I have a Westfield SEI, built and registered on a Q plate in 1990 as a Westfield on the V5

The past two times I've had it MOT'd, the Hazard lights have failed during the test so the tester provided me with a roll of black tape and suggested that I tape over the hazard switch as he said that the computerised MOT system tests the car as a 1971 spec and as such hazards are not required if not fitted.

I want to change from swept wings to cycle wings, does this mean I can do away with the side indicator repeaters if it is seen as a 1971 by the system?

not sure how legal that would be, but you'd probably get away with it...


on the other hand most newer se7ens have the side repeaters on the main body (just below the scuttle normally) so it wouldn't be hard to fit a newer and more reliable pair

I would agree with the above
Removing the side repeaters would cause problems with old fashioned flasher units so I would advise fitting side repeaters (of the same wattage ) to the main body work.

IIRC hazard switches are only not required on vehicles used before 1 January 1936.

Loggy - you may be thinking of indicators. I don't think any of my older (pre 1970 ) cars had hazards.

Actually it seems to be 1st April 1986. I thought they were a relatively recent thing.


To quote this:
http://mottesters.co.uk/files/special%20notices/MOT%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf

Normally this evidence is only necessary if the vehicle has a
‘cherished’ registration mark or if the registration mark’s year letter does
not make clear the standard that should be applied - for instance, regarding
Hazard Warning Device requirements for vehicles first used on or after 1
April 1986.

Pre-1936 doesn't need brake lights

Yeah, it seems 86 is the correct date, I was reading this:

Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps are not required to be fitted to vehicles used only during the hours of daylight, which are fitted with neither front nor rear position lamps, etc. (See 1.1.A) Nor are they required on vehicles first used before 1 January 1936. However, if they are fitted, they must be tested.

but had missed reading this:

Hazard warning devices are not required on vehicles first used before 1 April 1986, but if one is fitted it must be tested.
The hazard warning lamp ‘tell tale’ may be a separate light or the same as the indicator ‘tell-tale. However, it must be a flashing light.

The regs fpor Q plates:

Vehicles having a Q plate registration when presented for MOT are to be treated as follows: For emission purposes only, all these types are to be considered as vehicles first used before 1 August 1975. For all other testing purposes they are to be considered as being first used on 1 January 1971, or
c.
In any other case, the earlier of either:
-Its date of first registration, or
-The date six months after it was manufactured

So the pre 86 rule on hazards would certainly apply to a Qplate.

Why not go mental and actually fix the lights!

Having a full set of working hazards can't be the worst thing in the world!

Cheers,
James

quote:

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Originally posted by James
Why not go mental and actually fix the lights!

Having a full set of working hazards can't be the worst thing in the world!

Cheers,
James

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One way to fix teh flasher unit is to use the led compatible ones fitted on motorbike. You can get them from ebay or Halfords. they come in 3 or 2 point variant (mine were 2 point). the big advantage is that the indictaor rate is constant regardless of the lights fitted or if bulbs go. ie they flash at the same rate regardless.

Just be careful that they have at least some load or they will blow.

Hope that helps
Paul