Reflective tape - MOT Legal ?

[dave_mezza2006]

As some of you may know Ive put rear lights on my Mondeo from a final facelift Mondeo Mk3 (as per my avatar pic).

However, I only found out yesterday that my car wont pass an MOT like it is, as the final faclift rear lights dont have reflectors built into them. The Mondeo's that have these lights on have extra reflectors mounted into the bumper - which mine doesnt have.

My question is, someone told me to buy some reflective red tape and stick that on, and that my car would then pass the MOT - is this true ???

Cheers

[VelSatisfied]

I would suspect you've been correctly informed Dave.

I don't think the reflector has to be a particular size/shape or located at a certain height - it just has to mark out the presence of a parked vehicle on an unlit road.

I think the model your lights would've came from have the reflectors situated on the lower black plastic trim of the bumper, I'd go for originality, and stick the tape in similar spots.

HTH

Paul

P.S. something like this may be more permanent, and 'factory' looking (especially with the white edges painted black).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rubbolite-Red-...item439df59c19

[madnoel10]

The MOT testers manual states and I quote:-

"Reflective tape is not acceptable as a substitute for a rear reflector."

See link below

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_140.htm

I don't believe the aproved marking is checked during MOT but I think reflectors fitted to new cars must comply with a particular British Standard or EU approval type.

[dave_mezza2006]

Thanks Paul.

I've still got my old lights which have the reflectors built in, so I may just decide to swap them back over - it only takes 5 mins per side. Mind you I did that last year with my LED sidelight bulbs and never got around to putting them back in after the MOT !

Your right about the reflectors on the black bit of the lower bumper on the later model Mondeo mk 3's, and thats where I'd put the reflective tape.

I did enquire from a Mondeo breaker on ebay about the lower valance with the reflectors built in and he came back to me with a price of £48.90 He's sellling the ones without reflectors (which is the only difference) for just shy of £32...

I rang Ford to try and get the reflectors on their own. He wanted a Registration number, to which I said mine wouldnt help as it doesnt have them. He wouldnt give me a price without a reg number.

	eBay Click here to visit eBay, the world's largest trading community.

[dave_mezza2006]

Originally Posted by madnoel10

The MOT testers manual states and I quote:-

"Reflective tape is not acceptable as a substitute for a rear reflector."

See link below

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_140.htm

I don't believe the aproved marking is checked during MOT but I think reflectors fitted to new cars must comply with a particular British Standard or EU approval type.

Thanks Noel - Oh dear....

Erm... I think I'll stick my old style lights back on for the MOT - saves it failing on just that !