Guess what I fitted?

[Keet]

Again this is only my opinion, but what's the point of fitting something that you have to remember to change before every MOT, doesn't add anything to the car cosmetically as it looks the same as the original part and you never get to see it operating?

The safety argument doesn't really wash with me either because, of all the hours you drive or have driven with normal brake lights how many times have you been in a rear end shunt because people haven't seen your brake lights. More likely they are going to run into you while they're thinking what the hell is that flashing!

 

[DelGue]

If its the USA it must be one of these.....
View attachment 126437

I know some places here where that's not a bad idea!!!

 

[Nodzed]

My understanding that not everything that constitutes an MOT fail is automatically a road traffic offence. Here's the regulation that specifies that lights have to be constant, with a few exceptions.

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Lamps to show a steady light
13.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which automatically emits a flashing light.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of–

(a)a direction indicator;

(b)a headlamp fitted to an emergency vehicle;

(c)a warning beacon or special warning lamp;

(d)a lamp or illuminated sign fitted to a vehicle used for police purposes;

(e)a green warning lamp used as an anti-lock brake indicator; or

(f)lamps forming part of a traffic sign.

Well in that case just about every modern car is breaking the rules as many about have auto flashing rear lights (hazards and brake) under hard braking. The e85 can be programmed as an option for all the rear lights to including reds whites and amber to flash under hard braking.

 

[Keet]

Well in that case just about every modern car is breaking the rules as many about have auto flashing rear lights (hazards and brake) under hard braking. The e85 can be programmed as an option for all the rear lights to including reds whites and amber to flash under hard braking.

The regulation allows for indicators as in paragraph 2.

As for the E85 being programmed to allow it, that's because they are manufactured for multiple markets where some of those markets may allow them to flash. That's why they need to be coded to work and were not enabled to begin with in the UK.

 

[t-tony]

That's true but how about these newer cars with the sequential indicators. Also on my car if a rear indicator bulb fails it then flashes the stop light instead. It's all a bit confusing.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

The regulation allows for indicators as in paragraph 2.

As for the E85 being programmed to allow it, that's because they are manufactured for multiple markets where some of those markets may allow them to flash. That's why they need to be coded to work and were not enabled to begin with in the UK.

Realise that ref indicators but many modern cars flash the rear reds too under hard braking, modern Skoda's flash the brake lights until the car stops then the hazards activate, pretty sure my VW does the same?

 

[Stevo7682]

The whole idea of the flashing brake lights is to warn other drivers that the vehicle is braking heavy ( ie abs stop active) so to make them aware of a potential threat ahead ( sorry Tony ) but my personal view is that is how it should be not at any braking instance as it then could become a distraction or ( knowing what people are like behind the wheel) an irritant.
Imagine driving down a twisty dark country road behind a car whose brake lights flashed every time they are touched soon become annoying.
But that's just my opinion .

Stephen.

 

[Davz]

I like the idea it's an irritant, maybe it will keep the bloody tailgaters off the boot lid!

 

[t-tony]

It was a very small amount to fit this. I'm not making any decision about it until I follow someone driving my car to see for my self without making an assumption, legal or not.
I can't see it being an issue except in stop start traffic? Light dabs on the brake won't be an issue because the lights will be off before you notice the flashes. It's shame video can't capture it. Meanwhile my new LED rear indicator bulbs are quite bright ........................

Tony.