UKMOT.com MOT Manual 1.5 Indicators

1.5 Indicators

Information	Method of Inspection	Reason for rejection
This inspection applies to: All direction indicators and hazard warning devices fitted.	Flashing type
	1. Operate the left and right direction indicators in turn and check	1. A direction indicator
	a. that all lamps are present and secure	a. missing or insecure
Exempt Vehicles
Direction indicators and hazard warning devices are not required by regulations on vehicles not fitted with any front or rear position lamps (see1.1), nor are they required on vehicles first used before 1 January 1936. But, if they are fitted, they must be tested.	b. that all lamps are complete, in good working order and clean	b. incomplete, not in good working order or not clean, ie so damaged or deteriorated that its function is impaired Note: An effective proprietary repair (eg lens repair tape, etc) must be assessed on its merits considering security, colour, light output and durability
Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986
These must be fitted with one side repeater indicator on each side. Instead of a separate lamp, the side repeater might be part of the front direction indicator if it includes a wraparound lens. Lamps incorporating a side repeater are marked either with an 'E' mark in a circle or an 'e' mark in a rectangle above which is the number 5.	c. the flashing rate Note: it may be necessary to run the engine when checking the flashing rate	c. does not flash 60 to 120 times per minute
	d. that every direction indicator emits amber light, except vehicles first used before 1 September 1965 where both front indicators may be white and both rear indicators red	d. does not show light of the appropriate colour
Vehicles first used before 1 April 1986
A hazard warning device is not required by regulation, but, if one is fitted, it must be tested.	e. that their operation is separate from, and not adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp	e. adversely affected by the operation of another lamp eg dual function lamps on foreign vehicles
	2. Check the selector switch for presence, security, condition and operation.	2. A missing, insecure or faulty selector switch.
Vehicles first used before 1 September 1965
Direction indicators may be incorporated with stop lamps, or combined with side or rear lamps.	3. Check the driver's 'tell-tale' warning device for presence and operation. Note: A 'tell-tale' may be audible or visual, it is not required if one or more direction indicators on each side can be seen by the driver from the driver's seat.	3. The driver's 'tell-tale' missing or inoperative.
	4. Check that the hazard warning device operates with the ignition switched both on and off. While it operates, check that all the direction indicators flash simultaneously and the 'tell-tale' is working correctly.	4. A hazard warning device
		a. does not cause all direction indicators to flash in phase
		b. 'tell-tale' not working correctly
Semaphore Type
	1. Operate the direction indicators and check	1. A semaphore arm
	a. the operation of each indicator	a. does not extend or retract without sticking
	b. that every direction indicator emits an amber light Note: A Semaphore arm must illuminate when in operation. It may flash, but is not required to do so	b. does not show an amber light to the front and rear
	2. Check the correct operation of the 'tell-tale'. Note: A 'tell-tale' may be audible or visual, a 'tell-tale' is not required if one or more direction indicators on each side of the vehicle can be seen by the driver from the driver's seat.	2. The 'tell-tale' is missing or not working correctly.

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Reproduced from the MOT Inspection Manual by kind permission of THE VEHICLE INSPECTORATE.

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1.5 Indicators