Spotlight / reverse light .

[swifty]

Is there a legal requirement when using a lucas boot mounted spotlight as a reverse light ? . IE does it have to be wired to a reverse gear switch in gearbox , or can you simply wire it to a on / off switch on dash . .... Ken

[coop12g295]

From memory construction and use regs you are limited to 21 watt bulb and the switch
if not using the gearbox original and dash mounted should also have a warning light

[swifty]

Thanks . Seems easier to just put on a switch that also lights up .

[minitravellerman]

I have it wired to the reverse light switch only. Not sure what wattage the bulb is (not 12 anyway!!) but I've never had any problems when it comes to MoT, although I have at times put a Lucas cover over it just in case.

[Lord Croker]

I seem to remember from my rallying days that there is a limit of 25 watts on reversing lights, (maybe not on the works cars ) & any reversing light not operated automatically by the gearbox / gearchange unit, must have a warning light, an illuminated switch is perfectly acceptable.
Ian, unless the regulations are different in N. Ireland, reverse lights are not included in the MOT test, but they are looked at by Rally Scrutineers, so I fitted a rheostat from a heater fan, so I could produce a yellow-orange glow when asked to switch on the reverse light! Once round the corner, it was back to full 55 watts!

[minitravellerman]

Regs are the same here about reversing lights and they aren't technically part of the test, however I know there is a limit to the amount of white light allowed to the rear of a car. A friend of mine was given an advisory about his spot light hence why I have covered mine on occasion.

[LMM76C]

maybe not on the works cars

I think the works cars did comply. It was the vast majority of club cars that didn't...

[Lord Croker]

I left myself wide open for that one, guilty as charged In my defence, I never used the reverse light on a rally, I think I only ever used it for reversing into the garage at night.