UK members: Indicators + hazard warning lights

MarkC

Member
 Yorkshire
While the 4-way hazard warning lights are operated and a turn signal indicator is activated simultaneously, does the function of the 4-way hazard lights cease operation allowing the turn signal function to take priority?
 
Thanks for the reply, any information is appreciated. I'm moving to the UK and need to get my Z4 to pass the MOT. I already have the rear fog light and white front parking lights sorted


I've got a US specs 03. With the hazards/ 4-ways activated first and then a turn signal is activated at the same time, the operation of the hazards are interrupted to show the priority of the turn signal. Once the turn signal is off, the hazards/ 4-way then resume operation. If I'm not mistaken, this works the other way as well, meaning that with the turn signal activated first and then the hazards are activated, then the hazards are in priority with the 4-ways operating.

This is so while on the road with 4-ways on, and a turn signal is used at the same time, other traffic will know you are turning. Otherwise, if the turn signal didn't take priority over the hazards / 4-ways other traffic would not know you were turning or changing lanes since the same lamps are used. In the other way, if you are indicating a turn and then need to activate the hazards while the turn signal is still on, then the hazards will take priority until you turn off the turn signal and then reapply them.


So how does this work in the UK? Does the turn signal flash faster than the hazards to be separate? Are there a different set of lights, one that is used solely for the hazards and one set for turn signals? Does the round side indicator (BMW emblem on fender) operate with the turn signal only and not the hazards?

Thanks
Mark
 
MarC the answer remains almost as simple as Blacklines answer 'no'

The hazards simply overide the turn signal. There is no differention if you try to use the turn signal, no separate bulbs and no difference on the side repeaters. Simply all 6 bulbs flash at the standard rate.

In the UK hazzards are for use solely while the vehicle is static and not intended to be used while moving.

You can read the full MOT test requirements here. Just search 'lights'

http://www.motuk.co.uk/default.asp
 
cj10jeeper said:
MarC the answer remains almost as simple as Blacklines answer 'no'

The hazards simply overide the turn signal. There is no differention if you try to use the turn signal, no separate bulbs and no difference on the side repeaters. Simply all 6 bulbs flash at the standard rate.

In the UK hazzards are for use solely while the vehicle is static and not intended to be used while moving.

You can read the full MOT test requirements here. Just search 'lights'

http://www.motuk.co.uk/default.asp

I've been reading the link you provided above and earlier in my post about the LED lights, it's been a help on the rear foglight and front white light requirements. :thumbsup:

When you wrote "The hazards simply overide the turn signal." this sounds like what mine does and what I wrote above. As I wrote above, while the turn signal is on, and I press the hazard switch, the hazard lights operate. However, it does this the other way as well. While the hazards are on and then a turn signal is used, then the turn signal overrides the hazards until the turn signal is turned off.

Favor needed:
Could someone in the UK go to their Z4, with key in run position (or car running) turn on the hazards, and while the hazards are operating, use the turn signal and report the results. Also with just a turn signal on and then turn on the flashers (with the turn signal still on) and report the results. I truly appreciate the time and effort.

Thanks, Mark
 
Just run the test you asked on mine.

With engine running (or in run position)
1) hazards on, then the turn overides the hazard light
2) turn on then the hazzard overide the turn

Strangely I had never noticed this behaviour as this is the first time I've run them in a dark garage to see the lights working. Inside you see little tell tale as the hazzard button continues to flash

Hope that answers it.

As an aside I do not beleive you have to pass just the MOT test coming to the UK. I think the vehicle has to pass a part of the SVA requirements. I can speak to some buddies who have imported US vehicles if you wish.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Just run the test you asked on mine.

With engine running (or in run position)
1) hazards on, then the turn overides the hazard light
2) turn on then the hazzard overide the turn

Strangely I had never noticed this behaviour as this is the first time I've run them in a dark garage to see the lights working. Inside you see little tell tale as the hazzard button continues to flash

Hope that answers it.

As an aside I do not beleive you have to pass just the MOT test coming to the UK. I think the vehicle has to pass a part of the SVA requirements. I can speak to some buddies who have imported US vehicles if you wish.


Thanks again :thumbsup: , is the same then. I'll have to read up on the SVA.
Thanks,
Mark
 
MarkC


Sorry - I ran out of time to post yesterday - This may help as a starting point:

Single Vehicle Approval Scheme
From 1 July 1998 all new vehicles imported into the UK are subject to the Single Vehicle Approval Scheme. This applies to a vehicle if it is under three years old, personally imported and not Type Approved in Britain or the EU.

The Single Vehicle Approval Scheme was introduced to ensure that vehicles that have not been Type Approved for British or European Standards have been designed and built to acceptable safety and environmental standards for the road.

A new vehicle will be subject to the Single Vehicle Approval Scheme if the vehicle has been purchased outside the UK for the personal use of the person importing the vehicle or one of their dependants.
The person importing the vehicle must intend to remain in the UK for not less than 12 months from the time the first licence of the vehicle was applied for under the 1994 Vehicle Excise and Registration Act.
Additional advice
Importing a new vehicle which has not been Type Approved, for example, vehicles built for Japan or the USA (grey imports) is advised to check that warranty, servicing, availability of spare parts, product liability and recall arrangements satisfy their requirements.

Licensing and registration must be carried out as soon as possible on arrival in the UK. Contact your nearest Vehicle Registration Office who will locate an index mark, enabling a set of registration plates to be purchased from motor parts shops.
As an importer, you should also check your vehicle insurance is valid for these types of vehicles.
It is important that insurance companies are informed that the vehicle has Single Vehicle Approval as failure to do so will almost certainly invalidate the policy.
Proposed changes to the current Single Vehicle Approval Scheme have been considered by the UK Government, so we recommend that the Department for Transport (DfT) website or the vehicle import advice line should be monitored for more information on this issue.
For further information
For an outline of the procedures and requirements for registering your vehicle in the UK you can refer to the DfT booklet PI-5 “How to import a vehicle into Great Britain”.
Information on this, the Single Vehicle Approval Scheme and other more detailed information on this issue can be found on the DfT Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) website http://www.vca.gov.uk under FAQ (Frequently asked questions).
 
Update:
First thanks to all for the help. :thumbsup: Apparently since the Z4 is over three years old it wasn't subjected to the SVA scheme. It passed the MOT test yesterday with just the two mods I did to it in the US prior to shipping needed done, though the headlights needed to be aimed a bit low than normal to not dazzle on coming traffic. I'm currently waiting for the paper work turn around with the tax disc paid etc for the reg, and soon will have a number plate.
 
Welcome MarkC, hope you stick around here and introduce yourself with some pics in the Newbies section. Did you move from the States? How long will you be in the UK?
 
Glad you got it sorted and through the MOT without the SVA. That would have been a pain.

The SVA is only for cars under 3 years old, as shown on my post.
 
I to have tested this and as you all have stated the indicators overide the hazzards.

I wonder if it has anything to do with the car being built in the USA.

I am guessing that our MOT testers never pick this up as they test these one by one.
 
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