Police have clarified the legal position for motorists who drive with faulty vehicle lights, stating that it is "safest" for all lights to be in "working order" and that driving with a defective light can constitute an offence.
The guidance follows a question submitted by a motorist to the official 'ask the police' website, which is administered by forces across the UK. The driver asked: "If any of the lights on my vehicle don't work, will I commit an offence if I drive it on the road?"
When Exemptions Apply
In response, police explained that while driving with non-working lights may break the law, there are several instances where a driver may be exempt. These exemptions relate to a rear fog lamp on a vehicle that is part of a combination of vehicles where any part is not required to be fitted with a rear fog lamp, and a rear fog lamp that is out on a motor vehicle drawing a trailer.
Exemptions also cover a 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 part became defective during the journey in progress or if arrangements have been made to remedy the defect as soon as possible. Further exemptions apply to a lamp, reflector, dim-dip device, headlamp levelling device or rear marking on a combat vehicle in use between sunrise and sunset, and to a front fog lamp or daytime running lamp on a vehicle first registered before 1 March 2018.
Penalties and MOT Requirements
Car repair experts KwikFit state that UK law requires bulbs to be functioning and clean, and that driving with only one headlamp is illegal. Motorists caught driving with a single working headlight can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of around £100, which can increase to up to £1,000 if the case goes to court, along with three penalty points on their licence.
Vehicles will also fail their MOT if all lights are not functioning, according to the experts.
Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice
If police stop a driver for having a light out, they may be issued a 'vehicle defect rectification notice'. According to information on gov.uk, this requires the driver to get the vehicle fixed and provide proof of the repair, such as a receipt from a mechanic. Drivers have 14 days from the date of the notice to show the proof to the police.
