13/01/2021
Hi again one and all. Hope that you are all keeping safe and well.
Just wanted to let you know about another change to the MOT test manual concerning headlamp bulbs.
In a previous change to the manual, fitting an H.I.D. bulb (or system) in place of a normal Halogen bulb became a reason for test failure. This has now been modified so that L.E.D. bulbs have been included in as well. So, if the bike was originally fitted with a Halogen bulb, it must retain a Halogen bulb. If an H.I.D. or L.E.D. bulb has been fitted instead, it WILL fail the test.
Keep safe and take care out there.
Ian
EXTRACT FROM OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT EMAIL :-
MOT inspection manual: motorcycles
Page summary:
Inspection processes and rules for motorcycle, scooter, moped and motorcycle combination (class 1 and 2 vehicle) MOT tests.
Change made:
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – 4.1.4 Headlamps – Compliance with requirements – Sentence changed from ‘Some motorcycles may be fitted with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’ to ‘Some motorcycles may be fitted with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) headlamps. Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.‘4.2.1 Front and rear position lamps – Presence, condition and operation – Deleted sentences ‘A motorcycle combination must have 2 front and 2 rear position lamps.’ ‘A motorcycle with a headlamp does not need to have a front position lamp.’ ‘A sidecar must have a front position lamp.‘4.2.1 Front and rear position lamps – Presence, condition and operation – Added sentence ‘A motorcycle (with or without a sidecar) fitted with a headlamp need not have a front position lamp. However, one must be fitted to the sidecar if a sidecar is fitted.‘4.2.1 Front and rear position lamps – Presence, condition and operation – Added sentence ‘A motorcycle (with or without a sidecar) must have a rear position lamp. If a sidecar is fitted then the sidecar must be fitted with a rear position lamp.‘4.2.1 Front and rear position lamps – Presence, condition and operation – Sentence changed from ‘A headlamp or a daytime running lamp (DRL) can function as a front position lamp. The DRL may or may not switch off or dim when the headlamp(s) are switched on and the engine is running.’ to ‘A daytime running lamp (DRL) can function as a front position lamp. The DRL may or may not switch off or dim when the headlamps are switched on and the engine is running.‘4.2.2 Front and rear position lamps – Switching – Deleted sentence ‘A headlamp or a daytime running lamp can function as a front position lamp.‘4.3.1 Stop lamps – Presence, condition and operation – Sentence changed from ‘have had stop lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked’ to ‘have had front and rear position lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked‘4.3.2 Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – Stop lamps – Switching – Applicable from 1 February 2021 – Defect (a) (iii) wording changed from ‘remain on when the brakes are released’ to ‘does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released’
Time updated:
9:56am, 11 January 2021
