Popular modification can see drivers fined £1,000 for looking like emergency vehicle
A mechanic has warned that a popular modification to improve the look of the vehicle's headlights can come with serious consequences.
A popular online mechanic has warned motorists that they could face significant fines for fitting their vehicle with a popular modification.
Craig is an employee at Walsall Wood Tyres and regularly posts videos in which he helps to raise awareness of road safety and answers questions sent in by viewers.
In a recent video, Craig was asked whether a vehicle could fail its MOT if it is fitted with blue side lights, to which he responded that the car may not even reach the test before being stopped by police.
He explained: “I’m not even going to brush into the legislation on MOT for that. What I am going to say is that the Highway Code tells us all that it is illegal for non-emergency vehicles to display a blue light at the front or rear of a vehicle.
“So that alone is enough of a reason to say take them out and put the proper bulbs back in, naughty man.”
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In the video, Craig notes that fitting blue lights to a vehicle could cause other road users to believe it is an emergency vehicle.
Drivers should also avoid fitting flashing lights to their vehicle, other than indicators, which could be misinterpreted as a warning beacon.
Motorists who break this rule, either by fitting new bulbs or tinting the ones currently installed in their vehicle, could receive a fine of £1,000.
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With nearly 100,000 views, and more than 1,100 likes, many motorists were interested in Craig’s advice and left other interesting pointers about car headlights.
One viewer wrote: “Solid blue was, at one time, only [allowed] on vehicles conveying royalty.”
Another added: “Like DRLs they apparently have to be white. I have yellow ones and had to buy new bulbs to pass my MOT.”