Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

RogerB · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2015 5:24 pm Post subject: Twin Rear Lights

Legislation was brought in on the 1st October 1956 to say that all new vehicles were to have twin rear lights; can anyone tell me what government Bill introduced it........

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

I understand it was earlier than that owning a 1934 Morgan with one tail light, and a 1946 with two.
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KA

Better three than four.

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

Definitely in the early fifties. The year before the extra light had to be fitted, all cars had to have two reflectors.
My Dad had a new (company) Volkswagen in 1953/4, the number was HNL 394, so that might help to pin it down. I'm told it was among the very first official imports.
VWs had reflectors in their (two) light lens, which btw, had amber brake lights built into the lamp as well, but his local garage insisted that it had to have reflectors, so they fitted some on the bumper.
Thinking about this, the garage did the same to another new VW, in 1955. That one was registered PRM 123.
Does remembering those numbers make me a sad old git, or what?

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4279 Location: South Cheshire

The 1956 Road Traffic Act changed loads of things, it was probably part of that.

At some point it (2 rear lamps) was applied retrospectively to all post 1930 vehicles, Morris 8 SE's still only had 1 rear lamp in 1946, also outlawed was the dip and switch headlamp system .

Dave

RogerB · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:04 pm Post subject: Twin Rear Lights

Thank you, I will read the 1956 Road Traffic Act thoroughly.... when you are retired you have time to do this.......[/b]

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

I thought that too when I am retired which is not soon enough
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PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

Interesting question this! I had never considered it before, but I guess it must have been muted for several years. Jowett ceased manufacture in 1953 and the Bradford, produced from 1946-1953 had only 1 rear light and the one head light on dip for the duration of production. The Javelin, produced from 1947 - 1953 was designed with 2 rear lights and twin dipped headlights - possibly partly with a view to exports but, I suspect, with one eye on impending British legislation.