Will Your Car's Indicators Pass Its MOT?

The annual MOT test is a critical assessment of your vehicle's roadworthiness, ensuring it meets minimum safety and environmental standards. While many components are scrutinised, the vehicle's lighting system, particularly its indicators, plays a surprisingly significant role in determining whether your car will pass or fail. Functioning indicators are not just a convenience; they are a fundamental legal requirement for communicating your intentions to other road users, directly impacting safety on our busy roads.

Understanding the specific requirements for indicators and side repeaters can save you the hassle and cost of an MOT retest. Many drivers overlook these vital components until it's too late, only to discover a simple bulb failure or a cracked lens can lead to an unexpected failure. Let's delve into the intricacies of indicator regulations and what MOT testers look for.

The Essential Role of Indicators and Side Repeaters

Indicators, also known as turn signals, are designed to clearly signal a driver's intention to turn or change lanes. Their proper operation is paramount for preventing collisions and maintaining a smooth flow of traffic. However, the requirements extend beyond just the front and rear flashing lights.

The 1986 Rule: Side Repeaters Demystified

A key regulation that often catches drivers off guard relates to side repeaters. All cars built after 1 April 1986 must be equipped with a side repeater (indicator lamp) on each side of the vehicle. These small, often amber, lights are positioned on the side of the car, typically integrated into the wing or, increasingly in modern vehicles, built directly into the door mirror housing. Their purpose is to provide additional visibility of your turning intentions to vehicles approaching from the side, such as those at a junction or in an adjacent lane.

The only exception to this rule applies to front indicators that are designed and positioned to be clearly visible from both the front and the side of the vehicle. This means if your front indicator lamps wrap sufficiently around the side of the car to be seen from a wide angle, separate side repeaters might not be strictly necessary, though most manufacturers still include them for enhanced safety and compliance.

Common Indicator-Related MOT Failures

While the concept of an indicator seems straightforward, there are several common issues that can lead to an MOT failure. Testers are meticulous in their inspection, checking for more than just whether the light illuminates.

Bulb Issues

• Blown Bulbs: The most frequent cause of failure. If an indicator bulb is not working on any part of the vehicle (front, rear, or side repeater), it's an immediate fail.
• Incorrect Colour: Indicator lights must emit an amber (or orange) light. If a white, red, or any other colour light is emitted, perhaps due to an incorrect bulb being fitted or a discoloured lens, it will result in a fail.
• Dim or Faint Illumination: If a bulb is working but is significantly dimmer than it should be, or if there's a noticeable difference in brightness between two identical indicators, it can be a fail. This often indicates a dying bulb or a wiring issue.

Lens and Housing Damage

• Cracked or Broken Lenses: Any damage to the indicator lens that allows moisture or dirt ingress, or significantly impairs the light's visibility or colour, will lead to a fail.
• Missing Lenses or Covers: If a lens is completely missing, exposing the bulb and wiring, this is a definite fail.
• Obstruction: Any foreign object, sticker, or paint that obstructs the light's output or changes its colour can cause a failure.

Operational Faults

• Incorrect Flashing Rate: Indicators should flash at a consistent rate, typically between 60 to 120 flashes per minute. If an indicator flashes too quickly (often a sign of a blown bulb on that circuit, as the reduced resistance makes the flasher relay speed up) or too slowly, it's an MOT fail.
• Intermittent Operation: If an indicator works sometimes but not others, or flickers, it indicates a loose connection or a faulty component, and will fail.
• Switch Malfunction: If the indicator stalk or switch doesn't activate the indicators reliably or doesn't self-cancel correctly (though self-cancelling isn't a fail item itself, the inability to activate is), it can lead to a failure.

Wiring and Electrical Issues

Corroded contacts, frayed wires, or faulty earth connections can prevent indicators from working or cause them to operate erratically. While not always immediately visible, these underlying electrical issues will manifest as operational faults during the test.

Performing Your Own Pre-MOT Checks

A simple pre-MOT check of your vehicle's lighting can prevent a costly retest. It takes only a few minutes and requires no special tools.

1. All Around Check: Turn on your ignition and activate the indicators (first left, then right). Walk around the entire vehicle, checking the front, rear, and side repeaters on both sides. Ensure all bulbs illuminate brightly and flash at a consistent rate.
2. Hazard Lights: Activate your hazard warning lights and repeat the walk-around check. This tests all indicator bulbs simultaneously.
3. Check for Damage: Visually inspect all indicator lenses for cracks, chips, or discolouration. Ensure they are securely fitted.
4. Get a Helper: While not strictly for indicators, it's a good time to check your brake lights (press the pedal), reverse lights (engage reverse gear), and headlights (full beam and dipped beam), as these are also critical MOT items.

Comparative Table: Common Indicator Faults & MOT Outcome

Beyond Indicators: Other Lighting MOT Concerns

While indicators are our focus, remember that all vehicle lights are subject to scrutiny during the MOT. This includes:

• Headlights: Checked for alignment, brightness, correct beam pattern (dipped and main beam), and proper operation of all bulbs.
• Brake Lights: All three (if fitted) must work and illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed.
• Rear Lights: Must be present, correct colour (red), and working.
• Fog Lights: Rear fog lights are mandatory, front ones are not but if fitted, must work.
• Number Plate Lights: The rear number plate must be illuminated by a white light, making it legible from a distance in the dark.
• Reflectors: Rear red reflectors must be present and undamaged.

Any defect in these lighting components can also lead to an MOT failure. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive lighting check before your test date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indicators and the MOT

Can one faulty indicator fail my MOT?

Yes, absolutely. Even a single non-functioning indicator bulb – be it at the front, rear, or a side repeater – is considered a major defect and will result in an immediate MOT failure. The MOT test requires all mandatory lights to be fully operational.

Are aftermarket indicators allowed for the MOT?

Aftermarket indicators are generally allowed, provided they comply with the relevant E-mark or British Standard (BS) regulations. They must emit the correct colour light (amber), be fitted securely, and function correctly without dazzling other drivers or being obscured. If they are not type-approved or their light output is significantly different from standard, they may fail.

My indicators flash too fast – is this an MOT fail?

Yes, an incorrect flashing rate (either too fast or too slow) is an MOT failure. A rapid flash rate is usually a diagnostic signal that one of the bulbs on that circuit has blown, as the electrical resistance changes, causing the flasher relay to speed up. It's often the first sign you have a problem, even before you visually check the bulb.

Do side repeaters really matter for the MOT?

Yes, for cars manufactured after 1 April 1986, side repeaters are a mandatory requirement unless the front indicators are visible from the side (which is rare enough that most cars still need them). If your car is meant to have them and one or both are missing, damaged, or not working, it will fail the MOT.

How often should I check my car's lights?

It's advisable to check all your car's lights, including indicators, at least once a month, and certainly before any long journey. This simple routine can help identify issues early, allowing you to rectify them before they become an MOT problem or a safety hazard.

What if my indicator is intermittent?

An intermittent indicator is likely due to a loose connection, a corroded terminal, or a faulty switch/relay. This inconsistency means the light is not reliably communicating your intentions, which is a safety concern and will result in an MOT failure. It needs to be investigated and repaired.

Conclusion

The MOT test is designed to ensure your vehicle is safe and fit for the road. While many components are checked, the proper functioning of your indicators and side repeaters is non-negotiable. They are crucial for clear communication with other drivers and for your overall roadworthy status. By understanding the specific requirements, conducting regular pre-MOT checks, and addressing any issues promptly, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful MOT pass and, more importantly, contribute to safer driving for everyone on the road. Don't let a simple bulb be the reason your car fails its next MOT!

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