for direction-indicator lamps
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 6.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 7     Position lamps

7.1     Application of position lamp requirements

7.1(1)     A position lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 7.2.

7.1(2)     A position lamp fitted to a vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for position lamps if this is specified in Table 7.1 or Table 7.2 for that vehicle group or class.

7.1(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6.

7.1(4)     Despite 7.1(2), a rearward-facing position lamp in 7.4(10) does not have to comply with an approved vehicle standard for rearward-facing position lamps.

7.1(5)     A vehicle that is retrofitted with a position lamp must comply with 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6, as applicable.

 

7.2     Safety requirements for position lamps

7.2(1)     The light emitted from a rearward-facing position lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red.

7.2(2)     The light emitted from a forward-facing position lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially white or amber.

7.2(3)     The light emitted from a rearward-facing side-marker lamp must be diffuse light that is substantially red or amber.

 

7.3     Fitting and performance requirements for forward-facing position lamps

7.3(1)     A forward-facing position lamp fitted to a vehicle must be positioned to the front of the vehicle.

7.3(2)     A vehicle of Group A or T may be fitted with one or two forward-facing position lamps, and where only one position lamp is fitted, it must be fitted on the side of the vehicle that is closer to the middle of the road.

7.3(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M or N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), that is 1.5 m or less in width or that was first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1978, may be fitted with one or two forward-facing position lamps.

7.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M or N, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 and that exceeds 1.5 m in width, must be fitted with one pair of forward-facing position lamps that emit light that is visible from a distance of 200 m during the hours of darkness.

7.3(5)     A motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3) that exceeds 2 m in width or, with its load, extends more than 1 m on either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle, must be fitted with one pair of forward-facing position lamps.

7.3(6)     The lamps in 7.3(3), 7.3(4) and 7.3(5) must be fitted at a height not exceeding 1.5 m from the ground, or at a height not exceeding 2.1 m from the ground if the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle makes it impracticable to comply with the 1.5-m height restriction.

7.3(7)     In addition to the lamps in 7.3(3), 7.3(4) and 7.3(5), an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3) may have one pair of additional forward-facing position lamps, provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork of the vehicle.

7.3(8)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3 may be fitted with one pair of forward-facing position lamps provided that they comply with the height restriction in 7.3(6).

7.3(9)     In addition to the lamps specified in 7.3(2), 7.3(3), 7.3(4) and 7.3(5), a heavy motor vehicle may be fitted with an additional pair of forward-facing position lamps provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork of the vehicle.

 

    Angles of visibility

7.3(10)     A forward-facing position lamp required under 7.3(4), to be fitted to a motor vehicle of Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle, must emit light that is visible through an angle of at least 15 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp and through angles of at least 45 degrees inboard and 80 degrees outboard of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle and passing through the lamp.

7.3(11)     A forward-facing position lamp required under 7.3(5) to be fitted to a motor vehicle of Group T must emit light that is visible through an angle of at least 15 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp and through an angle of at least 80 degrees outboard of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the trailer and passing through the lamp.

 

7.4     Fitting and performance requirements for rearward-facing position lamps

7.4(1)     A rearward-facing position lamp fitted to a vehicle must be positioned to the rear of the vehicle.

7.4(2)     A vehicle of Group A:

7.4(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L must be fitted with at least one rearward-facing position lamp that emits light that is visible during the hours of darkness from a distance of:

7.4(4)     A motor vehicle of Group M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3):

7.4(5)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3), first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 and that exceeds 1.5 m in width, must be fitted with one or two pairs of rearward-facing position lamps that emit light that is visible from a distance of 200 m during the hours of darkness.

7.4(6)     The lamps in 7.4(4) and 7.4(5) must be fitted at a height not exceeding 1.5 m from the ground, or at a height not exceeding 2.1 m from the ground if the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle makes it impracticable to comply with the 1.5-m height restriction.

7.4(7)     In addition to the lamps in 7.4(4) and 7.4(5), an unclassified motor vehicle (other than one in Schedule 3) may be fitted with one pair of additional rearward-facing position lamps provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork of the vehicle.

7.4(8)     In addition to the lamps specified in 7.4(4) and 7.4(5), a heavy motor vehicle may be fitted with an additional pair of rearward-facing position lamps provided that they are positioned as close as practicable to the top of the bodywork of the vehicle.

7.4(9)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3:

7.4(10)     A goods vehicle that is a heavy motor vehicle or that is a vehicle fitted with a flat deck or tray for the transport of goods, whether or not it is equipped with sideboards and tailboards, must be fitted with a rearward-facing position lamp to indicate the presence of the vehicle while parked or left on a roadway during the hours of darkness.

7.4(11)     A rearward-facing position lamp in 7.4(10) must:

7.4(12)     If the load of a vehicle in 7.4(10) extends further than 1.5 m behind the vehicle, the rearward-facing position lamp must be fitted at the extreme rear end of the load and as far as practicable to the right side of the load, and must comply with 7.4(11)(b).

 

    Angles of visibility

7.4(13)     A rearward-facing position lamp that is required under 7.4(3), 7.4(4) or 7.4(5) to be fitted to a motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE, Group M, N or T or to an unclassified motor vehicle (other than a vehicle in Schedule 3) must emit light that is visible through an angle of at least 15 degrees above and below a horizontal plane passing through the lamp, and through angles of at least 45 degrees inboard, and 80 degrees outboard, of a vertical plane passing through the lamp parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.

 

7.5     Fitting and performance requirements for side-marker lamps

7.5(1)    The positioning of side-marker lamps must be such that they give an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.

7.5(2)     A motor vehicle of Class TC or Class TD fitted with two or more axles, or an articulated heavy motor vehicle that exceeds 9.2 m in length:

7.5(3)     The light emitted by a side-marker lamp must be visible:

7.5(4)     A vehicle, other than one specified in 7.5(2), must not be fitted with a side-marker lamp.

 

7.6     Fitting and performance requirements for end-outline marker lamps

7.6(1)     The positioning of an end-outline marker lamp must be such that it gives an indication of the vehicle’s dimensions.

7.6(2)     The cab roof of the following motor vehicles must be fitted with two end-outline marker lamps that emit light that is visible from a distance of 100 m in daylight and from a distance of 200 m during the hours of darkness:

7.6(3)     The following motor vehicles may be fitted with a maximum of six forward-facing, and a maximum of four rearward-facing, end-outline marker lamps:

7.6(4)     A vehicle, other than one specified in 7.6(2) or 7.6(3), must not be fitted with an end-outline marker lamp.

Table 7.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1992 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 and before 1 January 1996 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Group A Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2
Classes TA, TB, Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 and approved vehicle standard for forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps
Classes MA, NA Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 and approved vehicle standard for forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps
Classes MB, MC, MD, ME, NB, NC, TC, TD Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 and approved vehicle standard for forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

Table 7.2     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for end-outline marker lamps and side-marker lamps

Vehicle Manufactured before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Classes MD, ME, NB, NC, TC, TD Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2 and approved vehicle standard for end-outline marker lamps and side-marker lamps
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 7.2

 

Section 8   Rear registration-plate illumination lamps

8.1     Application of rear registration-plate illumination lamp requirements

8.1(1)     A rear registration-plate illumination lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 8.2.

8.1(2)     A rear registration-plate illumination lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for rear registration-plate illumination lamps if this is specified in Table 8.1 for that vehicle group or class.

8.1(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting must comply with 8.3.

8.1(4)     A motor vehicle retrofitted with a rear registration-plate illumination lamp must comply with 8.3.

 

8.2     Safety requirements for rear registration-plate illumination lamps

When operated, a rear registration-plate illumination lamp must emit diffuse light that is substantially white and the light source must not be directly visible to the rear of the vehicle.

 

8.3     Fitting and performance requirements for rear registration-plate illumination lamps

8.3(1)     A rear registration-plate illumination lamp that is fitted to a motor vehicle must illuminate the figures and letters of the rear registration-plate so that they are visible during the hours of darkness from a distance of 20 m.

8.3(2)     A registered motor vehicle, other than a vehicle of Class AB, LA or LB, must be fitted with at least one rear registration-plate illumination lamp.

8.3(3)     A registered motor vehicle of Class AB, LA or LB may be fitted with one or two rear registration-plate illumination lamps.

 

Table 8.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for rear registration-plate illumination lamps

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1996 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Classes AB, LA, LB Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2
Classes LC, LD, LE, TA, TB Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2 and approved vehicle standard for registration-plate illumination lamp
Classes TC, TD, Group M, N Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2 and approved vehicle standard for registration-plate illumination lamp
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 8.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 9     Retroreflectors and retroreflective material

9.1     Application of requirements for retroreflectors and retroreflective material

9.1(1)     A retroreflector fitted to a vehicle must comply with 2.1 and 9.2.

9.1(2)     Retroreflective material fitted to a heavy motor vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2006 must:

9.1(3)     A retroreflector fitted to a vehicle must comply with an approved vehicle standard for retroreflectors if this is specified in Table 9.1 for that vehicle group or class.

9.1(4)     A vehicle of Group A must comply with 9.3.

9.1(5)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, that does not comply with an approved vehicle standard for the installation of lighting equipment must comply with 9.3.

9.1(6)     A vehicle retrofitted with a retroreflector must comply with 9.3.

 

9.2     Safety requirements for retroreflectors and retroreflective material

9.2(1)     A retroreflector must be of an area that allows it to reflect light to improve the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers and other road users without causing them undue dazzle or discomfort.

9.2(2)     A rearward-facing retroreflector on a vehicle other than one of Group A must reflect white light shining on it as substantially red light.

9.2(3)     A forward-facing retroreflector must reflect white light shining on it as substantially white or amber light.

9.2(4)     A side-facing retroreflector must reflect white light shining on it as substantially white or amber light.

9.2(5)     A retroreflector fitted to a pedal of a vehicle of Group A must reflect white light shining on it as substantially yellow or amber light.

9.2(6)     A vehicle may be fitted with retroreflective material to improve the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers and other road users, but the material must not dazzle, confuse or otherwise endanger their safety.

9.2(7)     Retroreflective material must not be fitted to a vehicle in a way that may cause other drivers and other road users to be confused about the orientation of the vehicle.

 

9.3     Fitting and performance requirements for retroreflectors

9.3(1)     A rearward-facing retroreflector fitted to a vehicle (other than a retroreflector fitted to a pedal of a vehicle of Group A) must be positioned to the rear of the vehicle.

9.3(2)     A vehicle of Group A may be fitted with pedal retroreflectors on the forward- and rearward-facing surfaces of each pedal.

9.3(3)     A vehicle of Group A or Group L must be fitted with at least one rearward-facing retroreflector that reflects light that is visible from a distance of 100 m.

9.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Group M, N or T or an unclassified motor vehicle (other than a vehicle in Schedule 3) must be fitted with at least one pair of rearward-facing retroreflectors at a height not exceeding 1.5 m from the ground, or at a height not exceeding 2.1 m from the ground if the shape of the bodywork of the vehicle makes it impracticable to comply with the 1.5-m height restriction.

9.3(5)     A rearward-facing retroreflector fitted to a heavy motor vehicle of Class NB or Class NC must have an area of not less than 30 cm² and be fitted within 150 mm of the right and left extremities of the vehicle.

9.3(6)     A motor vehicle in Schedule 3 may be fitted with one or more pairs of rearward-facing retroreflectors provided that they comply with the height restriction in 9.3(4).

9.3(7)     A vehicle of Group T equipped with a jinker pole that extends behind its rear lamps must, in addition to the retroreflectors required by 9.3(4), be fitted with one red retroreflector at the rear extremity of the pole.

9.3(8)     A vehicle of Class AA, AB, LA or LB may be fitted with one or two forward-facing retroreflectors and one or more side-facing retroreflectors.

 

Table 9.1     Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for rearward-facing retroreflectors

Vehicle1 Manufactured before 1 January 1991 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1991 and before 1 January 1992 Manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 and before 1 January 2006 Manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Group A Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2
Classes MA Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 and approved vehicle standard for rearward-facing retroreflectors
Classes MB, MC, MD, ME, TC, TD, Group L, N Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 and approved vehicle standard for rearward-facing retroreflectors
Classes TA, TB Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2 and approved vehicle standard for rearward-facing retroreflectors
Unclassified motor vehicles Requirements in 2.1 and 9.2

Note 1. For requirements relating to replica vehicles, see 2.2(2).

 

Section 10     Optional lamps

10.1   Application of requirements for optional lamps

10.1(1)     A motor vehicle fitted with an optional lamp must comply with 2.1 and with the requirements in Table 10.1, as applicable, and either:

10.1(2)     A motor vehicle must not be retrofitted with a front fog lamp, a rear fog lamp, a daytime running lamp or a reversing lamp on or after 1 January 2006 if that lamp does not comply with the applicable vehicle standards in Schedule 1.

10.1(3)     A motor vehicle retrofitted with an optional lamp must comply with the applicable requirements in this section.

Table 10.1 Safety requirements and approved vehicle standards for optional lamps

Component Vehicle Vehicle manufactured before1 January 1996 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2006 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2006
Front fog lamp Groups M, N Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 and approved vehicle standard for front fog lamps
Front fog lamp Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 and approved vehicle standard for front fog lamps
Rear fog lamp Groups M, N, L, T Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.2 and approved vehicle standard for rear fog lamps
Daytime running lamp Groups M, N Requirements in 2.1 and 10.3 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.3 and approved vehicle standard for daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamp Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 10.3 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.3 and approved vehicle standard for daytime running lamps
Reversing lamp Groups M, N Requirements in 2.1 and 10.5 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.5 and approved vehicle standard for reversing lamps
Reversing lamp Group L Requirements in 2.1 and 10.5 Requirements in 2.1 and 10.5 and approved vehicle standard for reversing lamps

 

10.2     Fitting and performance requirements for fog lamps

10.2(1)     The light emitted from a front fog lamp must be substantially white or amber.

10.2(2)     The light emitted from a rear fog lamp must be diffuse and substantially red in colour.

10.2(3)     A front fog lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must not be positioned higher than a dipped-beam headlamp fitted to the vehicle.

10.2(4)     The horizontal orientation of a front fog lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must ensure that the centre-line of the beam of light emitted from the lamp is projected either parallel to, or to the left of, the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.

10.2(5)     When operated, a front fog lamp must emit a permanently dipped beam.

10.2(6)     A front fog lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must be aligned so that the vertical inclination of the centre-line of the beam is not less than 3%.

10.2(7)     A fog lamp must be able to be extinguished from the driver’s seating position, and a front or rear fog lamp warning device that is fitted must be in good working order.

10.2(8)     A motor vehicle of Group L may be fitted with one or two front fog lamps.

10.2(9)     A motor vehicle of Group M or Group N, or an unclassified motor vehicle, may be fitted with one pair of front fog lamps.

10.2(10)     A motor vehicle of Group L, M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, may be fitted with one or two rear fog lamps.

10.2(11)     A vehicle of Group A or Group T must not be fitted with a front fog lamp.

10.2(12)     A vehicle of Group A must not be fitted with a rear fog lamp.

 

10.3    Fitting and performance requirements for daytime running lamps

10.3(1)     When operated, a daytime running lamp must emit light that is substantially white or amber.

10.3(2)     A daytime running lamp must not operate when a front fog lamp or headlamp is in use.

10.3(3)     A motor vehicle of Group L may be fitted with one or two daytime running lamps to the front of the vehicle.

10.3(4)     A motor vehicle of Group M or Group N may be fitted with one pair of daytime running lamps to the front of the vehicle.

10.3(5)     A vehicle of Group A or Group T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, must not be fitted with a daytime running lamp.

 

10.4     Fitting and performance requirements for cornering lamps

10.4(1)     When operated, a cornering lamp must emit light that is substantially white or amber.

10.4(2)     A motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle in Group T, may be fitted with one pair of lamps for use when cornering, if:

 

10.5     Fitting and performance requirements for reversing lamps

10.5(1)     The light emitted by a reversing lamp, when operated, must be substantially white.

10.5(2)     A motor vehicle, other than one in 10.5(4), may be fitted with one or two reversing lamps that operate only when:

10.5(3)     A reversing lamp fitted to a motor vehicle must emit a diffuse light or a dipped beam of light;

10.5(4)     A vehicle of Group A must not be fitted with a reversing lamp.

 

10.6     Fitting and performance requirements for interior lamps

One or more interior lamps may be fitted in a motor vehicle, but when in use in a moving vehicle must not:

 

10.7     Fitting and performance requirements for work lamps

10.7(1)     A motor vehicle of Class LC, LD or LE, or of Group M, N or T, or an unclassified motor vehicle, may be fitted with one or more work lamps.

10.7(2)     The light emitted from a work lamp must be substantially white or amber.

10.7(3)     A motor vehicle of Class AB, LA or LB must not be fitted with a work lamp.

 

10.8     Illuminated vehicle-mounted signs

An illuminated sign must not be fitted so as to dazzle, confuse, or distract other road users when operated, and must not display a variable or moving message unless the sign is:

10.9    Fitting and performance requirements for other optional lighting equipment

A vehicle may be fitted with one or more lamps that are not otherwise specified in this rule provided that the lamp:

 

Figure 10.1     Light sources must not be directly visible from the shaded regions

 

Section 11     Flashing or revolving beacons

11.1     Safety and performance requirements for beacons

11.1(1)     A beacon fitted to a motor vehicle must be positioned to ensure:

11.1(2)     The light emitted from a beacon fitted to a motor vehicle must be a consistent cycle of light with a frequency of 2 to 4 Hertz.

11.1(3)     A beacon must not emit light of an intensity that dazzles other drivers or other road users.

 

11.2     Fitting requirements for beacons

11.2(1)     An emergency vehicle may be fitted with one or more red beacons and one or more white forward-facing beacons.

11.2(2)     An emergency vehicle operated by an enforcement officer may be fitted with one or more blue beacons.

11.2(3)     A motor vehicle operated by a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse or registered midwife may be fitted with one green beacon.

11.2(4)     The following motor vehicles may be fitted with one or two amber beacons:

11.2(5)     An overdimension motor vehicle must be fitted with an amber beacon, in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

11.2(6)     A pilot vehicle must be fitted with amber or purple beacons, in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

 

Section 12     Modification, retrofitting and repair

12.1     Modification

12.1(1)     A modification to a motor vehicle that affects the performance of its lighting equipment:

12.1(2)     For the avoidance of doubt, the retrofitting of lighting equipment to a vehicle is not a modification under 12.1(1).

12.1(3)     An overlay must not be applied to a lens if that would reduce the mechanical and optical properties of the lamp below safe tolerance.

12.1(4)     A headlamp and a front fog lamp, when not in use, may be covered by a readily-removable protective cover.

 

12.2     Additional lighting equipment retrofitted to a motor vehicle

12.2(1)     Lighting equipment retrofitted to a vehicle must comply with section 2.

12.2(2)     A vehicle retrofitted with:

12.3     Repair

12.3(1)     A repair to lighting equipment on a motor vehicle, or a repair to a motor vehicle affecting its lighting equipment, must comply with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998.

12.3(2)     Replacement vehicle lighting equipment or lighting components used in a repair must comply with section 2, and with the same requirements in section 3 to section 11 as the lighting equipment that it replaces.

 

Section 13     Responsibilities

13.1     Responsibilities of operators

A person who operates a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this rule.

 

13.2     Responsibilities of repairers

A person who repairs, adjusts or replaces vehicle lighting equipment must ensure that the repair, adjustment or replacement:

 

13.3     Responsibilities of modifiers

A person who modifies vehicle lighting equipment, or who modifies a motor vehicle so as to adversely affect the performance of its lighting equipment, must:

13.4     Responsibilities of retrofitters

A person who retrofits vehicle lighting equipment must ensure that its fitting does not prevent the motor vehicle from complying with the relevant safety requirements in this rule.

 

13.5     Responsibilities of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must not certify a motor vehicle under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 if they have reason to believe that the vehicle does not comply with this rule.

 

13.6     Responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers

A person may manufacture, stock or offer for sale lighting equipment specified in this rule that is intended for fitting to a vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road, only if that lighting equipment:

 

13.7    Functions of the Director

The Director may:

 

Part 2     Definitions

Act
means the Land Transport Act 1998.
Agricultural
in relation to purposes or operations, means connected directly with the operation or management of a farm.
All-terrain vehicle
means a special purpose vehicle (with or without motorcycle controls and equipment) that:
  • (a) is principally designed for off-road use; and
  • (b) has three or more wheels; and
  • (c) has an engine capacity exceeding 50 ml; and
  • (d) has a gross weight of less than 1000 kg.
Alley lamp
means a work lamp designed primarily to provide a fixed or movable beam of light to the side of a vehicle to which it is fitted.
Ambulance service
means a service that complies with the requirements in NZS 8156:2002 Ambulance Sector Standard.
Approved
in relation to an appliance, apparatus, device, system, component, equipment or fitting, means approved by or under the Act or the Traffic Regulations 1976.
Approved vehicle standard
means a vehicle standard for lighting equipment in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2.
Asymmetric dipped-beam headlamp
means a dipped-beam headlamp that emits a beam of light with a distinct horizontal cut-off from at least the centre to the edge of the beam.
At a height not exceeding
in relation to lighting equipment fitted to a vehicle, means the height above which no part of the illuminated area of the equipment extends when the vehicle is at its gross vehicle mass and when each tyre with which the vehicle is fitted is inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Beacon
means a warning lamp comprising one or more light sources designed to emit a flashing light or a revolving beam of light.
Certify
has the same meaning as in Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
Civil defence emergency vehicle
means a vehicle operated under the instructions of a controller appointed under section 10 or section 26 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 in an emergency as defined in section 4 of that Act.
Class
in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N and T, as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
Commissioner
means the Commissioner of Police.
Cornering lamp
means a lamp designed to emit light at the front of the vehicle to supplement a vehicle’s headlamps by illuminating the road ahead in the direction of the turn.
Cut-off
means that part of a dipped beam that marks a separation between areas of higher and lower luminance.
Daytime running lamp
means a lamp designed to emit a low-intensity light forward of a vehicle to make it more easily seen in the daytime; and includes any lamp that complies with a vehicle standard for daytime running lamps specified in Schedule 1.
Defence fire brigade
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Fire Service Act 1975.
Defence force emergency vehicle
means a vehicle that is:
  • (a) operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy Naval Police, the New Zealand Army Military Police, or the Air Security Branch of the Royal New Zealand Air Force; or
  • (b) an improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) response vehicle.
Dipped beam
means a beam of light, emitted from a lamp fitted to a vehicle, that is angled downwards in such a way that it prevents undue dazzle or discomfort to oncoming drivers and other road users.
Dipped-beam headlamp
means a headlamp designed to emit a dipped beam; and includes any dipped-beam lamp that complies with a vehicle standard for headlamps specified in Schedule 1.
Direction-indicator lamp
means a lamp designed to emit a flashing light to signal the intention of the driver to change the direction of the vehicle to the right or to the left.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Act.
Driver
means a person driving a vehicle; and includes the rider of an all-terrain vehicle, a motorcycle, a moped, a cycle, a mobility device, or a wheeled recreational device.
EEC, EC
are abbreviations for directives of the European Economic Community and, later, the European Communities.
Emergency vehicle
means a vehicle used for attendance at emergencies and operated:
  • (a) by an enforcement officer;
  • (b) by an ambulance service;
  • (c) as a fire service vehicle;
  • (d) as a civil defence emergency vehicle;
  • (e) as a defence force emergency vehicle.
End-outline marker lamp
means a position lamp designed to be fitted near the outer extremity of a vehicle in addition to forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps; and includes a cab roof lamp.
Enforcement Officer
means:
  • (a) a sworn member of the Police;
  • (b) a non-sworn member of the Police who is authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner;
  • (c) a person who is appointed to that office by warrant under section 208 of the Act or who holds that office by virtue of the Act.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
is a vehicle standard of the United States of America.
Fire authority
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.
Fire service vehicle
means a vehicle that is:
(a) owned by the New Zealand Fire Service Commission or a fire authority; or
(b) operated by the New Zealand Fire Service, a defence fire brigade or any brigade, responding under a co-ordination agreement and approved by the National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service; or
(c) operated and approved by a fire authority.
First registered
in relation to a motor vehicle, means, unless specified otherwise, first registered in any country.
Fog lamp
means a high intensity lamp designed to aid the driver or other road users in conditions of severely reduced visibility, including fog or snow but not including clear atmospheric conditions under the hours of darkness, and that is:
  • (a) a front fog lamp; or
  • (b) a rear fog lamp.
Forklift
means a motor vehicle (not fitted with self-laying tracks) designed principally for lifting, carrying and stacking goods by means of one or more tines, platens or clamps.
Front fog lamp
means a fog lamp designed to provide a dipped beam of light to the front of a motor vehicle for the purpose of illuminating the road ahead of that vehicle; and includes any lamp that complies with a vehicle standard for front fog lamps specified in Schedule 1.
Goods vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is:
  • (a) designed exclusively or principally for the carriage of goods; or
  • (b) used for the collection or delivery of goods in the course of trade.
Gross vehicle mass
means either:
  • (a) the maximum permitted mass of the vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
  • (b) if a person approved for the purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, that mass determined by that person.
Group
in relation to vehicles, means a collective category of the vehicle classes that are specified in Table A: Vehicle classes, as follows:
  • (a) Group A means vehicles of Class AA and Class AB;
  • (b) Group L means vehicles of Classes LA, LB, LC, LD and LE;
  • (c) Group M means vehicles of Classes MA, MB, MC, MD and ME;
  • (d) Group N means vehicles of Classes NA, NB and NC;
  • (e) Group T means vehicles of Classes TA, TB, TC and TD.
Headlamp
means a lamp designed to illuminate the road ahead of a vehicle, and that is:
  • (a) a dipped-beam headlamp; or
  • (b) a main-beam headlamp; or
  • (c) a combination of a dipped-beam headlamp and a main-beam headlamp.
Heavy motor vehicle
means a motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD; or
  • (b) has a gross vehicle mass that exceeds 3500 kg and is not of a class specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
High-mounted stop lamp
means a stop lamp that is designed to be fitted in a central, high-mounted position at the rear of a vehicle.
Hours of darkness
means:
  • (a) a period of time between half an hour after sunset on one day and half an hour before sunrise on the next day; or
  • (b) any other time when there is not sufficient daylight to render clearly visible a person or vehicle at a distance of 100 m.
Illumination
means the amount of light flux per unit area at a specified distance from a light source.
Inspecting organisation
has the same meaning as in Part 2 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
Interior lamp
means a lamp designed to illuminate the interior of the vehicle for the convenience of passengers.
Jinker pole
means a telescoping or sliding pole that forms the drawbar to steer a pole trailer.
Lamp
means a device designed to emit light, and includes an array of separate light sources that appear as a continuous illuminated surface.
Lighting equipment
means equipment designed both to emit or reflect light and to be fitted to a vehicle; and includes a reflector and reflective material.
Lighting equipment endorsement
means an endorsement, relating to lighting equipment on historic vehicles, on a valid Vehicle Identity Card issued by an organisation recognised by the Director under 13.7(b).
Light motor vehicle
means a motor vehicle except one defined as a ‘heavy motor vehicle’.
Light output
means the intensity or brightness of light emitted from lighting equipment per unit area in a given direction.
Light source
means a device that emits light, including an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb, with each filament in an incandescent bulb having multiple filaments deemed to be a separate light source.
Low volume vehicle
means a motor vehicle of a class in Table A, other than Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC and TD, that is:
  • (a) manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, by a manufacturer whose total production of motor vehicles does not exceed 200 units over the same period, and when the construction of the motor vehicle directly or indirectly affects compliance of the motor vehicle with any of the vehicle standards prescribed by New Zealand law; or
  • (b) modified uniquely, or in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, in such a way as to affect the compliance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment, with a legal requirement relating to safety performance applicable at the time of the modification.
Low Volume Vehicle Code
means the code of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated.
Main-beam headlamp
means a headlamp designed to illuminate the road over a long distance ahead of a vehicle; and includes a driving lamp and any main-beam lamp that complies with a vehicle standard for headlamps specified in Schedule 1.
Manufacturer’s operating limits
means:
  • (a) in relation to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the vehicle manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to deterioration, malfunction or damage beyond which the safe performance of the vehicle, as defined by the vehicle ma