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MG MG Y Type - Reversing light YB

Can anyone in the UK tell me if the reversing light is a requirement for the MOT test please.
If it is can a suitable light be recommended.
Ted Gardner

Hi Ted,

I don't think it is at least not before about 1967 models and it is not retrospective. My 64 MGB roadster does not have them, but my 50 Y and 55 ZA and 78 GT do.

I think what you will find is that if it is there - it has to work (rather like the spare tyre - not a requirement to have one for the MOT but, if it is there it must be legal!). I suspect that, from your question yours is not working and your MOT is due? If the tester spots it he is obliged to fail it. If he does not, or asks if it should have one - who knows what you'll say!

I rather liken it to a proverb of two Americans discussing the bell on a bicycle, one says t'other "Is a bell necessary on bicycle? T' other replies Sure aint necessary but sure is essentual. A reversing light is really only there to warn an idiot who is standing behind your car or to light your way when reversing: if you dont get out and look, or they dont move - everyone gets what is coming!

Bon Chance

Paul
Paul Barrow

From the gist of your posting, it sounds like you haven't got a reversing light at all. Does this mean that the original reversing light has been converted to say, an additional brake light ? If so, should be fairly easy to convert back, provided you have a "D" lamp lens with the clear section for the reversing lamp (I picked up two of these from NTG some years ago, still in the original Lucas packets).

Surely any lamp with a clear lens could be rigged up to suit, if required.
Bob Simpson

Ted, like seat belts, the reversing light need not be fitted to cars built before a certain year - 67 sounds about right. However, if it is fitted, it must be tested and passed.

dan
dan

The reversing light is not a mandatory light on a 'Y' series, It need not be fitted. If it is fitted, it need not be tested. Only position-indicator lights and mandatory lights are tested. See the Mot manual.

Neil.
Neil Cairns

Thanks Neil and everyone else, my electrics are fully sorted now after many hours work.
Ted Gardner

This thread was discussed between 07/11/2001 and 11/11/2001

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