Lighting Requirements for Trailers on the Public Highway in the UK

At Shropshire Truck and Trailer Parts Ltd, alongside truck parts and plant machinery parts, we sell a complete range of lighting supplies and accessories for trucks, plant machinery and trailers. You may be called upon to drive your trailer on the public highway in the UK from time to time, and the requirements for trailer lighting can be quite complex. At the same time, though, having the appropriate lighting is a legal requirement. So what do you need to know to avoid falling foul of the law?

What Does the Law State for All Trailers?

The relevant legislation is The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, and it applies to all trailers. However, there are different requirements for some trailers depending on their age and their size. As a quick overview, though, all trailers of any age and size that will be driven on UK roads must have fitted as standard two red sidelights. There must also be two red stoplights, and two red, reflective triangles fitted to the rear end.

In addition, a number plate must not only be fitted but must be illuminated too, so that it can easily be seen at night. As with a car, a trailer must also have amber indicators fitted, which have a flash rate of between 60 and 120 times per minute. And finally for all trailers, the driver must be able to know that these indicators are working, and working correctly. This usually means that there is a visible light in the driver’s cabin or some kind of buzzing noise to signify the indicators are operating.

What Are the Variations?

• If your trailer measures more than 1.3m in width, it must also have at least one red fog lamp; and for preference, two. If only one, though, it must be fitted towards the offside or on the trailer’s central line.
• If your trailer is 1.6m or wider, then it requires white front markers or lights, plus white front reflectors. And if your trailer is 6m or longer, then it must have red or white side markers too.
• If your trailer was manufactured after 30 September 1990, then it must also be fitted with white front reflectors.
• If your trailer was made after October 2012, and has brakes fitted, then it requires a reversing light.

What If I Own a Trailer, but Am Not the Driver?

It’s worth pointing out that if you run a business and that involves employees using a trailer in the course of their work, then it’s your responsibility as the employer to make sure the vehicle – including the trailer – is fitted with the appropriate lights and that they’re kept in good working order.

If you’re in need of new or replacement lights to make sure your trailer is within the law, come to Shropshire Truck and Trailer Parts Ltd – we have all you need in terms of trailer and truck accessories, lorry parts and van parts. Serving all of Shrewsbury and wider Shropshire, we are also battery suppliers as well as selling parts for brakes and clutches; and the tools to fit them all too!