Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rdover]

My Alldays no longer needs an MOT but does not (and probably never had) lights fitted but I'm considering joining a local heritage rally that ends in Glasgow on December at 7pm. Thing is it gets dark/dusk here from about 3.30pm.

I have bicycle lights clipped on the back (and can have on the front when I buy new ones) and reflectors but is that enough to cover me legally for driving in darkness? Note: I will only be driving on lit roads (apart from the 3 miles back to my house) and only of the weather is suitable.

Thoughts?
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Richard

[Peter_L]

May I suggest a talk with the local constabulary, traffic division.

[Rdover]

That is no guarantee of getting the right answer. I was once stopped for having a cardboard number plate on a trailer (the car's one could be seen perfectly) and threatened with being booked for having an illegal number plate so I removed it. 100 miles later I was stopped again and warned for having no number plate at all. I couldn't get one as I'd only had the car for 2 weeks and didn't have the log book!

Coppers are not lawyers and if I can quote C&U or MOT regs at them then at least I can demonstrate I've tried. I should check with my insurance as well I suppose.
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Richard

[Peter_L]

[colwyn500]

It will be interesting if we get an authoritative reply.
I suggest that as all car lights are technically, battery-powered, that wouldn't be a problem.
There are regulations as to the minimum size of the lens, distance apart and distance from the ground. I think the most notable point for safety and legality is that all lights should appear evenly placed and bright from the point of view of other road users.
Although many regulations are not applied retrospectively to vehicles manufactured before the date of first application, lighting rules are a notable exception and as soon as you put on lights to indicate the presence of the car, you might then need brake lights if these are not already fitted.
Having said all that, personally I would do as you described but I think you will be putting yourself at the mercy of the traffic police.

[baconsdozen]

I've found police officers to be helpful if approached correctly,after all they are just doing a job.
At least by asking you've shown willing to find out.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

[RotaryBri]

[ukdave2002]

Some of these modern bicycle lamps are far brighter than most post war headlamps

I'm sure one on each corner would be more than adequate

Dave