Does anyone know if a 7 can still be operated in the UK (daytime only) without lights? It used to permitted for us to run with zero lights fitted to the car (rather than unserviceable) but that was back in the days of the MOT test.

I haven't got anything fitted to the car yet so wondered if I could save some aggro and drive up and down the road to test the car before playing with lights.

Thanks.

Rob

Location: Cardiff

The Regulations still in force regarding daytime Construction and Use refer to a vehicle "not fitted with any light" but that means all or nothing. No lights, reflectors, brake lights, headlamps, indicators etc.

They either have to be removed completely of fitted with a mask or cover so they cannot be easily put into effective use, or not wired up.

Remember however that testers can sometimes be ignorant of exemptions so take a copy of the relevant regulations with you.

Hope that helps.

Location: South of France, always.

You will,however,require an"audible means of approach"i.e. a horn.Bulb type obtainable from local joke shop for a pittance.

Location: The Pits,Leicester

Thanks, chaps.

'Lightning McQueen' kids bicycle horn already fitted. Tried RH insurance today to see if I could still insure it without lights. £51.25, fully comp, 3000 miles per annum. Not a bad day!

Location: Cardiff

Where did this idea that the M.O.T. is no more come from?

As far as I'm concerned, nothing has changed except that the test which is still available (complete with original lighting exemptions etc.) is now no longer compulsory.

An M.O.T. test is a safety check provided by a qualified mechanic for a fee. Assuming that the car in question is legally exempt, the relevance and validity of such a test will presumably depend upon the opinion of the car's owner. True, the test certificate only relates to the day it is issued but in the eyes of the law it remains valid for a year unless the car is exempt which brings up a pertinent question.

As the vehicle must still comply with all legal requirements, the question must be: who now is the final arbiter?

As has always been the case- the vehicle owner is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. If not competent to undertake this duty then it should be given to a service centre - I regularly check the Austins and have the Audi fully serviced annually.
If I am pulled over by the police for a check I am expected to have a roadworthy vehicle at all times.

Tony.

Location: Malvern, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

The Construction & Use Regulations still apply, in this case with period exemptions.
My abbreviated copy which assisted MOT testers is in a storage box so not immediately accessible but I seem to remember that reflectors must be fitted even when lights are not and as previously stated a 'horn' of some sort.
Best clarify this.
If you are stopped by traffic police do NOT expect them to know the lighting regulations pertaining to a pre war car in detail so there could be a kerb side debate. If that doesn't go well you could be escorted to a VOSA test station for detailed inspection. Something you definitely don't want to happen!
Be sure of your position in law beforehand.

Paul N-M

Location: Edinburgh

Location: Herefordshire, with an E not a T

A sharp blow through a FOX 40 with a string round your neck in case you drop it would be novel.

Location: Edinburgh

From the MOT testers manual. I actually phoned up and spoke to a very helpful lady at the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, who remembered semaphore indicators and she directed me to this section of the Mot Testers manual:

1.1 Front and Rear Position lamps and Registration Plate Lamps
Information Method of Inspection Reason for Rejection
This inspection applies to all vehicles, except those which either have no front or rear position lamps or have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked that are:
_ only used during daylight hours, and
_ not used at times of seriously reduced visibility.
If this situation occurs, the vehicle
presenter should be issued with a
VT32 recording the above.


Mot manual can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/mot/manuals

Regards,

Mark

Location: United Kingdom

Very informative Mark.
It appears my memory regarding needing rear reflectors regardless was suspect!
I like the section for pre 1906 motors being allowed audible warning by;
Gong, Bell or Siren!

Location: Edinburgh

Don't forget exhaust organs! I've seen them on De Dions. Musical but not very loud.

Location: Melrose, Scottish Borders

Cycling proficiency test? - yes, taught every year and tested with our Primary 6 pupils Martin :)

Diving unfinished cars on the road? - not the best way to showcase the vintage car community, best find some private land or an airstrip perhaps?

A long time ago now when I was building my car with Mac, he told the story of a person who had nearly finished a re-build of his car.
He took it for a test drive without the cowl on over the drive shaft.
His trousers snagged and his leg was pulled into it.

He died of his injuries shortly after.

I'll never forget that.

Rob,
I read on one of your postings, that R.H. have put a restriction on milage on your quote for insurance ? since when have they been doing that? in 40+ years of being with them, I have never had a milage restricton on any of my Policies

Location: Near junc.8 M25

Jon. I told them that I did about 4000 miles per annum and had eight cars. They offered me a restricted mileage policy and when I told them I didn't have a speedometer with a mileage counter on it but they didn't seem to worry.

I have a 1.5mm steel cowl over the front half of my propshaft so it shouldn't run the risk of cutting my leg off if the fabric joint gives way.

Location: Cardiff

Construction and use regs require mudguards I think. I was pulled over and issued with a fine many years ago when towing an unfinished small trailer. Unfinished to the extent that I hadn't fitted the mud guards !

Front wings are almost ready, just need to improve the shape of the wired front edge. Too 'square' at the moment. Steep learning curve!

Location: Cardiff