Lights & reflectors
Motor vehicles (except motorcycles or electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 38km/h) must have the following lights and reflectors.
At the front:
- Two headlights (white or yellow)
- Two white sidelights
- Direction indicator lights (amber only)
At the back:
- Two red lights (commonly known as tail lights)
- Two red brake lights
- Two red reflectors
- Number plate lighting
- Direction indicator lights (amber only)
REMEMBER Your lights, reflectors, number plate lighting and direction indicators will be effective only if you keep them clean and in good working order.
Remember:
- You must use fog lights only in dense fog or falling snow. Turn them off in clear weather or you will risk causing glare or dazzling other drivers.
- You may fit high mounted rear brake lights if you wish, but fitting other optional lighting is controlled by law.
Sections Rules for motorcyclists, Rules for cyclists and Other road users deal with the required lighting for motorcycles, bicycles and horse drawn vehicles.
Before you change or alter the physical apperance of your vehicle, for example by fitting spot lights, bull bars or ornaments, take care not to increase the risk to road users, in particular the more vunerable ones, for example cyclists and pedestrians.
You must not fit blue or red flashing lights which are solely reserved for Gardaí, ambulance and other designated service vehicles. See www.transport.ie for details.
You should not make any technical modifications to your vehicle without professional advice as these may have legal and safety implications.
You should also inform your insurance company, as some modifications can invalidate your insurance policy.
REMEMBER Please note that specific reflective markings must be displayed on HGVs and their trailers. Please see www.rsa.ie for further information.