Marker lights? replace or remove

[Manuel_374563143]

One of my front marker lights is damaged, I was wondering if there is a legal requirement to have them (in which case i'll need to replace them) or can they be safely removed?

What are they designed for anyway?

 

[Lutz]

You refer to front marker lights so I presume you mean the white position lights facing forward. These are a legal requirement if the caravan extends more than 400mm beyond the outermost illuminated part of the towcar.

 

[Chrisbee]

If the caravan is more than 1.6 m wide and built after 01/10/85 then front position lamps are a legal requirement under UK C&U regulations

 

[Lutz]

Actually, it's 1.5m wide, not 1.6m, see

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_7.htm#nsch2

 

[Chrisbee]

Must be my age and failing eyesight Lutz, can't see any reference to trailer width on your link.

 

[Manuel_374563143]

I've decided that i'll be replacing them. probably easier than making good anyway and even if it might be legal now the next car may be slightly smaller.

 

[Pat_374304630]

sensible move Manuel.

 

[RayS]

On a related matter, what is the legal requirement for side marker lights - usually amber - fitted to continental 'vans ?

These seem to use the bodywork as the return connection and over the years these connection become unreliable. I guess the anser is to re-wire with two 'proper' wires, but this seems a lot of fuss for something which may be unnecessary anyway - amber reflectors would seem to do much the same job.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I always fit amber side marker lights to my vans as I like the look of them!!

The ones I've fitted have all had 2 wires for live and earth rather than relying on earth through the van body

If a 5 pin change over relay is used they can be made to show a steady light normally but flash with the vehicle flashers as well

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/johng_016/MoretoninMarsh004.jpg

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hopefully this link is the right one for the pic!!