Source: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1963/si/189/made/en/print
Timestamp: 2017-03-28 17:49:29
Document Index: 585344365

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n22', 'art.\n41', 'art.\n8', 'art.\n21', 'art.\n40', 'art.\n54']

S.I. No. 189/1963 - Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963.
S.I. No. 189 of 1963.
ROAD TRAFFIC (LIGHTING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, 1963.
5. Owner liability.
7. Combination of lamps, of reflectors and of lamps and reflectors.
OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES (EXCEPT CYCLES AND INVALID CARRIAGES) AND TRAILERS.
8. Application of this Part of these Regulations.
9. Obligatory lighting.
10. Side lamps.
11. Head lamps.
12. Rear lamps.
13. Stop lamps.
14. Rear projecting load lamps.
15. Lateral projecting load lamp.
16. Marker lamps.
17. Internal lighting.
18. Direction indicators.
19. Identification mark lighting.
20. Use of obligatory lighting.
OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED CYCLES AND IN VALID CARRIAGES.
21. Application of this Part.
22. Obligatory lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
23. Position lamps.
24. Rear lamps (cycles and invalid carriages).
25. Identification mark lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
26. Head lamp (cycles and invalid carriages).
27. Stop lamps (cycles and invalid carriages).
28. Use of lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF OTHER CLASSES OF VEHICLES.
29. Pedal cycles.
30. Animal-drawn vehicles.
31. Hand propelled vehicles.
32. Detached trailers.
33. Obligatory rear reflectors.
34. Appearance and size of obligatory rear reflectors.
35. Position of obligatory rear reflectors.
36. Projecting load reflector.
37. Restrictions on use of reflectors.
38. Advance warning device.
39. Restriction on use of reflectorised material.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF LIGHTING.
40. Compliance by vehicles with this Part.
41. Restrictions on lighting-colour.
42. Restrictions on flashing lights.
43. Restrictions on lighting-movement.
44. Restrictions on height of front lamps.
45. Optional direction indicators and stop lamps.
46. Requirements as to electric lighting.
47. Requirements as to dipping devices.
48. Restriction on lighting which misleads or dazzles.
49. Requirements as to use of lighting.
50. Use of lighting on parked vehicles.
51. Defence where vehicle parked in certain places.
52. Exemptions and modifications for certain classes of vehicles.
53. Defence in case of racing vehicles.
54. Defence in case of damaged equipment.
FIRST SCHEDULE—The obligatory rear reflector referred to in sub-article (2) of article 34.
SECOND SCHEDULE—The advance warning device referred to in article 38.
THIRD SCHEDULE—Revocations.
S.I. No. 189 of 1963. ROAD TRAFFIC (LIGHTING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, 1963.
The Minister for Local Government in exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 5
(No. 24 of 1961) hereby makes the following Regulations:—
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963.
"the Act" means the Road Traffic Act, 1961
"day time" means any time outside lighting-up hours;
"goods vehicle" means a mechanically propelled vehicle constructed or adapted primarily for the conveyance of goods or burden of any other description;
"hand propelled vehicle" means a vehicle constructed or adapted for use, and used, as a vehicle drawn or propelled by hand;
"identification mark" means the identification mark assigned to a vehicle under the Roads Act, 1920 or under any other enactment;
"illuminated area" means in relation to a lamp the area of the orthogonal projection of the illuminated surface on a vertical plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which the lamp is fitted;
"illuminated surface" means that part of a lamp designed to show light;
"low-powered cycle" means a mechanically propelled cycle—
(a) the engine of which does not exceed 50 cubic centimetres in cylinder capacity as calculated in accordance with article 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 1958 (
S.I. No. 13 of 1958
(b) which is incapable of exceeding 24 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions;
"mechanically propelled cycle" means a mechanically propelled vehicle, other than an invalid carriage, with less than four wheels and the weight unladen of which does not exceed 8 cwt.;
"passenger accommodation" means seating passenger accommodation determined in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic (Passenger Accommodation of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Regulations, 1962 (
S.I. No. 143 of 1962
"passenger vehicle" means a vehicle constructed primarily for the carriage of one or more passengers;
"reflector" means a reflex reflector the reflected light of which is capable of being returned substantially within an angle not greater than 3 degrees with an imaginary line connecting the reflector and the source of the light;
"reflecting area" means in relation to a reflector the area of the orthogonal projection of the reflecting surface on a vertical plane—
(a) in the case of a reflector fitted to the rear of a vehicle, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and
(b) in the case of a reflector fitted to the side of a vehicle, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
"reflecting surface" means that part of a reflector or other device with a reflectorised surface designed to reflect light;
"service brake" means the service brake with which a vehicle is required to be equipped under the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 (
), or in the case of a vehicle required to be equipped with braking devices together fulfilling the purposes of a service brake, any one or both of such devices;
"trailer" means a vehicle attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle (or to another vehicle attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle) for the purpose of being drawn by the mechanically propelled vehicle and includes the drawn part of an articulated vehicle;
any reference to the dipping of head lamps shall be construed as referring to the alteration or replacement of the beams of light from the head lamps by the operation of a dipping device referred to in sub-article (2) of article 47 of these Regulations, and cognate words shall be construed accordingly.
(2) In calculating for the purposes of these Regulations the lateral or rear extension of a vehicle beyond a lamp or reflector, the equipment (other than a direction indicator or a driving mirror) of the vehicle and any implement (other than the jib of a mobile crane) attached to or forming part of the vehicle and any receptacle within the meaning of subsection (4) of section 16 of the Act shall be reckoned as part of the vehicle.
4. The regulations mentioned in the Third Schedule to these Regulations are hereby revoked to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
5 Owner liability.
5. (1) Where a vehicle which does not comply with a provision of these Regulations applying in relation to the vehicle is used in a public place by a person who is not the owner of the vehicle, such owner shall also, subject to paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section 11 of t he Act, be guilty of an offence in any case where the provision not complied with is a provision specified in sub-article (2) of this article.
(2) The specified provisions of these Regulations for the purpose of sub-article (1) of this article are—
articles 9, 22, 30, 32, 33, 36, 37, sub-article (1) of article 38, and articles 39 and 40.
6. The lighting, reflectors and devices having refletorised surfaces with which a vehicle is on any occasion required to be equipped under these Regulations shall on such occasion be securely fitted to the vehicle or load (as the case may be) and the said lighting and reflectors (including their ancillary fittings such as controls, wiring, bulbs and reflector plates) shall be maintained in good order and in a clean and efficient condition and so as to be capable of immediate use.
7 Combination of lamps, of reflectors and of lamps and reflectors.
7. (1) Where a lamp is so constructed, fitted and maintained that it complies with all the requirements of these Regulations applying in respect of a number of lamps, it shall be regarded as satisfying the requirements applying in respect of each of such lamps.
(2) Where a reflector is so constructed, fitted and maintained that it complies with all the requirements of these Regulations applying in respect of a number of reflectors, it shall be regarded as satisfying the requirements applying in respect of each of such reflectors.
(3) (a) Where a device is so constructed, fitted and maintained that it complies with all the requirements of these Regulations applying in respect of a lamp and a reflector, other than an obligatory rear reflector referred to in sub-article (2) of article 34 of these Regulations, it shall be regarded as satisfying the requirements applying in respect of the lamp and the reflector respectively.
(b) A device referred to in paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall be deemed to be a reflector when it is showing a light, provided that the light shown is of the same colour as that required to be shown by the reflector.
(4) (a) A head lamp of a mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a cycle or invalid carriage) may be so combined with a side lamp that when the head lamp is lit the side lamp is not lit, in which case, provided no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the head lamp more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated area of the head lamp, the dipped head lamp shall be deemed to be a side lamp for the purposes of sub-article (1) and paragraph (a) of sub-article (2) of article 20 of these Regulations.
(b) In the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle registered before the 1st day of July, 1964, where a direction indicator and a stop lamp show a red light the direction indicator and the stop lamp may be so combined that the operation of the direction indicator suspends the operation of the stop lamp.
PART II. OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES (EXCEPT CYCLES AND INVALID CARRIAGES) AND TRAILERS.
8 Application of this Part.
8. This Part of these Regulations shall apply to mechanically propelled vehicles, other than cycles and invalid carriages, and to trailers, and to combinations of such vehicles.
9 Obligatory lighting.
9. (1) (a) Every vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies shall at all times while used in a public place be equipped with side lamps, head lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, and identification mark lighting, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations.
(b) Where one or more trailers are attached to the vehicle, the provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall apply subject to the following modifications:—
(i) the requirement that the vehicle be equipped with stop lamps and identification mark lighting shall not apply;
(ii) the requirement that the vehicle be equipped with rear lamps shall not apply where the conditions specified in paragraph (a) of sub-article (8) of this article are complied with.
(2) (a) Where a vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place with one, and only one, trailer attached to it, the trailer shall at all times be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, and identification mark lighting, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations, provided that in the day time the trailer shall not be required to be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps or identification mark lighting where the vehicle is equipped with such respective lamps or lighting.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article as respects side lamps shall not apply where the conditions specified in paragraph (b) of sub-article (8) of this article are complied with.
(c) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article as respects stop lamps shall not apply where the drawing vehicle is equipped with stop lamps which are at all times plainly visible to the rear of the trailer.
(3) (a) Where a vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place with more than one trailer attached to it—
(i) the rearmost trailer shall at all times be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, and identification mark lighting, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations, provided that in the day time such trailer shall not be required to be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps or identification mark lighting where the vehicle is equipped with such respective lamps or lighting;
(ii) each other trailer shall during lighting-up hours be equipped with side lamps and rear lamps, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply as respects side lamps, where the conditions specified in paragraph (b) of sub-article (8) of this article are complied with.
(c) The provisions of sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply as respects rear lamps, where the conditions specified in paragraph (a) of the said sub-article (8) are complied with.
(4) (a) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours while carrying a load (other than loose agricultural produce not baled or crated) projecting more than 3 feet and 6 inches to the rear of its rear lamps such vehicle shall be equipped with a rear projecting load lamp complying with article 14 of these Regulations save where another vehicle is attached to the rear of such vehicle.
(b) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours while carrying a load (other than loose agricultural produce not baled or crated) projecting to the side more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the side lamp on that side of the vehicle (or, where the vehicle is part of a combination of vehicles and is not required under this article to be fitted with a side lamp, beyond the illuminated surface of the side lamp (on that side) of the next preceding vehicle in the combination which is required under this article to be equipped with a side lamp) such vehicle shall be equipped with a lateral projecting load lamp showing a light to the front and complying with article 15 of these Regulations.
(c) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours while carrying a load (other than loose agricultural produce not baled or crated) projecting to the side more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the rear lamp on that side of the vehicle (or, where the vehicle is part of a combination of vehicles and is not required under this article to be fitted with a rear lamp, beyond the illuminated surface of the rear lamp (on that side) of the next following vehicle in the combination which is required under this article to be equipped with a rear lamp) such vehicle shall be equipped with a lateral projecting load lamp showing a light to the rear and complying with article 15 of these Regulations.
(5) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours with a trailer or more than one trailer attached to it, and the overall length of the combination of vehicles exceeds 40 feet, the trailer or (as the case may be) each trailer shall be equipped with and show duly lit a marker lamp complying with article 16 of these Regulations.
(6) Every public service vehicle shall at all times while used in a public place be equipped with internal lighting in accordance with article 17 of these Regulations.
(7) Every vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies and every combination of vehicles to which this Part of these Regulations applies shall at all times while used in a public place be equipped with direction indicators complying with article 18 of these Regulations.
(8) (a) The conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (b) of sub-article (1) and paragraph (c) of sub-article (3) of this article as respects the requirement that a mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer be equipped with rear lamps are as follows:—
(i) the vehicle or trailer (as the case may be) shall have a trailer (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the drawn vehicle) immediately attached to it at the rear in such a manner that the distance between the said vehicle or trailer and the drawn vehicle does not exceed 5 feet; and
(ii) no part of the vehicle or trailer shall project laterally more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surfaces of the rear lamps on either side of the longitudinal axis of the drawn vehicle.
(b) The conditions referred to in paragraph (b) of sub-article (2) and paragraph (b) of sub-article (3) of this article as respects the requirement that a trailer be equipped with side lamps are as follows:—
(i) the front of the trailer (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the drawn vehicle) shall be immediately attached to the rear of the mechanically propelled vehicle or other trailer (as the case may be) in such a manner that the distance between the said mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer and the drawn vehicle shall not exceed 5 feet;
(ii) no part of the drawn vehicle shall project laterally more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surfaces of the side lamps on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or trailer (as the case may be); and
(iii) the overall length of the combination of vehicles shall not exceed 40 feet.
(c) For the purposes of this sub-article, the distance between two vehicles shall be measured between the nearest points of the vehicles and, in determining such points any drawbar, wire or rope connecting the vehicles and any special fitting for the attachment of such drawbar, wire or rope shall not be regarded as part of either of the vehicles.
10 Side lamps.
10. (1) Side lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) Each lamp when lit shall be capable of showing to the front of the vehicle a white light visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet.
(3) The lamps shall be as nearly as possible of the same power, each lamp being of a power not exceeding 7 watts.
(4) The lamps shall be so constructed as to show a diffused light.
(5) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height and no part of the illuminated surfaces of the lamps shall be more than 5 feet from the ground.
(6) The lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis, and each lamp shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the lamp more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(7) The lamps shall, having regard to the lay-out of the vehicle, be as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle.
11 Head lamps.
11. (1) Head lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of two or four lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The colour of the light shown by the lamps shall be white or yellow but all lamps shall as nearly as possible show light of the same colour.
(3) The lamps shall, when lit, be capable of adequately illuminating the road for a distance of 325 feet in front of the vehicle at night time in clear weather.
(4) Where two lamps are fitted they shall be—
(a) as nearly as possible of the same power,
(b) as nearly as possible at the same height from the ground.
(c) fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis, and as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle,
(d) fitted not less than 2 feet apart in the case of passenger vehicles, station wagons and goods vehicles, first registered on or after the 1st day of July, 1964.
(5) Where four lamps are fitted they shall be mounted in pairs and each lamp of a pair shall comply with the requirements of sub-article (4) of this article, provided that the requirements of paragraph (d) of that sub-article shall not apply to any pair of lamps which are extinguished when the lamps are dipped.
12 Rear lamps.
12. (1) Rear lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) Each lamp, when lit, shall be capable of showing to the rear of the vehicle a red light visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet.
(3) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same appearance when lit.
(4) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same illuminated area, which shall—
(a) be at least 3 square inches, and
(b) be of such a shape that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein.
(5) (a) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height.
(b) No part of the illuminated surfaces of the lamps shall be less than 15 inches from the ground,
(c) No part of the illuminated surfaces of the lamps shall be more than 3 feet from the ground in the ease of passenger vehicles and station wagons having passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, and 4 feet from the ground in any other case.
(6) The lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis and not less than 21 inches apart, and each lamp shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the lamp more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(7) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle, and each shall be so fitted that it is not more than 2 feet and 6 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(8) The lamps shall be as nearly as possible of the same power.
13 Stop lamps.
13. (1) Stop lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamps shall be actuated by the application of the service brake, and when so actuated shall show a red light to the rear of the vehicle.
(3) (a) The lamps shall be as nearly as possible of the same power.
(b) Each stop lamp shall be of substantially greater intensity than either of the rear lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped.
(4) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same appearance when lit.
(5) The lamps shall have as nearly as possible the same illuminated area.
(6) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height, and no part of the illuminated surfaces of the lamps shall be less than 12 inches or more than 4 feet from the ground.
(7) The lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis.
(8) The lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle.
14 Rear projecting load lamps.
14. (1) A rear projecting load lamp, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of a lamp fitted to the vehicle or to a load which is projecting to the rear of the vehicle, and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamp, when lit, shall be capable of showing to the rear of the vehicle a red light visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet.
(3) The illuminated area of the lamp shall be at least 3 square inches and of such a shape that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein.
(4) The lamp shall be fitted—
(a) so that no part of the load projects more than 3 feet and 6 inches beyond the lamp to the rear, and
(b) where practicable, taking account of the manner in which the load projects, to the right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
15 Lateral projecting load lamp.
15. (1) A lateral projecting load lamp, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of a lamp or lamps fitted to the vehicle or to a load which is projecting laterally from the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamp shall be fitted so that no part of the load projects laterally more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(3) The lamp shall show a white light to the front where the load projects to the side more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the relevant side lamp on that side, a red light to the rear where the load projects to the side more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the relevant rear lamp on that side and a white light to the front and a red light to the rear where the load projects more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the relevant side lamp and rear lamp.
(4) The white light and the red light shall each be visible for a distance of 500 feet at night time in clear weather.
(5) The illuminated areas of the lamp shall be each at least 3 square inches and of such a shape that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein.
16 Marker lamp.
16. (1) A marker lamp, in the case of a vehicle being a trailer to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one lamp fitted to the right side of the trailer and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamp shall be of a power not exceeding 7 watts and shall be so constructed as to show a diffused white light.
(3) No part of the illuminated surface of the lamp shall be more than 5 feet from the ground.
(4) The lamp shall be placed as nearly as possible equidistant from the extreme front and extreme rear of the trailer and, in determining such points, any drawbar, wire or rope for the towing of the trailer and any special fitting for the attachment of such drawbar, wire or rope shall not be regarded as part of the trailer.
(5) The illuminated surface of the lamp shall face outwards and to the front at an angle, as near as may be, of 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and shall be visible for a reasonable distance.
17 Internal lighting.
17. (1) A large public service vehicle shall be fitted with internal lighting of a white or yellow colour sufficient for the internal illumination of—
(a) every deck,
(b) every stairway,
(c) any step or platform forming part of any passenger entrance or exit other than an emergency exit.
(2) A small public service vehicle shall be fitted with internal lighting of a white or yellow colour sufficient for the internal illumination of the vehicle.
(3) In the case of a small public service vehicle fitted with a taximeter the internal lighting shall include a lamp capable when lit of illuminating the dial of the taximeter.
18 Direction indicators.
18. (1) Direction indicators, in the case of a vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies, and in the case of a combination of vehicles to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of indicators fitted to the vehicle or combination of vehicles and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) (a) Sufficient direction indicators shall be so fitted to every vehicle and every combination of vehicles at all times while such vehicle or combination of vehicles is in use in a public place as to enable the driver in the normal course of traffic to give adequate signals in good time to other traffic of his intention to change the direction of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to the left or to the right, and in the fitting of direction indicators regard shall be had in particular to the width and length of the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(b) The particular requirements specified in sub-articles (3) to (13) of this article shall be in addition to and not in substitution for the general requirements of this sub-article.
(3) Direction indicators shall be of either the semaphore type, complying with the provisions of sub-article (12) of this article, or the flashing type complying with the provisions of sub-article (13) of this article.
(4) (a) Direction indicators shall be fitted in pairs, one indicator of each pair (to indicate a change of direction to the left) being fitted to the left of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which it is fitted, and the other (to indicate a change of direction to the right) to the right of such axis.
(b) Both indicators of a pair shall be of the same type and colour.
(c) Both indicators of a pair shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height from the ground, as nearly as possible equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which they are fitted, and as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to such vehicle.
(5) No part of the illuminated surface of a direction indicator shall be more than 6 feet or less than 16 inches from the ground.
(6) A direction indicator shall be so fitted as not to be capable of misleading other traffic or persons controlling traffic.
(7) The colour of the light shown by a direction indicator shall be amber or, in the case of vehicles registered before the 1st day of July, 1964, shall be—
(a) amber where the indicator shows both to the front and the rear,
(b) amber or white where the indicator shows only to the front,
(c) amber or red where the indicator shows only to the rear.
(8) A direction indicator shall be so constructed as to show a diffused light.
(9) (a) A direction indicator showing a flashing light shall, when in operation, show a light which flashes constantly at the rate of not less than 60 nor more than 120 flashes per minute, each flash being of such duration as to permit the light to achieve its full brightness and to be fully observable at a reasonable distance, the interval between flashes being similarly discernible.
(b) The light shall begin to flash not later than one second after the control of the indicator is operated.
(10) All direction indicators on a vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be operated by a single control, and a single operation of the control shall cause to operate all the indicators indicating a turn in a particular direction.
(11) The following provisions shall apply in respect of direction indicators fitted to a vehicle or combination of vehicles—
(a) not less than one indicator designed to indicate a change of direction to the left and not less than one designed to indicate a change of direction to the right shall be so designed and fitted that the driver can readily be aware when each of such indicators is in operation, or
(b) the vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be equipped with a device or devices, visible to the driver at all times while he is in the driver's seat, to indicate to the driver that direction indicators are in operation.
(12) (a) A semaphore type indicator shall consist of a movable arm fitted to the side of a vehicle which, when in operation, temporarily alters the outline of the vehicle at the point to which it is fitted by at least 6 inches laterally when the indicator is fully extended.
(b) When in operation the indicator shall be illuminated by a steady or flashing light to a minimum length of 6 inches and a maximum breadth not exceeding one fourth of its illuminated length.
(c) The indicator may, when operated, remain fully extended or oscillate regularly.
(d) Where the indicator oscillates and shows a flashing light, it shall appear lit at its full extension.
(13) (a) A flashing type indicator shall be in the form of a fixed lamp which is—
(i) fitted to the front of the vehicle or combination of vehicles and, when in operation, shows a flashing light to the front,
(ii) fitted to the rear of the vehicle or combination of vehicles and, when in operation, shows a flashing light to the rear, or
(iii) fitted to the side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles and, when in operation, shows a flashing light to both front and rear.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article, a mechanically propelled vehicle forming part of a combination of vehicles may be fitted at the rear with flashing type indicators, showing a flashing light to the rear, provided that such indicators comply in other respects with the provisions of this article.
19 Identification mark lighting.
19. (1) Identification mark lighting, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one or more lamps fitted to the rear of the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamps, when lit, shall show a white light but not directly to the rear.
(3) The lamps, when lit, shall illuminate by means of reflection, and render easily distinguishable at night time in clear weather for a distance of 65 feet from the rear of the vehicle every letter and figure of the identification mark exhibited on the rear of the vehicle.
20 Use of obligatory lighting.
20. (1) (a) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting up hours, any of the following lamps and lighting with which the vehicle is required to be equipped in pursuance of article 9 of these Regulations shall, at all times while the vehicle is so used, be shown duly lit, that is to say:—the side lamps, rear lamps, rear projecting load lamp, lateral projecting load lamp, marker lamp and identification mark lighting.
(b) (i) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is being driven in a public place during lighting-up hours, the head lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped under these Regulations shall be shown duly lit.
(ii) Sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph shall not apply—
(2) (a) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies and which is required under these Regulations to be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, and identification mark lighting in the day time, is used in a public place during any period in the day time when, due to failing light or atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to that obtaining at night-fall or in night time the said side lamps, rear lamps and identification mark lighting shall be shown duly lit.
(b) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies and which is required under these Regulations to be equipped with head lamps in the day time is being driven in a public place during any period in the day time when, due to failing light or atmospheric conditions visibility is so reduced as to render the use of the head lamps necessary for safe driving, such head lamps shall be shown duly lit.
(3) The internal lighting with which a large public service vehicle is required to be equipped in pursuance of article 9 shall be duly lit on any occasion during lighting-up hours when the vehicle is being used for the carriage of passengers for reward.
(4) The lamp referred to in sub-article (3) of article 17 shall be duly lit whenever a small public service vehicle fitted with a taximeter is used as a public hire vehicle (within the meaning of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 (
S.I. No. 191 of 1963
)) during lighting-up hours.
PART III. OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED CYCLES AND INVALID CARRIAGES.
21 Application of this Part.
21. This Part of these Regulations shall apply to mechanically propelled cycles and invalid carriages.
22 Obligatory lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
(2) Every tricycle and invalid carriage shall be equipped with one or two stop lamps complying in all respects with this Part of these Regulations, but where a tricycle or invalid carriage exceeds 3 feet in width it shall be equipped with two such stop lamps.
(3) The requirement in sub-article (1) that a position lamp be fitted shall not apply in the case of a mechanically propelled bicycle used without a side-car, provided the cycle is fitted with a head lamp complying in all respects with this Part of these Regulations.
23 Position lamps.
23. (1) Position lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one or two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) Each lamp shall, when lit, show to the front of the vehicle a white light visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet, except in the case of a bicycle, not equipped with a battery, while stopped in the course of traffic.
(3) (a) In the case of a tricycle or invalid carriage not exceeding 3 feet in width, one or two lamps shall be fitted.
(b) Subject to sub-article (3) of article 22, at least one and not more than two lamps shall be fitted to a bicycle used without a side-car.
(c) In the case of any other vehicle, two lamps shall be fitted.
(4) The power of a lamp shall not exceed 7 watts.
(5) The lamp or lamps shall be so constructed as to show a diffused light.
(6) No part of the illuminated surface of a lamp shall be more than 5 feet from the ground.
(7) The lamp or lamps shall be fitted as follows:—
(a) in the case of a bicycle used without a side-car and carrying a single lamp, or in the case of a tricycle or invalid carriage not exceeding 3 feet in width and carrying a single lamp, the lamp shall be fitted as nearly as possible on the centre line of the vehicle;
(b) in the case of a bicycle used with a side-car, one lamp shall be fitted as nearly as possible on the centre line of the bicycle and the other lamp shall be fitted on, or to the left of, the centre line of the side-car;
(c) in the case of a bicycle used without a side-car and carrying two lamps, the lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the centre line of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that line, and as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle;
(d) in the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage having two lamps, the lamps shall—
(i) be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis, and each lamp shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the lamp more than 16 inches from the illuminated surface of the lamp,
(ii) be as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle having regard to the lay-out of the vehicle.
(8) Where two lamps are fitted, they shall—
(a) be as nearly as possible of the same power;
(b) except in the case of a bicycle used with a side-car, be as nearly as possible at the same height from the ground.
24 Rear lamps (cycles and invalid carriages)
24. (1) Rear lamps, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one or two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) (a) Each lamp shall, when lit, be capable of showing a red light to the rear visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply to a bicycle not equipped with a battery while stopped in the course of traffic.
(3) (a) In the case of a bicycle used without a side-car, one lamp shall be fitted.
(b) In the case of a tricycle or invalid carriage not exceeding 3 feet in width, one or two lamps shall be fitted.
(c) In a case other than those referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this sub-article, two lamps shall be fitted.
(4) Where two lamps are fitted, they shall—
(a) be as nearly as possible of the same power,
(b) have as nearly as possible the same appearance when illuminated,
(c) have as nearly as possible the same illuminated area.
(5) The lamp (or each lamp) shall have an illuminated area of 3 square inches in the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage or 2 square inches in any other case, and of such a shape that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein.
(6) (a) No part of the illuminated surface of a lamp shall be less than 15 inches or more than 3 feet from the ground.
(b) In the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage having two lamps, the lamps shall, subject to paragraph (a) of this sub-article, be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height from the ground.
(7) (a) In the case of a bicycle used without a side-car, or a tricycle or invalid carriage having one lamp, the lamp shall be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle or to the right of that line so that no part of the vehicle shall extend to the right laterally more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(b) In the case of a bicycle used with a side-car, one lamp shall be fitted on the centre line of the bicycle or to the right of that line, and the other lamp shall be fitted on the centre line of the side-car or to the left of that line so that no part of the side-car shall extend laterally to the left more than 16 inches from the nearest part of the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(c) In the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage having two lamps, the lamps shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis and not less than 21 inches apart, and each lamp shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the lamp more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp.
(8) (a) The lamp fitted to a bicycle shall be so fitted that it is not more than 20 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(b) In the case of a bicycle used with a side-car, the lamp fitted to the side-ear shall be so fitted that it is not more than 2 feet and 6 inches from the extreme rear of the side-car.
(c) In the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage having two lamps, the lamps shall be fitted as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle.
(d) In the case of a tricycle or an invalid carriage, the lamp or lamps shall be so fitted as to be not more than 2 feet and 6 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.
25 Identification mark lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
25. (1) Identification mark lighting, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one or more lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamps when lit shall show a white light but not directly to the rear.
(3) The lamps when lit shall illuminate by means of reflection and render easily distinguishable at night time in clear weather, for a distance of 65 feet from the rear of the vehicle, every letter and figure of the identification mark exhibited on the rear of the vehicle, except in the case of a bicycle not equipped with a battery while stopped in the course of traffic.
26 Head lamp (cycles and invalid carriages).
26. (1) A head lamp, in the case of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of one or two lamps fitted to the vehicle and shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) The lamp (or lamps) shall, when lit, be capable of adequately illuminating the road in front of the vehicle at night time in clear weather—
(a) in the case of a low-powered cycle, for a reasonable distance,
(b) in any other case, for a distance of 325 feet, except in the case of a bicycle not equipped with a battery while stopped in the course of traffic.
(3) The colour of the light shown by the lamp or lamps may be white or yellow, but where two lamps are used both lamps shall as nearly as possible show light of the same colour.
(4) Where two lamps are used, they shall be as nearly as possible of the same power.
(5) Where one lamp is used, it shall be fitted as nearly as possible on the centre line of the cycle.
(6) Where two lamps are used, they shall be fitted either in a vertical line as nearly as possible on the centre line of the cycle, or placed on opposite sides of the centre line of the cycle and as nearly as possible equidistant from that line.
27 Stop lamps (cycles and invalid carriages).
27. (1) A stop lamp shall consist of one or two lamps, complying with the provisions of this article, fitted to the rear of a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies and so constructed as to be actuated by the application of the service brake of the vehicle and when so actuated to show a red light to the rear of the vehicle.
(2) The lamp or each lamp (as the case may be) shall be of substantially greater intensity than the rear lamp or (where two rear lamps are fitted) either rear lamp.
(3) Where two lamps are fitted, they shall, as nearly as possible—
(a) be of the same power,
(b) have the same appearance when illuminated,
(c) have the same illuminated area,
(d) be fitted at the same height from the ground.
(4) (a) In the case of a vehicle having one lamp, the lamp shall be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle or to the right of that line.
(b) In the case of a vehicle having two lamps, the lamps shall be fitted—
(i) on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis,
(ii) as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle.
28 Use of lighting (cycles and invalid carriages).
28. (1) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours, any of the following lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped in pursuance of article 22 of these Regulations shall at all times while the vehicle is so used be shown duly lit, that is to say:—the position lamps, rear lamps and identification mark lighting.
(2) (a) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is being driven in a public place during lighting-up hours, and the vehicle is required to be equipped with a head lamp under these Regulations, the head lamp shall be shown duly lit.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply—
(i) for a reasonable period after the commencement or before the ending of lighting-up hours provided visibility is adequate, or
(3) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, and which is required under these Regulations to be equipped with position lamps, rear lamps and identification mark lighting in the day time, is used in a public place during any period in the day time when, due to failing light or atmospheric conditions visibility is reduced to that obtaining at night-fall or in night time, the said position lamps, rear lamps and identification mark lighting shall be shown duly lit.
(4) Where under the provisions of sub-article (3) of article 22 of these Regulations a vehicle is not fitted with position lamps, the head lamp shall be deemed to be position lamps for the purposes of sub-articles (1) and (3) of this article.
(5) Where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies, and which is required under these Regulations to be equipped with a head lamp in the day time, is used in a public place during any period in the day time when, due to failing light or atmospheric conditions, visibility is so reduced as to render the use of the head lamp necessary for safe driving, such head lamp shall be shown duly lit.
PART IV. OBLIGATORY LIGHTING OF OTHER CLASSES OF VEHICLES.
29 Pedal cycles.
29. (1) Every pedal cycle shall at all times while ridden, or wheeled by a person on foot, in a public place during lighting-up hours be equipped with and, subject to sub-article (2) of this article, show duly lit a front lamp complying with the provisions of sub-article (3) of this article and a rear lamp complying with the provisions of sub-article (4) of this article.
(2) The requirement in sub-article (1) of this article that the front and rear lamps be shown duly lit shall not apply if and so long as the cycle is stopped in course of traffic or is being wheeled by a person on foot as near as possible to the left hand edge of the roadway.
(3) A front lamp fitted to a cycle shall—
(a) when lit, show to the front of the cycle a white or yellow light visible during lighting-up hours for a reasonable distance,
(b) be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle or to the right of that line,
(c) be fitted so that no part of the illuminated surface of the lamp is more than 5 feet from the ground.
(4) A rear lamp fitted to a cycle shall—
(a) when lit, show to the rear of the cycle a red light visible during lighting-up hours for a reasonable distance,
(b) have an illuminated area of at least 2 square inches and of such a shape that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein,
(c) be fitted—
(i) on the centre line of the cycle or to the right of that line,
(ii) so that no part of the illuminated surface of the lamp is more than 3 feet or less than 12 inches from the ground,
(iii) so that it is not more than 20 inches from the extreme rear of the cycle.
30 Animal-drawn vehicles.
30. (1) Every animal-drawn vehicle (or vehicle constructed or adapted for use as an animal-drawn vehicle) shall, while used in a public place during lighting-up hours, be equipped with and show duly lit—
(a) (i) one lamp, as near as possible to the right side of the vehicle, showing to the front a white or yellow light visible for a reasonable distance,
(ii) one lamp, to the right of the centre line of the vehicle and as near as possible to the side, showing a red light to the rear visible for a reasonable distance, and
(b) while carrying a load (other than loose agricultura1 produce not baled or crated) projecting more than 3 feet and 6 inches to the rear of the vehicle, one lamp, showing a red light to the rear visible for a reason able distance, and so fitted that no part of the load projects more than 3 feet and 6 inches to the rear of that lamp.
(2) Where an animal-drawn vehicle with another vehicle attached (hereinafter in this sub-article referred to as the second vehicle) is used in a public place during lighting-up hours, the provisions of sub-article (1) of this article shall apply severally to the vehicle and the second vehicle subject, in a case where the distance between the vehicles is less than 5 feet, to the following modifications:
(a) the requirement as to showing a white or yellow light to the front shall not apply to the second vehicle;
(b) the requirement as to showing a red light to the rear shall not apply to the vehicle drawing the second vehicle.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of article 7 of these Regulations the lamps referred to at paragraph (a) of sub-article (1) of this article shall not be combined where the vehicle exceeds 20 feet in length.
31 Hand propelled vehicles.
31. (1) Every hand propelled vehicle shall, while in use in a public place during lighting-up hours, be equipped with and show duly lit—
(a) (i) one lamp as near as possible to the right side of the vehicle showing to the front a white or yellow light visible for a reasonable distance, and
(ii) one lamp to the right of the centre line of the vehicle and as near as possible to the side showing a red light to the rear visible for a reasonable distance; or
(b) one lamp, as near as possible to the right side of the vehicle, showing to the front a white or yellow light and to the rear a red light, both lights being visible for a reasonable distance.
(2) The preceding sub-article of this article shall not apply as respects a vehicle—
(a) which does not, with its load, exceed 3 feet in width, 4 feet and 6 inches in height or 6 feet in length, and
(b) which is kept, when in use on a road during lighting-up hours, as near as possible to the edge of the roadway.
(3) Nothing in this article shall prevent the use of a vehicle without lights in a public place where such use is incidental only to the primary use of the vehicle in a place which is not a public place and which adjoins the public place in which such vehicle is used.
(4) In this article a reference to the front of a vehicle shall be construed as a reference to the extremity of the vehicle which faces in the direction in which traffic is required to proceed on the side of the road on which the vehicle is used and a reference to the rear of the vehicle shall be construed accordingly.
32 Detached trailers.
32. (1) Every vehicle which is constructed or adapted for use as a trailer and which is not, while parked in a public place during lighting-up hours, attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle, shall be equipped with and show duly lit side lamps complying with article 10 of these Regulations, rear lamps complying with the provisions of article 12 of these Regulations and a rear or lateral projecting load lamp complying with the provisions of article 14 or 15 of these Regulations where either such rear or lateral projecting load lamp would be required to be fitted under article 9 of these Regulations if the vehicle were a mechanically propelled vehicle.
(2) Where a vehicle to which sub-article (1) of this article applies does not with its load, if any, exceed 5 feet in width and 12 feet in length, it shall be sufficient compliance with that sub-article if the vehicle is equipped with and shows duly lit one white or yellow light visible for a reasonable distance from the front and one red light visible for a reasonable distance from the rear, the lamp or lamps being placed as near as possible to the side of the vehicle nearest the centre of the roadway.
(3) In this article a reference to the front of a vehicle shall be construed as a reference to the extremity of the vehicle which faces in the direction in which traffic is required to proceed on the side of the road on which the vehicle is parked and a reference to the rear of the vehicle shall be construed accordingly.
PART V. REFLECTORS.
33 Obligatory rear reflectors. 33. (1) Every vehicle shall at all times while used in a public place be equipped with either one or two (as may be required under sub-article (4) of this article) rear reflectors (in this Part of these Regulations referred to as "obligatory rear reflectors") complying in all respects with the provisions of this Part of these Regulations.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-article (1) of this article the requirement to be equipped with obligatory rear reflectors shall apply only during lighting-up hours in the case of animal-drawn and hand propelled vehicles or vehicles designed or adapted to be so drawn or propelled, or a vehicle to which article 32 of these Regulations applies.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, a vehicle shall not be required to be equipped with obligatory rear reflectors—
(a) if and so long as such vehicle is exempt in pursuance of article 9 of these Regulations from the requirement to be equipped with rear lamps,
(b) if such vehicle is a trailer attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle equipped with obligatory rear reflectors and is not being used during lighting-up hours, or
(c) if and so long as such vehicle is exempt in pursuance of sub-articles (2) and (3) of article 31 of these Regulations from the requirement to be equipped with lamps.
(4) (a) In the case of a pedal cycle or a mechanically propelled bicycle used without a side-car, one obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted to the vehicle.
(b) In the case of a mechanically propelled bicycle used with a side-car, one obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted to the bicycle and one shall be fitted to the side-car.
(c) In the case of a tricycle or invalid carriage not exceeding 3 feet in width, one or two obligatory rear reflectors shall be fitted to the vehicle.
(d) In a case other than those referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this sub-article, two obligatory rear reflectors shall be fitted to the vehicle.
(5) Every obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted to the vehicle in a vertical position, facing squarely to the rear so as to be plainly visible from the rear.
(6) Every obligatory rear reflector shall be so constructed, fitted and maintained as to be plainly visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 325 feet when illuminated by the head lamps of a mechanically propelled vehicle directly behind.
34 Appearance and size of obligatory rear reflectors.
34. (1) Where two obligatory rear reflectors are fitted, they shall be as nearly as possible of the same size and appearance.
(2) (a) Each obligatory rear reflector fitted to a trailer or vehicle constructed or adapted for use as a trailer may, and shall if the overall length of the combination of vehicles exceeds 40 feet, be in the shape of an equilateral triangle, apex upwards, having the dimensions and design set out in the diagram in the First Schedule to these Regulations.
(b) The reflecting units indicated in the said diagram shall each be of the same reflecting value and shall be red in colour.
(3) Subject to sub-article (2) of this article, each obligatory rear reflector fitted to a vehicle shall—
(a) be red in colour and of such a shape as to be incapable of being confused with the reflector referred to in sub-article (2) of this article,
(b) have a reflecting area of at least 2 square inches in the case of pedal cycles, and 3 square inches in any other case,
(c) have a reflecting area of such a shape as to be capable of lying wholly within a circle of 8 inches in diameter and so that a circle of 1 inch in diameter may be inscribed therein.
35 Position of obligatory rear reflectors.
35. (1) (a) No part of the reflecting surface of an obligatory rear reflector shall be more than 3 feet from the ground in the case of cycles and passenger vehicles or station wagons having passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons, and 4 feet in any other case.
(b) No part of the reflecting surface of an obligatory rear reflector shall be less than 15 inches from the ground.
(c) Where two obligatory rear reflectors are fitted, they shall be fitted as nearly as possible at the same height from the ground.
(2) (a) Save as provided in paragraph (b) of this sub-article, obligatory rear reflectors shall be so fitted as to be not more than 2 feet and 6 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(b) Obligatory rear reflectors shall be so fitted to mechanically propelled bicycles and pedal cycles as to be not more than 20 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(3) (a) In the case of a pedal cycle, the obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted on the centre line of the cycle or to the right of that line.
(b) In the case of a mechanically propelled bicycle used without a side-car the obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted on the centre line of the cycle or to the right of that line.
(c) In the case of a mechanically propelled bicycle used with a side-car, the obligatory rear reflector on the side-car shall be fitted on the centre line of the side-car or to the left of that line so that no part of the side-car extends laterally to the left more than 16 inches beyond the reflecting surface of the reflector, and the other obligatory rear reflector shall be fitted on the centre line of the bicycle or to the right of that line.
(d) In the case of a vehicle not coming within the cases referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this sub-article and fitted with only one obligatory rear reflector, the reflector shall be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle or to the right of that line.
(e) (i) In the case of a vehicle not coming within the cases referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this sub-article and fitted with two obligatory rear reflectors, the reflectors shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph.
(ii) The reflectors shall be fitted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as nearly as possible equidistant from that axis, as nearly as possible in the same longitudinal position in relation to the vehicle, and having their reflecting surfaces not less than 21 inches apart.
(iii) Each reflector shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on the same side as the said reflector more than 16 inches beyond the reflecting surface of the reflector.
(4) This article shall not apply to animal-drawn vehicles or to parked vehicles designed or adapted to be so drawn.
36 Projecting load reflector.
36. (1) Every vehicle which is required under sub-article (4) of article 9, paragraph (b) of sub-article (1) of article 30 or article 32 of these Regulations to be equipped with a rear projecting load lamp shall also be equipped with an adequate red reflector (in these Regulations referred to as a projecting load reflector) or rigid device (not being a reflector) with a reflectorised surface fitted as near as practicable to such lamp so as to be plainly visible from the rear.
(2) Where a load of loose agricultural produce not baled or crated is carried on a vehicle in a public place during lighting-up hours and projects to the rear so as to create a hazard to traffic, sub-article (1) of this article shall apply as if the vehicle were required to be equipped with a rear projecting load lamp.
(3) The rigid device referred to in sub-article (1) of this article shall have a surface in the shape of a rectangle each side of which shall be not less than 12 inches in length and shall be either red or red and a lighter colour, provided that the portion of the surface having the lighter colour shall not be reflectorised.
37 Restrictions on use of reflector.
37. (1) Every vehicle used in a public place shall be equipped only with such reflectors as comply with the following provisions of this article.
(2) Every reflector with which a vehicle is equipped and which is visible from outside the vehicle shall be—
(a) red, if facing to the rear,
(b) amber, if facing to the side,
(c) white, if facing to the front.
(3) A reflector, not being an obligatory rear reflector or a projecting load reflector, with which a vehicle is equipped and which is visible from outside the vehicle shall not be such or so fitted or maintained as to render an obligatory rear reflector or projecting load reflector less discernible to other traffic or as to be capable of being confused with the reflector referred to in sub-article (2) of article 34 of these Regulations.
(4) Reflectors facing to the side of a vehicle, other than reflectors fitted to the wheel of a vehicle, shall—
(a) have an area of not less than 5 square inches,
(b) be fitted so that no part of their reflecting surfaces is more than 5 feet or less than 2 feet from the ground,
(c) be not less than 2 feet from the extreme rear or the extreme front of the vehicle (disregarding any tow-bar or towing gear).
(5) Sub-article (2) of this article shall not prevent a cycle from carrying amber coloured reflectors which are attached to or form part of the pedals of the cycle, notwithstanding that any of such reflectors faces to the front or rear.
38 Advance warning device
38. (1) There shall be kept in every goods vehicle exceeding 1½ tons in weight unladen, at all times when such vehicle is used in a public place, at least one advance warning device complying with the provisions of this article.
(2) (a) The device shall consist of a sign in the shape of an equilateral triangle, apex upwards, fitted to a base so as to be capable of standing firmly in a vertical or nearly vertical position.
(b) The design and dimensions of the sign shall be as set out in the diagram in the Second Schedule to these Regulations.
(c) The red reflectorised surface of the sign shall be uniformly reflectorised so as to be clearly visibIe whether wet or dry at night time in clear weather for a distance of 325 feet when illuminated by the undipped head lamps of a vehicle.
(d) The space within the red reflectorised triangle shall either—
(i) be hollow, or
(ii) consist of a flat, white, non-reflecting surface.
(e) The base and the back of the sign shall have a non-reflecting surface.
(f) The device shall be maintained in good order and shall be clean and in an efficient condition.
(3) The driver or other person in charge of a vehicle required to carry an advance warning device under sub-article (1) of this article shall at any time while such vehicle is in use in a public place produce the device on request to a member of the Garda Síochána.
(4) The device may be so constructed as to be capable of being folded and, when not being used on a roadway in accordance with bye-laws made under section 88 of the Act, may be folded or otherwise altered so that it may be conveniently carried on a vehicle, provided that it shall at all times be capable of being made ready for immediate use.
39 Restriction on use of reflectorised material.
39. (1) A vehicle while used in a public place shall not be fitted with reflectorised material which reflects light visible from outside the vehicle unless the material complies with the following conditions:—
(a) it shall not be capable of being confused with obligatory rear reflectors or a projecting load reflector or lamps duly lit which are required to be carried under these Regulations, or of rendering such reflectors or lamps less discernible or of otherwise misleading traffic;
(b) the colour of the material shall be red if facing to the rear, amber if facing to the side, and white if facing to the front.
(2) In this article "reflectorised material" means a material (not being a reflector) which is designed to reflect a large proportion of a light to the source from which it is emitted.
PART VI. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF LIGHTING.
40 Compliance by vehicles with this Part.
40. (1) Every mechanically propelled vehicle and every trailer shall at all times while used in a public place comply with the provisions of articles 41 to 48 of these Regulations.
(2) Every vehicle (other than a mechanically propelled vehicle or a trailer) shall at all times while in use in a public place comply as respects lighting with the provisions of articles 41, 42, 45 and 48 of these Regulations.
41 Restrictions on lighting-colour.
41. (1) (a) A vehicle shall not be equipped with lighting which when lit shows any light to the front of the vehicle except a white or yellow light.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply as respects direction indicators.
(2) (a) A vehicle shall not be equipped with lighting which when lit shows any light to the rear of the vehicle except a red light.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply as respects:—
(i) lighting used for the internal illumination of the vehicle;
(ii) lighting used for the illumination of a taximeter;
(iii) direction indicators;
(iv) identification mark lighting;
(v) reversing lamps;
(vi) lighting used for the illumination of a notice on a large public service vehicle giving information as to the route or destination of the vehicle;
(vii) lighting used on a vehicle being driven by a member of the Garda Síochána in the performance of his duties as such member;
(viii) a lamp fitted to a goods vehicle and intended and used only for the purpose of facilitating unloading while the vehicle is stationary;
(ix) a ploughing lamp fitted to a vehicle used for agricultural purposes and used only for the purpose of facilitating ploughing or other similar operations.
(3) (a) For the purposes of sub-article (2) of this article "reversing lamps" means not more than two lamps fitted to a vehicle and designed to show, when lit, a white or yellow light to the rear of the vehicle and complying with the provisions of this sub-article.
(b) The lamps shall be so constructed that they cannot be switched on otherwise than either—
(i) automatically by the selection of the reverse gear of the vehicle, or
(ii) by the operation of a control by the driver of the vehicle, being a control which serves no other purpose and which is accompanied by a device, visible to the driver at all times while he is in the driver's seat, to indicate when the lamp is lit.
(c) Where two lamps are fitted, they shall be as nearly as possible of the same power, each lamp being of a power not exceeding 24 watts.
(d) Where only one lamp is fitted, it shall be of a power not exceeding 24 watts.
42 Restrictions on flashing lights.
42. No lamp (other than direction indicators) fitted to a vehicle shall show or be constructed or adapted so as to be capable of showing a flashing light unless such light is invisible to persons outside the vehicle.
43 Restrictions on lighting-movement.
43. (1) Subject to sub-article (2) of this article and sub-article (2) of article 47 of these Regulations, there shall not be fitted to a mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer a lamp visible from outside the vehicle (other than a movable lamp or a lamp used for the internal illumination of the vehicle) such that the direction of a beam of light from such lamp may be altered by the driver or by a passenger in or on the vehicle.
(2) The beam of light shown from not more than two lamps (other than side lamps, or fog lamps within the meaning of article 44 of these Regulations) capable of showing a light to the front of a mechanically propelled vehicle may be deflected to either side by the lateral movement of, although not necessarily through the same angle as, the front wheels of the vehicle.
(3) In sub-article (1) of this article, "movable lamp" means a lamp fitted to a vehicle—
(a) which is constructed so that it can be swivelled or otherwise moved by the driver or a passenger in the vehicle, and
(b) which is fitted to a vehicle owned or used by a public utility undertaking and which is used for the purpose of illuminating works or equipment of such public utility undertaking.
44 Restrictions on height of front lamps.
44. (1) Every lamp (other than a lamp referred to in sub-article (3) of this article) which is fitted to a mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer and which, when lit, shows a light to the front of the vehicle shall be so fitted that—
(a) no part of its illuminated surface is more than 4 feet or, in the case of a goods vehicle registered before the 1st day of January, 1952, 4 feet and 6 inches from the ground, and
(b) (except in the case of a fog lamp) no part of its illuminated surface is less than 1 foot and 8 inches from the ground.
(2) In sub-article (1) of this article, "fog lamp" means a lamp fitted to a vehicle so as, when lit, to show a light to the front of the vehicle and intended for use only in fog or while snow is falling.
(3) This article shall not apply as respects the following—
(a) side lamps, position lamps or parking lamps within the meaning of sub-article (3) of article 50 of these Regulations,
(b) lateral projecting load lamps,
(c) lighting used for the internal illumination of the vehicle,
(d) lighting used for the illumination of a taximeter,
(e) direction indicators,
(f) lighting used for the illumination of a notice on a large public service vehicle giving information as to the route or destination of the vehicle,
(g) lighting used on a vehicle being driven by a member of the Garda Síochána in the performance of his duties as such member,
(h) lighting used to illuminate advertising panels.
45 Optional direction indicators and stop lamps.
45. (1) Where a vehicle which is not required by these Regulations to be equipped with direction indicators is equipped with direction indicators, the indicators shall comply as far as practicable, having regard to the construction of the vehicle, with the requirements of article 18 of these Regulations and in particular they shall—
(a) be fitted in one or more pairs, one indicator of each pair (to indicate a change of direction to the left) being fitted to the left of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which it is fitted and the other (to indicate a change of direction to the right) being fitted to the right of such axis,
(b) be fitted so that no part of their illuminated surfaces is less than 16 inches from the ground,
(c) be fitted at the same height and equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,
(d) when in operation emit a flashing, diffused light, amber in colour,
(e) be so constructed and fitted as not to mislead other traffic or persons controlling traffic.
(2) Where a vehicle which is not required by these Regulations to be equipped with a stop lamp is so equipped with a stop lamp or stop lamps the lamp or lamps shall comply with the requirements of article 27 of these Regulations.
46 Requirements as to electric lighting 46. (1) In the case of side lamps, head lamps, rear lamps and stop lamps with which a vehicle is required to be equipped under article 9 of these Regulations, the lamps (where the lighting is electric) shall be so designed and fitted, by the arrangement of the wiring or other adequate means, that—
(a) in the event of the failure of a bulb in one side lamp, rear lamp or stop lamp (as the case may be), the other side lamp, rear lamp or stop lamp shall not thereby be extinguished;
(b) in the event of the failure of a bulb in one of a pair of head lamps the other head lamp shall not thereby be extinguished.
(2) Where a mechanically propelled cycle or invalid carriage is itself, or together with a side-car, fitted with a pair of position lamps, head lamps, rear lamps or stop lamps, the lamps (where the lighting is electric) shall be so designed and fitted, by the arrangement of the wiring or by other adequate means, that in the event of the failure of a bulb in one lamp of a pair the other lamp shall not thereby be extinguished.
(3) Where these Regulations make provision as respects the wattage of any lamp, every electric bulb used in such a lamp shall have its wattage indelibly marked upon its glass or its metal cap in a readily legible manner.
47 Requirements as to dipping devices.
47. (1) This article applies in respect of every lamp fitted to a mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer and capable of showing a light to the front of the vehicle, except—
(a) direction indicators;
(b) a lamp which is—
(i) constructed so that its light is diffused, and
(ii) which is fitted with an electric bulb the power of which does not exceed 7 watts or with a number of bulbs capable of being illuminated at the same time, the combined power of which does not exceed 7 watts;
(c) a lamp so constructed, fitted and maintained that the beam of light from it is permanently deflected downwards to such an extent that it is at all times incapable of dazzling a person who is on the same horizontal plane as the vehicle at a greater distance than 25 feet from the lamp, and whose eye-level is not less than 3 feet and 6 inches above that plane.
(2) Every vehicle fitted with a lamp to which this article applies shall be fitted with a dipping device so constructed, fitted and maintained that it may be operated at ease by the driver and when so operated the beam of light from such lamp is—
(a) deflected downwards and to the left, or
(b) extinguished and a new beam from the same lamp brought into operation, or
(c) extinguished and a beam from another lamp either brought into operation or deflected downwards and to the left,
so that such beam or the said other beam brought into operation or deflected is incapable of dazzling a person who is on the same horizontal plane as the vehicle at a greater distance than 25 feet from the lamp from which such beam or such other beam is emitted, and whose eye-level is not less than 3 feet and 6 inches above that plane.
(3) (a) Where the beams of light from head lamps are altered or replaced by the operation of a dipping device, the altered or new beams shall be such as to be capable of illuminating the road for a distance of 100 feet in front of the vehicle at night time in clear weather.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply to a head lamp fitted to a low-powered cycle.
48 Restriction on lighting which misleads or dazzles.
48. (1) No lamp which, when lit, is capable of misleading other traffic, shall be fitted to a vehicle.
(2) (a) This sub-article applies in respect of every lamp fitted to a vehicle and when lit showing a light visible outside the vehicle except—
(i) stop lamps;
(ii) direction indicators;
(iii) a lamp within the meaning of sub-paragraph (viii) of paragraph (b) of sub-article (2) of article 41 of these Regulations;
(iv) a ploughing lamp within the meaning of sub-paragraph (ix) of paragraph (b) of sub-article (2) of article 41 of these Regulations;
(v) a movable lamp within the meaning of article 43 of these Regulations;
(vi) a lamp to which article 47 of these Regulations applies.
(b) Every lamp to which this sub-article applies shall be so fitted and constructed as to be incapable of dazzling a person who is on the same horizontal plane as the vehicle at a greater distance than 25 feet from the lamp and whose eye-level is not less than 3 feet and 6 inches above that plane.
49 Requirements as to use of lighting.
49. (1) (a) Where a mechanically propelled vehicle is parked in a public place, it shall not show a light to the front except from:—
(i) side lamps, position lamps or parking lamps within the meaning of sub-article (3) of article 50 of these Regulations;
(ii) lateral projecting load lamps;
(iii) lamps for the internal illumination of the vehicle (including a lamp for the illumination of a taximeter);
(iv) direction indicators;
(v) movable lamps within the meaning of article 43 and used only for the purposes specified in that article;
(vi) lamps illuminating a notice on a large public service vehicle giving information as to the route or destination of the vehicle; or
(vii) lighting used to illuminate advertising panels.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply as respects:—
(i) a vehicle stopped in the course of traffic, or
(ii) a large public service vehicle stopped to set down or pick up passengers, or
(iii) lamps used on the occasion of an emergency for police, fire brigade or rescue purposes or emergency work on a road.
(2) (a) Head lamps shall be dipped in good time whenever, while the vehicle is being used in a public place and the head lamps are lit, failure to do so is likely to cause undue inconvenience to other traffic, and in particular—
(i) where the vehicle is about to pass an oncoming vehicle, or
(ii) where the vehicle is travelling close behind another vehicle (except while overtaking such vehicle).
(b) Head lamps shall be dipped whenever, while the vehicle is being used in a public place and the head lamps are lit—
(i) the vehicle is being driven on a road to which a speed limit under section 45 or section 46 of the Act applies, or
(ii) the vehicle is being driven on a road to which a speed limit does not apply, and either—
(I) conditions of visibility are good and the road is continuously lit, or
(II) in conditions of dense fog or falling snow, or
(iii) conditions of visibility are reasonably good during a period after the commencement and before the ending of lighting-up hours.
(c) Subject to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this sub-article, head lamps on vehicles capable of exceeding 24 miles per hour shall not be dipped whenever the driver's field of vision would thereby be rendered so insufficient, having regard to the speed of the vehicle, as to be likely to cause danger.
(3) Where a vehicle equipped with direction indicators is used in a public place, a direction indicator indicating a change of direction to the left shall be used only to indicate such a change of direction, and a direction indicator indicating a change of direction to the right shall be used only to indicate such a change of direction.
(4) Where a vehicle equipped with reversing lamps within the meaning of article 41 of these Regulations is used in a public place, such lamps shall be used only while the vehicle is being reversed but at no time in such a way as to cause undue inconvenience to other traffic.
(5) A lamp within the meaning of sub-paragraph (viii) of paragraph (b) of sub-article (2) of article 41 of these Regulations shall be used in a public place only for the special purpose specified in that sub-paragraph, but at no time in such a way as to cause undue inconvenience to other traffic.
(6) A ploughing lamp within the meaning of sub-paragraph (ix) of paragraph (b) of sub-article (2) of article 41 of these Regulations shall be used only for the special purpose specified in that sub-paragraph and shall not be used while the vehicle is on a public road.
(7) Where a vehicle equipped with a movable lamp within the meaning of article 43 of these Regulations is used in a public place, such lamp shall be used only when the vehicle is stationary and only for the special purpose specified in that article, but at no time in such a way as to cause undue inconvenience to other traffic.
(8) Where a vehicle equipped with a fog lamp within the meaning of article 44 of these Regulations is used in a public place, such lamp shall be used only in fog or while snow is falling.
PART VII. EXEMPTIONS, ETC.
50 Use of lighting on parked vehicles.
50. (1) The requirements of Parts II, III and IV of these Regulations that a vehicle shall during lighting-up hours show specified lamps duly lit shall not apply where the street lighting is such that the vehicle during the period in which it is parked is so clearly visible to traffic as to constitute no danger to such traffic and—
(a) the vehicle is lawfully parked in a parking place specified by bye-laws or temporary rules made or deemed to have been made under section 90 of the Act, or
(b) the vehicle, being a street service vehicle is lawfully standing for hire at an appointed stand for street service vehicles, or
(c) the vehicle, being a licensed (horse-drawn) hackney carriage, is lawfully standing for hire at an appointed stand.
(2) The requirements of Part III of these Regulations that a vehicle shall during lighting-up hours show specified lamps duly lit shall not apply where the vehicle, being a bicycle used without a side-car, is parked so as not to contravene any bye-laws made or deemed to have been made under section 86 or 88 of t he Act or any bye-Laws or temporary rules made or deemed to have been made under section 90 of the act.
(3) (a) This sub-article applies to—
(i) passenger vehicles (including cycles) having passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons,
(ii) station wagons having passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons,
(iii) goods vehicles not exceeding 20 feet in length and 6 feet and 6 inches in width and not being used with a trailer attached, and
(vi) hand propelled vehicles.
(b) The requirements of Parts II, III and IV of these Regulations that a vehicle shall during lighting-up hours show specified lamps duly lit shall not apply in the case of a vehicle to which this sub-article applies if and so long as the vehicle is properly parked in a street and either—
(i) the street lighting is such that the vehicle during the period in which it is parked is so clearly visible to traffic as to constitute no danger to such traffic, or
(ii) the vehicle being a mechanically propelled vehicle, shows duly lit one side lamp (or, in the case of a cycle or invalid carriage, one position lamp) and one rear lamp, each of such lamps being on the side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle nearest to the centre of the street (or in the case of a bicycle used with a side-car, or a tricycle or invalid carriage not exceeding 3 feet in width, fitted to such vehicle), or
(iii) the vehicle, being a mechanically propelled vehicle, is equipped with a parking lamp duly lit.
(c) in this sub-article—
"properly parked" means parked in such a position and in such circumstances as not to contravene any bye-laws made or deemed to have been made under section 86 or 88 of t he Act or any bye-laws or temporary rules made or deemed to have been made under section 90 of the Act or any provision of t he Act and in relation to sub-paragraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (b) of this sub-article includes the requirement that the vehicle is parked parallel to the roadway and facing in the direction in which traffic on the side of the street on which the vehicle is parked is required to proceed;
"street" means a street in which public lighting is provided;
"parking lamp" means a lamp fitted to a parked vehicle and complying with the following requirements—
(i) it shall show, when lit, a white or yellow light to the front of the vehicle and a red light to the rear;
(ii) it shall, when lit, be visible at night time in clear weather for a distance of 500 feet from the front of the vehicle and 500 feet from the rear;
(iii) it shall have an illuminated area to the front and an illuminated area to the rear of not less than 1 square inch in each case:
Provided that this sub-paragraph shall not apply to parking lamps constructed as part of a vehicle which was registered before the 1st day of July, 1964;
(iv) it shall be fitted to the vehicle so that—
(I) it is on the side of the vehicle nearest to the centre of the street;
(II) no part of the vehicle extends laterally on that side more than 16 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp;
(III) no part of the illuminated surface of the lamp is less than 15 inches or more than 6 feet from the ground.
(4) The requirements of Part IV of these Regulations that a vehicle of a class specified in article 30 or 31 shall show specified lamps duly lit shall not apply where—
(a) the vehicle is parked in such a position, in such a condition and in such circumstances as not to be likely to cause danger to other persons using the place, and
(b) it is parked on the verge of the roadway of a public road so that no part of the vehicle projects over the roadway.
51 Defence where vehicle parked in certain places.
51. Where a person is charged with a contravention of a provision of these Regulations applying in relation to a vehicle or to the use of a vehicle, it shall be a good defence to show that the vehicle was at the material time parked—
(a) in a public place, not being a public road or a road connecting two or more public roads, and
(b) by, or with the permission of, the owner of such place, and
(c) in such a position, in such condition and in such circumstances as not to be likely to cause danger to other persons using the place.
52 Exemptions and modifications for certain classes of vehicles.
52. (1) The requirements of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle or combination of vehicles be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, head lamps, marker lamps and identification mark lighting shall not apply in the day time if the vehicle or combination is constructed or adapted and primarily used for work on land or in a factory or on a building site, or for similar work involving the use of the vehicle or combination elsewhere than on a road.
(2) (a) This sub-article applies to—
(i) any vehicle which is constructed primarily to draw another vehicle and not itself to carry any load other than its necessary equipment, and which is the property of a person engaged in agriculture and is used in a public place only for the haulage of the produce of, or of articles for the purposes of, agriculture;
(ii) any mechanically propelled vehicle in the nature of an implement which is constructed or adapted and primarily used for work on land and which is the property of a person engaged in agriculture;
(iii) any trailer drawn by a vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph.
(b) The requirements of Parts II and V of these Regulations shall not apply in the day time to a vehicle to which this sub-article applies.
(3) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle or combination of vehicles be fitted with direction indicators shall not apply in relation to a vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a) of the preceding sub-article, and registered before the 1st day of July, 1964, or to any trailer attached thereto.
(4) (a) This sub-article applies to the rear lamps, stop lamps and obligatory rear reflectors with which a mechanically propelled vehicle or trailer attached thereto is required to be equipped.
(b) Where a goods vehicle is being used to carry a load projecting to the rear in such manner that it is not possible to fit lamps or reflectors to which this sub-article applies (or any of them) to the vehicle in the manner prescribed in Part II or Part V of these Regulations so that such lamps or reflectors shall not be obscured by the load, such lamps or reflectors shall be fitted to the load instead of to the vehicle, but otherwise in accordance with these Regulations as if references to the extreme rear of the load were substituted in these Regulations for references to the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(5) The requirements of Parts II and V of these Regulations in relation to rear lamps, stop lamps and obligatory rear reflectors shall, in the case of large public service vehicles having an exit at the rear, be subject to the following modifications:—
(a) the lamps or reflectors on the left side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle shall be so fitted that no part of the vehicle extends laterally on that side more than 2 feet and 6 inches beyond the illuminated surface of the lamp or beyond the reflecting surface of the reflector;
(b) the requirement that the lamps and reflectors be equidistant from the longitudinal axis shall not apply.
(6) The requirements of Parts II and V of these Regulations in relation to the position and visibility of rear lamps, stop lamps and obligatory rear reflectors shall not apply in the case of tipper trucks, or of lorries fitted with ramps for the loading and unloading of animals, while the vehicles are being loaded or unloaded, provided all practicable steps are taken to warn other traffic of the presence of the vehicle.
(7) The requirements of Part II of these Regulations that rear lamps and obligatory rear reflectors of mechanically propelled vehicles shall be so fitted as to be not more than 2 feet and 6 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle shall, in the case of fire brigade vehicles fitted with ladders or other similar devices, be modified by the substitution of "6 feet" for "2 feet and 6 inches".
(8) (a) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle fitted with direction indicators be equipped with a device to indicate to the driver that direction indicators are in operation shall not apply to mechanically propelled vehicles registered before the 1st day of July, 1964, and fitted with direction indicators before that date.
(b) This sub-article shall cease to have effect on the 1st day of July, 1966.
(9) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that direction indicators shall not be more than 6 feet above the ground shall not apply in the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle, specially designed for the carriage of petroleum spirit, registered before the 1st day of January, 1960, and fitted with direction indicators at a height not exceeding 8 feet.
(10) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle be fitted with identification mark lighting shall not apply in the case of works trucks or other similar vehicles not used during lighting-up hours on public roads.
(11) The requirements of Parts II, V and VI of these Regulations shall not apply in relation to mechanically propelled vehicles which were registered before the 1st day of January, 1931 and which are used only in the day time for the purpose of rallies.
(12) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that head lamps be capable of illuminating the road for a distance of 325 feet at night time in clear weather shall, in the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle which is incapable of exceeding 24 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions, be modified by the substitution of "100 feet" for "325 feet".
(13) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle be fitted with stop lamps shall not apply in the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle (or a trailer attached thereto) which is incapable of exceeding 24 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions.
(14) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a mechanically propelled vehicle be fitted with head lamps, and that such vehicle (or a trailer attached thereto) be fitted with stop lamps and direction indicators shall not apply in the case of—
(a) a mechanically propelled vehicle (or trailer attached thereto) which is incapable of exceeding 6 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions, or
(b) a mobile crane, fork-lift truck or works truck (or trailer attached thereto) incapable of exceeding 12 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions, provided:
(i) the driver is clearly visible on all sides and in a position to give signals by hand to other traffic, and
(ii) the vehicle is not used during lighting-up hours except in an adequately lit public place.
(15) The requirement of Part V of these Regulations that a pedal cycle be equipped with an obligatory rear reflector at all times shall not apply during the day time in the case of a vehicle designed for use by a child of seven years or under.
(16) Any requirement of the these Regulations that a vehicle shall be equipped with lamps and reflectors and show one or more lamps duly lit shall not apply in the case of a vehicle used for road construction or repair—
(a) in the day time, and
(b) during lighting-up hours in a place which is closed to traffic and which is adequately lit.
(17) The requirements of article 19 of these Regulations that identification mark lighting shall not show light directly to the rear and that such lighting shall illuminate the identification mark by means of reflection only shall not apply in the case of a large public service vehicle.
(18) (a) The requirements of Parts II and VI of these Regulations shall not apply to a lamp which is carried on an ambulance, a fire brigade vehicle or a vehicle being used by a member of the Garda Síochána in the performance of his duties as such member and which complies with the provisions of this sub-article.
(b) (i) The lamp shall where possible be fitted on the roof of the vehicle on a point on its longitudinal axis.
(ii) No part of the illuminated surface of the lamp shall be less than 5 feet from the ground.
(iii) The power of the lamp shall not exceed 50 watts.
(iv) The area of the orthogonal projection on to any vertical plane of that part of the lamp through which light is shown shall be capable of lying wholly within a square having sides of 9 inches in length.
(v) The light shown by the lamp shall be blue.
(19) (a) The provisions of Parts II and V of these Regulations shall not apply to military tanks of the Defence Forces—
(i) in the day time, and
(ii) during lighting-up hours where such tanks travel in convoy and are accompanied to the front and rear of such convoy by vehicles which are fitted with lamps, duly lit, and reflectors in accordance with these Regulations.
(b) The provisions of article 9 of these Regulations shall not apply in the day time to gun-tractors, armoured cars and other similar vehicles of the Defence Forces which are designed or adapted for combative purposes, or to mobile guns towed by such vehicles.
(c) The requirements of article 9 of these Regulations that a vehicle be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, marker lamps and direction indicators shall not apply during lighting-up hours to any vehicle referred to in paragraph (b) of this sub-article where the vehicle is fitted with one rear lamp and one stop lamp, each fitted on, or to the right of, the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
(d) The provisions of Parts II and V of these Regulations shall not apply to mobile guns being towed by any vehicle referred to in paragraph (b) of this sub-article where the combination of vehicles consisting of such gun and such vehicle travels in convoy and is accompanied, to the front and rear of such convoy, by vehicles which are fitted with lamps and reflectors in accordance with these Regulations.
(20) The requirements of Part II of these Regulations relating to rear lamps, stop lamps and direction indicators shall not apply until the 1st day of July, 1964, to mechanically propelled vehicles registered before the 1st day of April, 1963, or to any trailer attached to such vehicle or constructed before the 1st day of April, 1963, where such vehicle or trailer carries the rear lamp which was required to be carried by such vehicle or trailer under Part x of the Road Traffic Act, 1933
, and the regulations under that Act in force immediately prior to the coming into operation of these Regulations.
(21) The provisions of sub-article (5) of article 24 and paragraphs (b) and (c) of sub-article (3) of article 34 of these Regulations shall not apply to mechanically propelled cycles and invalid carriages registered before the 1st day of July, 1964.
(22) The provisions of paragraph (c) of sub-article (5) of article 12, sub-article (6) of article 13 and paragraph (a) of sub-article (1) of article 35 shall apply, in the case of a tipper truck, a vehicle constructed primarily to draw another vehicle and not itself to carry any load other than its necessary equipment, or a vehicle in the nature of a self-propelled implement, subject to the substitution of "6 feet" for "4 feet" where red reflectors or devices (not being reflectors) having red reflectorised surfaces are fitted, during lighting-up hours, so that no part of their reflecting surfaces is more than 4 feet above the ground, and so that the reflector or device is plainly visible from the rear for a reasonable distance.
(23) The provisions of Parts II and V of these Regulations shall not apply—
(a) to any of the vehicles (or trailers attached thereto) mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 4 of Part I of the Schedule to the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act, 1952
(No. 24 of 1952), where such vehicle is used in a public place only while traversing a road, for a distance not exceeding 100 yards, from one portion of a farm to another such portion, provided that, where any such vehicle is so used during lighting-up hours adequate precautions are taken to ensure that no danger is caused to other traffic,
(b) during a ploughing competition or other agricultural demonstration, to vehicles taking part in such competition or demonstration in a public place other than a street or road.
(24) (a) This sub-article applies to every electrically propelled vehicle—
(i) the electrical motive power of which is derived from an electrical storage battery which is not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is in motion, and
(ii) which does not exceed 2 tons in weight unladen, and
(iii) which is incapable of exceeding 24 miles per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions.
(b) For the requirement of Part II of these Regulations that the vehicle be equipped with two or four head lamps, there shall, in the case of a vehicle to which this sub-article applies, be substituted the requirement that the vehicle be equipped with one head lamp which shall, subject to the provisions of Part II of these Regulations as respects a head lamp, be fitted on or to the right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (except in the case of a vehicle registered before the 27th day of October, 1963).
53 Defence in case of racing vehicles.
53. Where a person is charged with a contravention in the day time of articles 9, 22, 29 and 33 of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show that the vehicle was primarily constructed or adapted for the purpose of racing or trials and was either being used for such purpose or was travelling to or from the venue of a race or trial in which the vehicle had taken part or was intended to take part.
54 Defence in case of damaged equipment.
54. (1) (a) Where a person is charged with a contravention in the day time of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show—
(i) that the contravention arose from a defect in the lighting or reflectors which occurred on the day, and during the course of the journey, during which the contravention took place, or
(ii) that the contravention arose from a defect in the lighting or reflectors and that before the contravention occurred steps had been taken to have the defect remedied with all reasonable expedition.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall not apply in relation to stop lamps or direction indicators except in the case of parked vehicles.
(2) Where a person is charged with a contravention during lighting-up hours of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show—
(a) that the vehicle was parked in a lay-by or on the verge of a road in such a manner that no part of the vehicle or its load projected over any adjoining roadway, and
(b) that the vehicle was parked in such a position and in such a condition and in such circumstances as not to be likely to cause danger or obstruction to other persons using the place, and
(c) that the contravention arose from a defect in the lighting or reflectors which occurred while, or immediately before, the vehicle was so parked, and
(d) that steps were taken to have the defect remedied at the earliest opportunity.
(3) Where a person is charged with a contravention during lighting-up hours of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show—
(a) that the vehicle was parked in consequence of a breakdown or accident, and
(b) that the contravention arose from a defect in the lighting or reflectors resulting from such breakdown or accident, and
(c) that all practicable steps were taken to warn other traffic of the position of the vehicle and to remove the vehicle as soon as possible from the roadway or to another position in the roadway so as to reduce the danger to other traffic.
(4) (a) Where a person is charged with a contravention in the day time of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show—
(i) that the contravention arose from a defect in the lighting or reflectors, and
(ii) that the vehicle was being towed to a safe place or to a garage or other place for the purpose of having the defect remedied.
(b) Where a person is charged with a contravention during lighting-up hours of these Regulations, it shall be a good defence to show—
(ii) that the vehicle was, as soon as practicable after the defect became known, being towed to the nearest safe place so as to avoid danger to other traffic.
(5) In this article a reference to a defect in lighting or reflectors includes a reference to a defect in their ancillary fittings.
The obligatory rear reflector referred to in sub-article (2) of article 34.
The advance warning sign referred to in article 38.
S.R. & O. 1934 No. 166.
Lighting of Vehicles Regulations, 1934.
S.R. & O. 1935 No. 259.
Articles 37 and 52.
S.R. & O. 1936 No. 269.
S.I. No. 240 of 1948
Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (Construction, Equipment and Use) (Amendment) Order, 1948.
S.I. No. 334 of 1956
Lighting of Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations, 1956.
Local Government this twelfth day of October
One Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty Three.
These Regulations prescribe the lamps and reflectors with which vehicles are required to be fitted while being used in public places, and the circumstances and the manner in which lamps are to be used.
These Regulations replace the provisions of Part X of the Road Traffic Act, 1933
, and certain regulations under than Act.