15/02/2022
Understanding Motorcycle Lights & Signals in the MOT
Ensuring your motorcycle's lights and signals are in full working order is paramount not just for safety, but also for passing your annual MOT test. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), now part of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), has specific criteria for each component. Failure to meet these can result in an advisory note or a full failure, meaning you'll need to get the issues rectified before your vehicle can be deemed roadworthy. This guide will break down each of the seven key areas checked during an MOT concerning your motorcycle's lighting and signalling systems, helping you to prepare your bike and avoid any last-minute surprises.
1. Front and Rear Position Lamps
Also known as sidelights, these are crucial for visibility, especially in low-light conditions. The MOT checks that the front position lamp emits a white light, unless it's integrated within a yellow headlamp unit. The rear position lamp, however, must always emit a red light. Critically, at least 50% of all light sources within a lamp must be functioning. If either lamp is obscured by other parts of the motorcycle, such as fairings or bodywork, it will fail. Both lights must illuminate instantly when the switch is activated and remain steadily lit. They must be securely mounted to the motorcycle, and a gentle tap should not cause them to flicker or extinguish. The switch itself must also be securely fitted, and importantly, a single switch should operate both the front and rear position lamps. The MOT considers the front position light as separate from the main headlight.
2. Motorcycle Headlamps
The main headlight is a primary safety feature. During the MOT, the headlamp's beam must be either yellow or white. It needs to illuminate immediately upon activation of its switch. A key check is that the headlamp's performance should not be adversely affected by other lamps on the motorcycle, nor by the operation of the horn. Similar to position lamps, the headlamp and its operating switch must be securely attached to the motorcycle, and neither should flicker when tapped.
Twin Headlights
For motorcycles equipped with twin headlights, the MOT allows for either one or both lamps to illuminate for dipped or main beam settings. The placement of these headlights is also regulated: they must be mounted either one above the other or symmetrically, and no more than 200mm apart.
Mopeds
Specific rules apply to mopeds. For MOT purposes, a moped is only required to have a functioning dipped beam headlight.
Pre-1931 Motorcycles
A fascinating exemption exists for classic motorcycles. If your bike was manufactured before 1 January 1931, it is not legally required to have a headlight fitted at all. However, if a headlight is present on such a vehicle, it must function correctly according to the MOT standards.
3. Motorcycle Stop Lamps
The stop lamp, or brake light, is vital for alerting following traffic. It must emit a steady red light and illuminate instantly when either the front or rear brake control is operated. Crucially, the stop lamp must extinguish immediately when the brake control is released. Its operation should not be negatively impacted by any other lighting system on the bike. Like other lighting components, the stop lamp must be securely attached to the motorcycle and should not flicker when subjected to a gentle tap. The MOT mandates that both the front and rear brake controls must operate the stop lamp, unless the motorcycle was originally manufactured with only a single brake switch.
Slow Vehicles & Mopeds
There are allowances for certain types of vehicles. Motorcycles incapable of exceeding 25mph are not required to have a stop lamp fitted. Similarly, mopeds first registered before 1 April 1986 are exempt from the stop lamp requirement. However, if a stop lamp is fitted to these exempted vehicles, it must function correctly to pass the MOT.
4. Rear Reflectors
Visibility from the rear is also assessed. Your motorcycle must be fitted with at least one unobscured red reflector. This reflector must be securely attached to the bike and positioned to reflect light squarely towards the rear. Its placement is specific: it must be located along the motorcycle's longitudinal centre line. While only one reflector is mandatory for the MOT, having additional reflectors will not cause your bike to fail. However, it's important to note that reflective tape is not considered a satisfactory substitute for a proper reflector.
5. Motorcycle Indicators
Indicators are essential for communicating your intentions to other road users. For an MOT pass, indicators must be fitted and emit an exclusively orange light. They must flash at a regular rate, specifically between 60 and 120 flashes per minute – a simple dimming and brightening effect will not suffice. The flashing action must be clearly visible to other road users. Alternatively, if the indicators themselves are not readily visible, a functioning 'idiot light' or warning light on the dashboard that indicates the indicators are operating is acceptable. Both the indicators and their operating switch must be securely mounted. Furthermore, their operation should not be adversely affected by the activation of other lights or the horn.
Motorcycles Registered Pre-1986
A significant concession is made for older motorcycles. Any motorcycle first registered before 1 August 1986 is not required to have functioning indicators to pass an MOT.
Slow and Off-Road Vehicles
Similar to lighting requirements, certain slow-moving or off-road motorcycles have different indicator rules. Bikes that cannot exceed 30mph, or off-road motorcycles designed solely for the rider, do not need indicators fitted. However, if indicators are present on these vehicles, they must function correctly to meet MOT standards.
6. Motorcycle Headlamp Aim
The correct aiming of your motorcycle's headlight is critical for both effective illumination of the road ahead and preventing dazzle to oncoming traffic. While a specialist piece of equipment is typically required for a precise check, the general guidelines are that a motorcycle headlight should point directly forward and have a slight downward angle. Specifically, the dipped beam must 'kick up' towards the offside (the side of the road corresponding to the direction of travel, which is the left side in the UK). Many garages offering MOTs will be able to make minor adjustments to your headlamp aim if necessary.
7. Audible Warnings
While not strictly a lighting or signalling component, the MOT also checks that your motorcycle is equipped with a functioning audible warning device, commonly known as a horn. This must be operational and produce a sound loud enough to be heard by other road users.
Daylight MOT Considerations
An interesting point regarding lights is the 'Daylight MOT'. If a motorbike has no lights whatsoever, or if existing lights have been permanently disabled (e.g., taped over, painted, or disconnected) so they emit no light, the vehicle can still pass its MOT. However, this will come with an advisory note. This note will specify that the motorcycle should only be used during daylight hours and must not be operated during periods of seriously reduced visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or at night.
Common Failure Points for Lights & Signals
Understanding common pitfalls can save you time and money. Here are some frequent reasons motorcycles fail the MOT on their lighting and signalling systems:
- Cracked or Damaged Lamp Units: Any significant cracks or damage that compromise the integrity or light output of a lamp unit will lead to a failure.
- Incorrect Light Colour: Fitting non-standard coloured bulbs (e.g., blue headlights, white indicators) will result in a fail.
- Flickering Lights: Loose connections or faulty bulbs causing flickering are a common issue.
- Non-Functional Lamps: A bulb that doesn't light up at all is an immediate fail.
- Incorrect Indicator Flash Rate: Indicators flashing too fast or too slow, or not flashing at all, will cause a failure.
- Insecure Mountings: Any lamp or switch that is loose or wobbly is a fail.
- Incorrect Headlamp Aim: Headlights aimed too high or too low, or not 'kicking up' correctly on the offside dipped beam.
- Missing or Obscured Reflector: A missing rear reflector or one that is covered by mud or a license plate.
- Brake Light Not Operating Correctly: Brake lights that don't illuminate with either brake, or stay illuminated when the brakes are released.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does my motorcycle need a headlight for the MOT?
Yes, unless your motorcycle was first registered before 1 January 1931. If it has one, it must function correctly.
Q2: Can I use reflective tape instead of a rear reflector?
No, reflective tape is not accepted as a substitute for a mandatory red rear reflector during the MOT inspection.
Q3: My indicators flash very quickly. Will this fail the MOT?
Yes, indicators must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute. Flashing too quickly or too slowly will result in a fail.
Q4: What if my motorcycle's brake light only works with one brake?
If your motorcycle was manufactured with two brake switches (one for front, one for rear), then the brake light must operate with both. If it only operates with one, it will fail unless the bike was originally designed with only one switch.
Q5: Can I get an MOT if my lights are taped over?
Yes, but it will be a 'Daylight MOT' with an advisory note stating the bike should only be used in daylight and not in poor visibility conditions.
Q6: What colour should my motorcycle's position lamps be?
The front position lamp should be white (unless within a yellow headlamp), and the rear position lamp must be red.
Q7: Are fog lights checked on a motorcycle MOT?
No, the motorcycle MOT does not cover rear fog lights or amber lights within indicator lenses.
By familiarising yourself with these specific requirements, you can ensure your motorcycle is well-prepared for its MOT test, keeping you safe on the road and compliant with legal standards.
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